Aattam Clinches Best Film Award At 70th National Film Awards

The Malayalam suspense drama movie Aattam, by Anand Ekarshi, has been honored with the Best Feature Film award at the 70th National Film Awards. This award makes Aattam the 13th Malayalam film to receive such prestigious recognition. The awards, which considered feature and non-feature films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, also saw Aattam winning Best Screenplay for Anand Ekarshi and Best Editing for Mahesh Bhuvanend.

In an interview, Anand Ekarshi expressed his profound gratitude, acknowledging the great support from producer Ajith Joy. Ekarshi highlighted that the film’s universal theme led them to showcase it at various film festivals before its theatrical release in January this year. Despite not achieving blockbuster numbers, the film got significant praise from audiences and saw increased viewership on OTT platforms across India.

About Movie Aattam

Aattam intricately explores the dynamics of a group of men discussing a traumatic incident involving a female member of their theatre troupe. The film delves into themes of male hypocrisy and the nuanced complexities of human behavior, all while maintaining a compelling focus on Anjali, portrayed with depth and nuance by Zarin. This character-centric approach has been noted as one of the film’s standout features.

Director Anand Ekarshi’s long-standing relationships with most of the cast members many of whom are daily-wage workers with a passion for theatre adds a unique layer to the film’s success. The cast’s dedication to their craft is evident, with their involvement in theatre and their diverse day jobs enriching the film’s authenticity and depth.

Despite the challenges faced in securing distribution and theatrical screenings for smaller films, Anand and producer Dr. Ajith Joy navigated these obstacles with resilience. Anand shared in a panel discussion that finding distributors is often the toughest hurdle for smaller films, a challenge they experienced firsthand with Aattam.

Critics On Aattam

Critics have lauded Aattam for its innovative narrative and compelling execution. The Indian Express’ Anandu Suresh described it as a multifaceted experience, blending elements of play and film, while Rohan Naahar of The Indian Express referred to it as a standout contender for film of the year, praising its memorable misdirection.

Overall, Aattam stands as a testament to the creative vision and dedication of its team, marking a significant achievement in Malayalam cinema.