Atithi (2002 film)

Plot summary

In May 2000, I made my first film MUNNUDI (A Preface) in which I tried to examine the clash between the true religious tenets and demeaning customs. This was produced as a co-operative venture by a team of actors and technicians physically involved in the project. The overwhelming appreciation, two National Awards, Six Karnataka State Awards, entry in International Film Festivals of India, Kerala, Mumbai, Flanders (Belgium), Palm Springs (USA), and decent financial returns gave us confidence about the viability of such ventures as long as we are committed to meaningful cinema. This second film ATITHI comes now on similar co-operative basis.

'Terrorism' is the most talked about word these days. Every one is affected by it in some way or the other- directly or indirectly. Naturally, I was also drawn into debates & discussions on this. All of us thought there is a need to address such an issue in the film medium. A question arose. Can a terrorist be reformed or humanized? Yes, No, Not fully were the answers. There were forceful arguments in support of all these three answers. We did some literature survey. It confused us even more. Then came a thought. Why not we see a terrorist as a human being first and then examine his mental make-up that puts him into terrorist action. Suppose he is drawn away from his 'terrorist' ambiance and placed in a more conducive 'human' ambiance, how would he act? ATITHI took shape in this thinking process.

So, what has ultimately come out as ATITHI is not a stated position on terrorism; it is not about the destructive power of terrorist activities; it does not even offer 'the' solution to eliminate terrorism. It is more in the nature of an examination of human behavior under a set of circumstances- be it that of a confirmed terrorist or that of a peace-loving doctor.

But I am sure it can provide a platform for each one of us to extend one's examinations of different dimensions of terrorism in the light of human behavior. If anyone finds a solution to terrorism in this film, I will be too happy to hear about it. May terrorism end soon.

May humanity find its manifestation in all its glory.

Cast

Trivia

Critical reception

The film was well received by the critics. Critics were particularly unequivocal in their praise of the approach to a complex subject such as terrorism. Though the film had terrorism as the theme, there was no throttling noise of blasts and guns.

Awards and screening