Tracing the Affect of Nature in Early Childhood Development in Jayaraj’s Ottaal

Abstract

A child's early developmental Phase is crucial for an individual's future growth. In addition to the influences of family, culture, and society, the natural environment plays a key role in a child's early development. Abstract lessons learned in the classroom are incomplete if not complemented by concrete experiences in nature. The Malayalam film Ottaal by Jayaraj beautifully illustrates the role of nature in fostering a child's growth. The journey of Kuttappai, an eight-year-old orphan, unfolds in the lap of nature, providing a window into his learning experiences. This narrative highlights the fundamental influence of nature on a child's cognitive and physical development. Through the character Kuttappai, the present study aims to trace the effect of the natural environment on early childhood development.