| 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] |
Aattam (transl. The Play) is a 2023 Indian Malayalam-language thriller film written and directed by Anand Ekarshi. The film was produced by Ajith Joy through Joy Movie Productions.
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.
- ^ "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.