aattam (malayalam) Review
**Navigating Societal Constructs: Unveiling Justice Beyond Discourse**
*Debut Film by Anand Ekarshi: A Societal Exploration*
Anand Ekarshi's debut film boldly tackles a persistent social construct, shedding light on a society where gender issues often take a back seat. In this thought-provoking narrative, justice becomes a conscious choice rather than an inherent right. The film's dynamic plot, featuring actors with a robust background in theater, centers around the character Anjali (Zarin Shihab), becoming a mirror to the complexities ingrained in societal norms.
**Theatrical Symbolism: A Representation of Society**
*Society on Stage: 12 Men and a Woman*
The movie strategically employs a theatrical group comprising 12 men and a woman, symbolizing representatives of society. The storyline takes a serious turn when the female actor confronts sexual harassment at a post-performance gathering. As 11 men engage in debates over the guilt of a co-artist accused of assault, internal conflicts emerge, forcing them to confront their moral compass.
**Ambiguous Closure: The Rashomon Effect**
*Artistic Ambiguity and Reality*
Despite its powerful narrative, the film falls short of its artistic intent by concluding ambiguously, employing the Rashomon Effect. By choosing not to explicitly reveal the perpetrator, it leaves the audience in suspense. The film could have taken a bolder stance by exposing wrongdoers, aligning with the harsh realities of society. Embracing Brecht's alienation technique unintentionally risks perpetuating stereotypes and unfairly implicating the 11 men as victims of patriarchy.
**Anjali's Catharsis: A Complex Unraveling**
*Balancing Trauma and Justice*
While Anjali's catharsis addresses her personal trauma, the film inadvertently does injustice to the 11 men falsely accused. There's a risk of reinforcing the damaging narrative of 'all men are rapists,' urging society to contemplate justice for all. The underlying issue lies in the patriarchal framework and the perspective associated with prevailing gender norms, a reality that would persist even with 11 women in the narrative.
**Parallel with '12 Angry Men': Tackling #MeToo in the Workplace**
*#MeToo and Workplace Harassment*
Drawing parallels with the classic '12 Angry Men,' the film delves into the pressing issue of #MeToo - workplace harassment. However, it diverges by introducing terms like 'tactile hallucinations,' potentially diluting the gravity of real assault claims. In an era demanding clarity and accountability, the emphasis should be on holding perpetrators accountable rather than allowing for generalizations.
**Artistic Stance and Societal Discourse: A Delicate Balance**
*The Role of Art in Shaping Perspectives*
While the film bravely engages with relevant societal issues, its artistic stance may draw both support and criticism. Art, being a reflection of the artist, invites diverse perspectives that contribute to the nuanced appreciation of the work. The film becomes a canvas where societal discussions on gender discourse unfold, resonating with varied viewpoints.
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