Often when a child behaves differently than they usually do, many adults dismiss it as them being naughty. Only a few highly observant adults may be able to pay enough attention to figure out what went wrong. And it’s from these adults that we must take lessons from. Children don’t always lash out or are very overt about what they are going through. Sometimes they may hold it within them and not even realise it. And the only sign you may get that something is wrong could be as small as sleeping in class. The short film The Boy Who Slept in Class by Lavanya Naidu highlights just that.
The Boy Who Slept in Class: A Closer Look
The film starts off like a regular day in a school. From the size and make of the animated students, it is probably an elementary school. The Boy Who Slept in Class focuses on one particular boy among the plethora of kids that are present in the classroom. Unlike the usually chatty and highly energetic kids, this particular boy is pretty quiet with a gloomy cloud over his face. And just like every other adult around him, his teacher dismisses this sleepy behaviour as him being tardy or naughty. But it’s only when the film progresses that we see the bigger problem lying underneath.
The fact that The Boy Who Slept in Class was devoid of any particular language gave more depth to it than taking it away. The lack of language is usually seen as something negative as it’s only through language that you can speak and voice out your opinions. However given the diversity in India when it comes to languages and the universality of the issue that was portrayed in the film The Boy Who Slept in Class, not specifying a particular language gave it more depth and made the film, The Boy Who Slept in Class all the more universal.
The usage of 2D animation added a layer of simplicity to the entire film. It ensured that the focus was not taken away from the issue which involved a rather verbally abusive household. And at the same time maintained the quality of the film. The 2D animation was further reminiscent of the old Disney movies and kids shows which makes it all the more relatable for the target audience, i.e., the kids. The film gives kids an outlet to the kids and helps them realise that they need not go through it all by themselves and that it is okay to ask for help and rather you should ask for help.
The Boy Who Slept in Class also highlights the importance of a vigilante adult when such issues surrounding kids arise. It makes us realise the important role we play in the lives of kids. The film urges to not only to be vigilant about such issues but also to raise our voices and awareness against such issues to ensure the safety of kids in the long run.
Afterword
The Boy Who Slept in Class could be any kid’s tale. And that’s the sole reason why it tugs at everyone’s heart. The realistic portrayal of such an issue in a kid-friendly animated manner makes it all the more heart-wrenching. The film is a must-watch for anyone looking to educate kids about being vocal when such issues prop up in their lives.
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