Education Minister Maszlee Malik has expressed hope that local teachers will be inspired by Indian movie Raatchasi and play a similar role in implementing changes to the national education system.

In a series of tweets today, Maszlee responded to a letter from Raatchasi's crew, written by actress Jyothika. 

"Many teachers also watched the movie.

"I really hope that we can translate the new aspiration for Malaysian education (into policies), with involvement of all parties, particularly teachers as the real changemaker," Maszlee said today.

In the movie, Jyothika played the lead role of Geetha Rani - a headmistress who faces challenges in changing the conditions at a government-run school in Tamil Nadu, India.

Amid debates on the state of national schools and role of teachers in Malaysia, Maszlee previously highlighted that the film touched on student failures and how Jyothika's character Geetha had succeeded in getting everyone, including the police, involved in resolving the issues raised.

The actress had then responded in a letter to Maszlee's review of the movie, on how it had interpreted his aspirations for changes in the Malaysian education system.

In highlighting Jyothika’s letter, Maszlee said while the movie is set in India, its message and shared aspirations can be globally accepted.

The actress had said in her letter that the Raatchasi team was extremely delighted that Maszlee had taken the time to watch an Indian film, as it was intended to make a difference in the country's education system.

"As 90 percent of the crew members themselves have studied in government schools, this was more of a real-life experience put on celluloid, rather than a money-spinning feature film.

"All we wanted as a team is that the future generations should stand firmly on a solid ground of quality-based education system, and get equal opportunities to release their mettle," she said.

Raatchasi was released in Indian cinemas last July but recently caught local viewers’ attention after it was aired on Astro.