Aattam

The theater group Arangu is formed with thirteen members: twelve men and one woman, Anjali. They work on a satirical play that critiques the male gaze in society. Anjali has been part of the group since she was sixteen, but she is treated as a subordinate, often assigned traditional 'women's tasks' like stitching costumes and applying makeup. These dynamics set the stage for the tensions to come.

Anjali delivers a standout performance as Padmini, drawing attention to her talent. Yet her male colleagues continue to relegate her to marginal, non-creative roles. The disparity between her on-stage brilliance and off-stage treatment foreshadows growing resentment. The group's gender dynamics remain a persistent undercurrent.

Hari, a cinematic actor, joins Arangu and immediately raises the group's profile. His star power brings more attention and financial benefits, changing the group's dynamics. This new fame also exacerbates envy, especially in Vinay, who dreams of the lead role.

Vinay's ego is bruised by Hari's rapid ascent, and he begins to see Hari as a threat to his own prospects. He longs for a male lead and resents the spotlight shifted toward Hari. The simmering rivalry starts to influence the group's decisions and loyalties.

The group celebrates a successful run at a party hosted by Hari's foreign friends. Critics within the group question Anjali's behavior and attire, labeling her as too free-spirited. Anjali remains confident, feeling she earned her moment on stage despite the scrutiny.

Unbeknownst to the others, Anjali is secretly having an affair with Vinay, who himself is not free to pursue this relationship openly. The matter becomes a private undercurrent that complicates trust within the group. The affair intensifies the already fragile power balance.

After returning to her shared room, Anjali vanishes mysteriously the following morning. Her sudden absence unsettles the group and triggers concern among the members. The mystery deepens the tension surrounding the upcoming tour and the integrity of the group.

Anjali reveals she was groped while asleep, leaving her with only a perfume scent and a key as clues. She suspects Hari, though there is no decisive evidence to prove the accusation. The room becomes a battleground of memory, scent, and suspicion as the truth remains elusive.

Vinay, frustrated and hurt, sees the incident as an opportunity to challenge Hari's position. He confides in Malaban rather than bringing the issue to the full group, fearing how revelations could unravel their plans. His motives blend personal ambition with a reluctance to expose a larger conspiracy.

A tense meeting erupts with diverging opinions: some dismiss Anjali's accusations as false, while others call for Hari's expulsion. Several members claim Anjali was intoxicated or hallucinating, shifting the focus from truth to self-preservation. The looming European tour adds pressure to suppress conflict.

Anjali is confronted with her memories and the physical clues like the key ring. The group questions whether she truly remembers the event or merely imagined it, with some suggesting tactile hallucinations. The discussion becomes a struggle between validating her trauma and protecting reputations.

Feeling betrayed by Vinay's reluctance to stand by her and by the group's lack of empathy, Anjali decides to exit the theater. She resolves that her dignity and self-worth cannot coexist with the toxic environment. Her departure marks a turning point in the group's dynamics.

In a shocking twist, Hari admits that the promised European tour was a fabrication, created as retaliation for a past prank Malaban pulled on him. The revelation exposes the self-serving nature of the men and their indifference to Anjali's trauma. The group’s carefully staged plans crumble under the truth.

Back on stage, Anjali reenacts her role and declares that she no longer seeks to identify the perpetrator. She asserts that all the men in the group are potential perpetrators, indifferent to her pain. The narrative reframes justice as art, and Anjali reclaims her voice through performance.