Sarvakalasala

Sarvakalasala

Year: 1987

Runtime: 142 mins

Language: Malayalam

Director: Venu Nagavalli

Drama

Lal (Mohanlal), an orphan raised in a home funded by his unknown father's money, enrolls in college and pursues three master’s degrees, refusing to leave the campus. The film follows his life in the college hostel and the various incidents and relationships that unfold within the campus community.

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Timeline & Setting – Sarvakalasala (1987)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Sarvakalasala (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

College campus, Lal's home near the college

The story unfolds largely on a college campus, which functions as the central social hub and workplace for the characters. Lal lives in a home adjacent to the campus, blending student life with his personal routines. The campus atmosphere shapes friendships, conflicts, and the annual arts festival that anchors the plot.

🎓 Education 🏫 Setting 🏠 Domestic life

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:47

Main Characters – Sarvakalasala (1987)

Meet the key characters of Sarvakalasala (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lal (Mohanlal)

An orphan college student pursuing a third master's degree who remains deeply connected to the campus community. He is affable, protective, and acts as an elder brother to his peers, guiding friendships and decisions with warmth and integrity.

🎭 Protagonist 📚 Student 🤝 Leader

Jeevan (Sreenath)

An orphan and Lal's long-time friend who is mentally strained; Lal takes on a caregiver role for Jeevan and his sister Jyothimol, highlighting themes of loyalty and family found within friendships.

🧠 Vulnerable 🤝 Friend 👪 Family

Jyothimol (Jyothi) (Lissy)

Jyothimol is Jeevan’s sister and Lal encourages her dancing for the college annual arts festival. She becomes a focal point in the plot after being assaulted during the festival, representing innocence and resilience in the face of trauma.

🩰 Dancer 👧 Youth 🕊️ Survivor

Siddhan

A bohemian poet and Lal’s alcoholic friend who leaves with Lal on a journey; his abrupt departure and presumed murder add tension to the story and test Lal’s circle.

🎨 Poet 🌀 Bohemian 🧠 Complex

Principal Achen

The college principal who embodies authority and moral guidance, articulating that true goodness within students shines when knowledge and values are pursued.

🎓 Authority 🏫 Mentor

Chakkara

Chakkara leads a team of all-rounders who participate actively in college activities, illustrating the vibrant campus culture and the social energy of student life.

🎯 Team 🧰 Campus life

Aasan

Aasan is a senior figure within the college community who offers practical wisdom and support to Lal and others during trying times.

🧠 Mentor 🗣️ Elder

Fr. Chanakathara

A religious dignitary within the college setting who participates in the governance and social fabric of campus life.

⛪ Clergy 🗣️ Counselor

Leelamma

A woman who forms part of the college community’s social fabric, offering support and contributing to the warm, communal atmosphere of the campus.

👩 Matriarch 🤝 Support

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:47

Major Themes – Sarvakalasala (1987)

Explore the central themes of Sarvakalasala (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎓 Education

Education is depicted as more than formal learning; the college is a space for mentorship, character formation, and community values. Lal's leadership and his role as an elder brother illustrate how knowledge and ethics are fostered within peer networks. The events around the arts festival, exams, and daily life reveal that learning includes compassion, responsibility, and social bonds. The theme suggests true growth comes from applying knowledge to support others.

🧭 Justice & Solidarity

The students band together to uncover the real culprit, showing how a community can uphold justice beyond official channels. False accusations test loyalty and integrity, highlighting the collective responsibility of peers. The resolution—where the true offender is revealed and Lal is released—emphasizes the power of unity and ethical action within the college world. It frames justice as a communal value defended through action and truth.

🕊️ Compassion

Compassion anchors Lal's decisions, especially in caring for Jeevan and Jyothimol amid trauma and instability. The narrative centers on empathy in times of vulnerability, including mental strain and assault aftermath. The Principal’s closing words reinforce that kindness and moral goodness can prevail within a demanding environment. The theme portrays care as essential to healing and social harmony.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:47

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Sarvakalasala Summary

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Sarvakalasala Timeline

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Sarvakalasala Timeline

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