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Chintavishtayaya Shyamala is a film without pretensions. The story is about an escapist named Vijayan. He is a pleasant and playful schoolteacher who looks for quick schemes to make money. His wife, Shyamala, is upset about his erratic ways and worried about the wellbeing of their daughters. His father and father-in-law try to bring him down to earth, but it is all in vain. When all attempts to make easy money fail, Vijayan escapes by seeking refuge in spirituality. Meanwhile his family struggles to make ends meet. Gradually, Vijayan realizes the folly of his escapism and returns to his family. The film was chosen as Best Film at the Kerala State Awards, 1999. The jury commented on "its clean entertainment value, good script and music, excellent performances, editing, photography, and good directorial touches." It also received the Film Critics Award, 1998. Following participation at the International Film Festival of India, 1999, it was also screened at the 4th International Kerala Film Festival, 1999.