Aattam

Story: A theater group confronts a moral quandary when a female actor experiences harassment. The film delves into societal reflections and justice as 11 men grapple with the conviction of a co-artist

Review: Anand Ekarshi's debut film addresses a longstanding social construct that demands action beyond discourse. In a society where gender is a minority concern, justice emerges as a choice, rather than an inherent right. The compelling plot, featuring actors with a refreshing theater background, revolves around Anjali (Zarin Shihab), whose portrayal mirrors societal complexities.

Echoing society, the movie features 12 men and a woman in a theater group, symbolising societal representatives. The narrative takes a serious turn when the female actor faces sexual harassment at a post-performance party. As 11 men debate the conviction of a co-artist accused of assault, conflicts arise, prompting them to reflect on their morals.

However, the film falls short of its artistic purpose by concluding ambiguously, employing a Rashomon Effect. Rather than openly revealing the culprit, it leaves the audience in suspense. The movie could have exposed wrongdoers to society, adhering to reality. Following Brecht's alienation technique might unintentionally blame 11 other men, victims of patriarchy, perpetuating stereotypes.

Anjali's catharsis addresses her trauma, but injustice is done to the 11 men wrongly accused. The film risks reinforcing the 'all men are rapists' narrative, urging society to consider justice for all. The discussion would remain unchanged even with 11 women, as the root issue lies in the patriarchal framework and the perspective associated with the prevailing gender.

Drawing parallels with '12 Angry Men', the film tackles the pressing issue of #MeToo - Workplace harassment. However, it deviates by emphasising obscure terms like 'tactile hallucinations,' potentially undermining real assault claims. In an era demanding clarity and accountability, the focus should be on punishing culprits, not on generalisations.

While discussing relevant topics is essential for gender discourse, the film's artistic stance may find both supporters and critics. Art reflects the artist, and diverse perspectives contribute to the appreciation of any work.
- Anjana George