Aattam: A powerful reflection on sexual harassment in cinema
A timely narrative in Indian cinema
As India’s film industry continues to grapple with discussions about sexual harassment, the Malayalam-language film Aattam has gained renewed attention. This National Award-winning film, directed by Anand Ekarshi and starring Zarin Shihab, is a potential Oscar submission from India. Its exploration of the sensitive topic of sexual harassment within a theater group has struck a chord with audiences and critics alike.
The plot: A mirror to societal issues
Aattam delves into the aftermath of an alleged sexual assault within a theater troupe. The story unfolds after a post-performance party where Anjali, the troupe’s sole actress, becomes the victim of a crime committed by one of her male colleagues. As the group gathers to address the incident, long-buried tensions surface, suspicions arise, and the ensuing clamor threatens to tear the ensemble apart. The film features an ensemble cast, including Vinay Forrt and Kalabhavan Shajohn.
For more details, you can watch the Aattam trailer.
Relevance in today’s context
The themes of Aattam have become even more pertinent in light of recent events in the Indian film industry. The release of a significant report by the Kerala state government, commissioned in response to a 2017 actress assault case, has brought to light the challenges faced by women in Malayalam cinema. The report documents the existence of an all-male power group of 15 top industry figures who allegedly control casting decisions and industry access, reigniting discussions about gender discrimination and harassment.
Director’s vision and inspiration
Director Anand Ekarshi explained his approach to the sensitive subject: “I started to work on the dynamics of a group and the dynamics of an individual. I wanted to see how a group of people, a mob, a society, or whatever it is, how they would respond to a crime or an allegation of a crime, and how they would pursue the truth, what are the dynamics of a group when they pursue the truth or sense of justice, and how an individual goes about it.”
Ekarshi emphasized that while Aattam was not directly inspired by any specific incident, it draws from a broader understanding of systemic issues. “I’ve heard so many testimonials from the media and from personal circles, from a lot of women that I’ve met in my life. So probably all the elements that have gone into my subconscious might have come to the script,” he said.
The emotional impact on audiences
Zarin Shihab, reflecting on her role and the film’s impact, shared her personal connection to the story. “As a woman myself, I’ve heard so many instances of oppression and harassment in my own social circles which have happened to me within my family. So all of this has informed my understanding of how an experience like this would pan out.”
Shihab noted the emotional resonance Aattam has had with female viewers. “For every screening of Aattam that I had attended, women who watched the film were very stunned by what had just happened,” she said. “It always left me in a mixed emotional space, because when a woman who has watched Aattam comes and tells me how relatable it felt, it felt positive and negative for me. Positive because people are appreciating your performance. Negative because you know why it felt relatable for them.”
Renewed interest and accolades
Following the release of the report and its victory at India’s National Film Awards, where it won best film, screenplay, and editing, there has been renewed interest in Aattam. Shihab remarked, ”Right now, with what’s happened in the country, the film has become more relevant. A movie becomes cinema when people leave the hall and start discussing the film, there’s different meaning-making, different interpretations for them. So I’m really glad that the film has stayed with people and created that impact.”
Since its theatrical release, the film has found new life on Prime Video, with Ekarshi noting a significant increase in viewership following the National Awards announcement. “The National Awards really pushed the movie. I know the statistics now that it is on Amazon, so I know the dashboard also, so it has created a huge burst, and there has been a lot of viewership post National Awards as well.”
Looking ahead: International recognition
As Aattam vies for consideration as India’s Oscar entry, Ekarshi expressed cautious optimism about its international appeal. ”I hope we pass through the first level of nomination and being [the] official entry,” he said. “I feel Aattam by structure, consciously or unconsciously, has a certain international structure to it. Of course, the theme being very universal, the theme being very relevant.”
In a world where cinema often reflects societal issues, Aattam stands out as a poignant and powerful narrative that resonates deeply with its audience. Its exploration of sexual harassment within a theater group not only mirrors the challenges faced by women in the film industry but also sparks important conversations about justice, truth, and the dynamics of power.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Aattam.