Watch Aattakalasam

Aattakalasam is a 1983 Malayalam film that was directed by J. Sasikumar and stars some of the big names in Malayalam cinema like Prem Nazir, Mohanlal, and Lakshmi in lead roles. The film was written by T. Damodaran and produced by Mr. S. Papachan. The title of the movie, Aattakalasam, refers to a ritualistic art form that was practiced in some parts of Kerala. It is a form of exorcism where the performer undergoes a spiritual transformation to become an embodiment of the goddess Kali, who is believed to ward off evil spirits and negative energies.

The movie revolves around the lives of two protagonists, Vishnu (Prem Nazir) and Raghavan (Mohanlal), who are close friends despite being from different castes. Vishnu is a landlord while Raghavan is a communist worker who fights against the exploitative practices of the landlords. The movie traces the journey of their friendship and the problems they face in their personal lives and the society they live in.

The first half of the movie primarily deals with establishing the characters and their relationships. We see the stark difference between the two friends, with Vishnu leading a life of luxury and privilege, while Raghavan and his fellow communist workers struggle to make ends meet. The director has portrayed this in a very realistic way, depicting the struggles of the working class in Kerala during the 1980s.

The second half of the movie takes an unexpected twist as the plot shifts towards the supernatural. Vishnu's daughter, who is possessed by an evil spirit, becomes the central focus of the story. The family tries everything they can to cure the girl, but nothing seems to work. That is when they approach an Aattakalasam practitioner, played by Lakshmi, to perform the ritual and rid the girl of the evil spirit.

The second half of the movie is very intense and suspenseful, with the Aattakalasam performance being the highlight of the film. Lakshmi's portrayal of the possessed girl is also very convincing and adds to the overall eeriness of the movie.

The director has done a great job of maintaining the pace of the movie, and the climax is both thrilling and satisfying. The movie ends with a message of hope and friendship, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit even in the face of adversity.

Overall, Aattakalasam is a well-made movie that touches on various themes like friendship, social inequality, and the supernatural. It is a movie that was ahead of its time, and even today, it remains an important movie in the Malayalam film industry. The performances by the lead actors, especially Prem Nazir, Mohanlal, and Lakshmi, are top-notch, and the cinematography and music add to the overall quality of the movie. If you're a fan of Malayalam cinema, Aattakalasam is a must-watch.

Aattakalasam is a 1983 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.