Second Prize (2018)

Charlie an eleven- year school boy hailing from the Kollam district of Kerala returns to his school boarding after the Christmas vacation. He carries along with him a mixer grinder as a prize that he won for the coupon that he sold at the lucky coupon contest. The lucky coupon draw was part of the fundraising programme conducted by the youth wing of the church at his place for charity purpose. Charlie gets the mixer as the second prize he sold out to Manikandan, a mess employee at his school boarding. When Charlie reaches the school boarding with the prize, he realizes that the prize winner Manikandan committed suicide during the Christmas holidays. He hears multiple narratives regarding the reason for the tragic end of Manikandan. Most of the narratives by people around Charlie point to the immoral life of Manikandan's wife as the reason for his death. Charlie makes some attempts to understand what people mean by 'immoral woman.' And he seems more puzzled with each attempt. Meanwhile, Robin, Charlie's close friend and senior in the school tries to force Charlie to sell the mixer and use the money for leisurely activities. Charlie is confused as what to do with the prize. He is unable to decide whether to hand over the prize to Manikandan's wife who is considered as the reason for Mani's death. At the same time, he develops a strong desire to see the woman. 'Second Prize' revolves around the kid's dilemma in dealing with the prize.