What is the story
The Malayalam movie business, identified for its high-quality cinema manufacturing on modest budgets, has reached one other milestone with the discharge of the critically acclaimed film Aattam (2023).
This suspense drama, after finishing its theatrical run, is now accessible for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
In a current interview, director Anand Ekarshi—a theater veteran—shared Malayalam cinema’s potential to achieve the identical stature as Iranian and Korean movies.
‘Aattam’: A brainchild of theater group Lokadharmi
In a dialog with Hindustan Instances, Ekarshi disclosed that the concept for Aattam was conceived throughout a day journey with theater group Lokadharmi.
Actor Vinay Forrt recommended the idea of making a film collectively.
The director recalled, “I used to be engaged on one other script at the moment and felt responsible for not contemplating a movie that includes all these proficient actors at Lokadharmi. I made a decision to script Aattam and I am glad I did.”
Enjoyable truth: ‘Aattam’ secured funding with a 10-minute pilot
Regardless of being comparatively new to the movie business and dealing primarily with lesser-known actors, Ekarshi managed to persuade producer Ajith Pleasure to finance Aattam.
“As I used to be making a film with largely newcomers—apart from individuals like Forrt and Kalabhavan Shajohn—I needed to present the producer what I used to be able to.”
Ekarshi introduced a 10-minute pilot to Pleasure, who agreed to again the movie.
The manufacturing price range for Aattam was simply roughly Rs. 3cr, not together with promotional prices.
‘Aattam’: A tapestry of psychology, drama, and philosophy
Aattam presents a fancy mix of psychology, drama, and philosophy by way of its 13 characters, every providing distinctive views.
Additional discussing the movie, Ekarshi said, “Sustaining consistency of their character arcs was essential.”
The plot facilities round an incident involving the principle feminine character (Zarin Shihab), with all different characters related to this theme.
It explores group dynamics versus particular person opinions and scrutinizes how conduct adjustments in group conditions in comparison with particular person confrontations.
Path to worldwide recognition
‘It is like an avalanche ready to be unleashed’
In the meantime, Ekarshi expressed optimism in regards to the Malayalam film business’s efficiency in 2024, citing profitable movies like Manjummel Boys, Brahmayugam, and Premulu.
He remarked, “There’s nonetheless a lot to return. It is like an avalanche ready to be unleashed.”
“Internationally, Iranian and Turkish films are world-renowned. Korean films too are receiving world consideration. Malayalam cinema can get there too,” he confidently asserted.
Director Ekarshi’s future plans submit ‘Aattam’
Following the success of Aattam, Ekarshi plans to discover new themes in his future initiatives.
One such theme features a love story addressing bodily relationships on display screen, a topic he believes remains to be thought of taboo in Malayalam cinema.
“Solely a handful of administrators like Padmarajan and Bharatan have managed to do it properly. So, I want to discover such a theme.”
With this strategy, Ekarshi goals to push boundaries and produce recent narratives to the forefront of the business.
