Unnimama's gambit & his village's right moves inspire movie

LIFE is like a chess game—it depends on how you play it.

- GOPIKA VARRIER @Thrissur

Like most villages in the high ranges, settlers in Marottichal had to grind it out to make a living from farming and create a safe, comfortable living space.

But over the years, the area became a haven for illicit hooch, ‘vaat’ in local parlance, pushing a generation into alcoholism. Up until a man named C Unnikrishnan arrived in Marottichal, opened a tea shop, and changed its face by introducing chess—which helped combat the social evil.

The journey of Unnikrishnan, fondly known as Unnimama, inspired a film by Mumbai-based director Kabeer Khurana. The Pawn of Marottichal was screened for villagers last week.