Aattam (transl. The Play) is a 2023 Indian Malayalam-language drama film written and directed by Anand Ekarshi. The film was produced by Ajith Joy through Joy Movie Productions.
| Aattam | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Anand Ekarshi |
| Written by | Anand Ekarshi |
| Produced by | Ajith Joy |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Anurudh Aneesh |
| Edited by | Mahesh Bhuvanend |
| Music by | Basil C. J. |
Production company | Joy Movie Productions |
| Distributed by | Reliance Entertainment |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 139 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Box office | ₹ 1.5 crore[2] |
The film won the 2023 Grand Jury Award at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles.[3] It was also chosen as the opening feature film at the 54th International Film Festival of India held at Goa,[4] and won best film at 70th National Film Award for Best Feature Film.[5]
The story of Aattam follows Anjali, the only female actor in an all-male theater troupe, as they grapple with a serious accusation. After a party, Anjali alleges that she was sexually harassed while she was asleep. This claim shocks the troupe, and an emergency meeting is called—excluding the accused—to address the issue.
What begins as a discussion of right and wrong quickly unravels into chaos, revealing hidden prejudices, insecurities, and power struggles among the members. Anjali faces skepticism and insensitivity, even from those who claim to support her. As tensions rise, the group is divided between belief in her account and doubt, reflecting broader societal issues like victim-blaming and toxic masculinity.
The meeting exposes long-buried grievances, threatening the bonds within the troupe. The film avoids offering clear answers or resolutions, instead leaving the audience to wrestle with the complexities of truth, morality, and justice. Aattam provides a powerful critique of gender dynamics and challenges societal norms, making it a gripping and thought-provoking narrative.
Cast
edit- Zarin Shihab as Anjali
- Vinay Forrt as Vinay
- Kalabhavan Shajohn as Hari
- Aji Thiruvamkulam as Aji
- Jolly Antony as Jolly
- Madan Babu K. as Madan
- Nandhan Unni as Nandhan
- Prasanth Madhavan as Prasanth
- Sanosh Murali as Sanosh
- Santhosh Piravom as Santhosh
- Selvaraj Raghavan V. R. as Selvan
- Sijin Sijeesh as Sijin
- Sudheer Babu as Sudheer
Release
editAfter screenings at IFFLA, IFFI and IFFK, Aattam was released in theaters on 5 January 2024 to acclaim from audiences and critics.[6][7][8][9][10][11]
Accolades
edit| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 70th National Film Awards | Best Feature Film | Anand Ekarshi | [12] |
| Best Editing | Mahesh Bhuvanend | |||
| Best Screenplay | Anand Ekarshi | |||
| 2023 | Kerala Film Critics Association Awards | Best Film | Anand Ekarshi | [13] |
| Best Supporting Actor | Kalabhavan Shajohn | |||
| Best Actress | Zarin Shihab |
References
edit- ^ "Aattam (The Play)".
- ^ "'Aattam' box office collections: Anand Ekarshi's film crosses Rs 1 crore in 2 weeks". The Times of India. 19 January 2024. Archived from the original on 19 January 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
- ^ "Aattam wins Grand Jury Award for Best Film at Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles". Cinema Express. 16 October 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
- ^ "54th IFFI: Malayalam film Aattam chosen to be the opening feature film". OTT Play. 23 October 2023. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
- ^ "Malayalam Movie Aattam Wins National Award For Best Feature Film". Free Press Journal.
- ^ "Aattam review: Anand Ekarshi's debut is a gripping critique of gender dynamics". Wion. 21 November 2023. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
- ^ "'Aattam' movie review: Anand Ekarshi's assured debut trains a harsh, critical lens on male behaviour". The Hindu. 21 October 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
- ^ "ആശയങ്ങളുടെ വാഗ്വാദം, കണ്മുന്നിൽ തെളിയുന്ന രാഷ്ട്രീയം". Mathrubhumi. 15 December 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
- ^ "Aattam: A thoughtful, well-written movie apt for our times". Manorama. 5 January 2024. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
- ^ "Aattam review: Debutant Anand Ekarshi's film is a gripping take on human hypocrisies". The News Minute. 5 January 2024. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
- ^ "'Aattam' X review: Anand Ekarshi's film wins praise from cinephiles". Times Of India. 5 January 2024. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
- ^ "70th National Film Awards full list of winners: Brahmastra, Ponniyin Selvan Part 1, Aattam win big". hindustantimes.com.
- ^ "Kerala Film Critics Awards announced, Aattam adjudged best film". thehindu.com.