Aattam: Echoes Of Kolkata Rape And Murder Case In National Award-Winning Malayalam Film

Aattam Malayalam Movie: The whole country is currently expressing outrage on the brutal rape and murder case of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. Medical practitioners and students across the country have taken to the streets to protest demanding justice for the victim and harsh punishments to the accused. Amid the fury, a Malayalam film Aattam which is based on a sexual harassment case took home the National Award for Best Film.

Aattam director says story of the film is ‘universal’

Released in October 2023, Aattam narrates a series of events after a theatre group's party goes South when one of the men sexually harasses the sole actress in the group. This is followed by a meeting of the entire group being called to exchange stories and confirm alibis in order to uncover the perpetrator. Stories unravel, suspicions surface and clamour ensues as a meeting is called to reach a consensus.

Regarding the subject of the film sexual harassment accusation by the sole actress in a theatre group against a movie star who joined them Ekarshi said it was "universal". In an interview with PTI, the filmmaker said “It is something women everywhere or a female friend of theirs has suffered. The topic is always relevant.” The film did not receive response as desired at the box office but was widely watched on OTT.

Nationwide protest occur to seek justice for Kolkata rape and murder victim

The tragic incident occurred on August 9, when the post-graduate trainee doctor was found dead in a seminar hall of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. In a strong display of support, doctors across the nation on Saturday continued to protest the murder and alleged sexual assault of a post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctor, demanding justice for the victim. Protests were held in the cities of Kolkata, Guwahati, Hyderabad and Mumbai on Wednesday. The protestors were holding placards saying, "Justice needs to be served,", "No duty without security" and “Justice delayed is Justice denied.”
 

The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday ordered the transfer of the probe into the alleged rape and murder of the trainee doctor from the Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

(With inputs from agencies)