Pencil (film)

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Pencil is a 2016 Tamil-language teen thriller written and directed by Mani Nagaraj in his debut. It’s based on the South Korean film 4th Period Mystery. The film stars G. V. Prakash Kumar, who also composes the music, and Sri Divya, with Shariq Hassan in a supporting role. It was released on 13 May 2016 and runs for about 134 minutes.

Plot summary:
Shiva is the top student at his school, but his rival Nithin, the son of a famous actor, constantly targets him. After Nithin burns Shiva’s thesis, Shiva attacks him, and Nithin is found dead with a pencil stabbed into his neck. Shiva is accused, but his classmate Maya believes him and helps solve the mystery before the rest of the class returns. Suspects include a school driver, a local goon, a chemistry teacher, and Nithin’s ex-girlfriend Indhulekha. The investigation reveals that Divya’s father killed Nithin to avenge his daughter’s death. Maya and Shiva’s relationship faces strain at the end.

Production notes:
GV Prakash Kumar announced his acting debut with Mani Nagaraj’s Pencil. Priya Anand was initially considered for the lead, but Sri Divya was cast instead. Shariq Hassan makes his acting debut in a supporting role. The soundtrack, composed by GV Prakash Kumar, released on 19 February 2015. This remained Mani Nagaraj’s only released directorial project before his death in 2022; his planned second film Vasuvin Garbinigal was never released.

Reception:
Pencil received mixed reviews. Some praised the suspense and performances, but others felt the film was lengthy and too preachy about private education.