As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in films from across the globe, I find myself deeply moved by the powerful and poignant Malayalam-language film “Aattam.” Having witnessed the struggles of women in various industries, this film resonates profoundly with my experiences and the stories I’ve heard.
Amidst ongoing debates in India’s film industry regarding sexual harassment, the award-winning Malayalam movie “Aattam” is once again drawing interest as it delves prophetically into this subject matter. This film could potentially represent India at the Oscars.
In an interview with EbMaster, Director Anand Ekarshi and lead actress Zarin Shihab discussed the film’s influence, potential success on the global arena, and its connection to contemporary issues within the film industry.
The movie, titled “Aattam”, unfolds in the wake of an alleged sexual assault within a drama group. Following a celebratory gathering post-performance, Anjali (Shihab) is the unfortunate target of a crime carried out by one of her fellow male actors. As the troupe gathers to discuss the incident, dormant conflicts resurface, suspicions are cast, and the resulting turmoil could potentially dismantle the entire group. Alongside Anjali, the ensemble features Vinay Forrt (known for his role in “Family” from Rotterdam) and Kalabhavan Shajohn (“Lucifer”).
As a movie enthusiast, the themes portrayed in this film have taken on a new significance given the latest happenings within the Indian film fraternity. Most notably, the publication of the Justice Hema Committee report, which was commissioned by the Kerala state government following the 2017 actress assault case, and sheds light on the hurdles women in Malayalam cinema have to overcome.
The report, initially submitted in December 2019 and only recently disclosed following a prolonged legal battle, unveils the presence of a powerful clique consisting of fifteen key figures in the industry, all men, who are suspected of exerting influence over casting choices and access to opportunities. This revelation has rekindled conversations about gender bias and misconduct within the Indian film sector. Unlike other film industries in India where harassment accusations have surfaced, it is only Kerala that chose to conduct an investigation into this matter.
Ekarshi elucidated the film’s handling of a delicate topic by stating, “I focused on examining the interactions within a group and an individual. I was curious to understand how a crowd, a mob, a community, or any such entity would react to a crime or accusation of a crime, and how they would pursue truth. I wanted to explore the behaviors of a group when they seek the truth or justice, and also investigate how an individual approaches it.
The director explained that although the film “Aattam” wasn’t based on a single real-life event, it was influenced by a broader awareness of systemic problems. According to Ekarshi, she has gathered numerous accounts from the media and personal connections, as well as encounters with many women in her life. As such, it is possible that various elements she encountered found their way into the film’s script through her subconscious.
Reflecting on her personal experiences and the film’s influence, Shihab remarked, “Being a woman myself, I’ve witnessed numerous instances of oppression and harassment in my own social circles, some of which have even affected me within my family. This has significantly shaped my perspective on how such an experience might unfold.
The actress observed the strong impact “Aattam” had on female audiences. At every showing of the movie, women seemed deeply affected by what they’d witnessed. This left her in a complex emotional state because when a woman tells her that ‘Aattam’ resonated with them, it evoked mixed feelings. On one hand, she felt joyful knowing her performance was appreciated. On the other, she understood why it resonated with them.
There’s been growing enthusiasm for “Aattam” since the publication of the report and its success at India’s National Film Awards, where it was awarded Best Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Editing.
Shihab expressed that given the recent events in the country, the movie seems more pertinent. He explained that a film truly becomes cinema when viewers continue talking about it after leaving the theater, as they each interpret its meaning differently. Therefore, he’s pleased to see that the film has resonated with people and left an impression on them.
After its initial theater release, the film has experienced renewed popularity on Prime Video. Ekarshi has observed a substantial surge in viewership following the announcement of the National Awards. “The National Awards gave the movie a boost,” said Ekarshi. “I’ve seen the data now that it’s on Amazon, and I can see the statistics too – the film saw a massive increase in views after the National Awards, and this trend has continued post-awards as well.
Regarding “Aattam,” Ekarshi shares a measured sense of hopefulness about its potential on the global stage as India’s Academy Award contender. He voiced his aspiration for clearing the initial nomination hurdle and becoming the official selection. He believes that ‘Aattam,’ structurally, possesses elements that could resonate internationally, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Moreover, he highlights the universal nature of its theme as a strength.
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2024-09-12 12:47