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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|2020 Malayalam film by Sanal Kumar Sasidharan}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2026}}<br />
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2026}}<br />
{{Infobox film<br />
| director = [[Sanal Kumar Sasidharan]]<br />
| writer = Sanal Kumar Sasidharan<br />
| producer = {{ubl<br />
|Shaji Mathew<br />
|Aruna Mathew<br />
}}<br />
| starring = {{Plainlist|<br />
*[[Manju Warrier]]<br />
*Gourav Raveendran<br />
*Vedh <br />
*Sujith Koyikkal<br />
*Bhupendra Khurana<br />
}}<br />
| cinematography = Chandru Selvaraj<br />
| editing = Sanal Kumar Sasidharan<br />
| music = Ratheesh Eeetillam<br />
| studio = NIV Productions<br />
| released = {{Film date|2020|10||Busan|2025|1|23|df=yes}}<br />
| runtime = 105 minutes<br />
| country = [[India]]<br />
| language = [[Malayalam]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''''Kayattam''''' ({{Translation|Climb}}) also known as '''''A'hr''''', is a [[List of Malayalam films of 2020|2020]] Indian [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam]]-language film written, directed and edited by [[Sanal Kumar Sasidharan]], starring [[Manju Warrier]] in the lead role. The film is produced by Shaji Mathew and Aruna Mathew under NIV Productions banner.<br />
<br />
The film was premiered at the [[Busan International Film Festival|25th Busan International Film Festival]] and then at the [[Indian Film Festival of Melbourne]]. Sanal Kumar gave the film a free online release, by sharing the film's [[Google Drive]] link on 23 January 2025.<br />
<br />
== Cast ==<br />
* [[Manju Warrier]] as Maya<br />
* Gourav Raveendran<br />
* Vedh <br />
* Sujith Koyikkal<br />
* Bhupendra Khurana<br />
<br />
==Production==<br />
After ''[[Chola (film)|Chola]]'' (2019), [[Sanal Kumar Sasidharan]] was announced to join hands with [[Manju Warrier]] for their next project, based on mountaineering.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-10-29 |title=It's pack up time for Manju Warrier-Sanal Kumar Sasidharan's Kayattam |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/its-pack-up-time-for-manju-warrier-sanal-kumar-sasidharans-kayattam/articleshow/71804553.cms |access-date=2025-09-25 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Nagarajan |first=Saraswathy |date=2020-05-26 |title=Malayalam director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan on collaborating with Manju Warrier in ‘A’hr (Kayattam)’ |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/malayalam-director-sanal-kumar-sasidharan-on-collaborating-with-manju-warrier-in-ahr-kayattam/article31678478.ece |access-date=2025-09-25 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The film is produced by Shaji Mathew and Aruna Mathew under NIV Productions banner.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-08-30 |title=Manju Warrier looks impressive in the first look poster of 'Kayattam' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/manju-warrier-looks-impressive-in-the-first-look-poster-of-kayattam/articleshow/70906317.cms |access-date=2025-09-25 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Co-produced by Manju Warrier in her production debut, the film was shot in places around [[Himachal Pradesh]] and the got warpped by the end of October 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-10-29 |title=Manju Warrier-Sanal Kumar Sasidharan's Kayattam wrapped up |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/Oct/29/manju-warrier-sanal-kumar-sasidharan-starrer-kayattam-wraps-up-shooting-15198.html |access-date=2025-09-25 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}</ref> During the filming in Himachal,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-08-20 |title=Manju Warrier and crew stranded in Himachal Pradesh floods while shooting for ‘Kayattam’, facing food shortage - details inside |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/manju-warrier-and-crew-stranded-in-himachal-pradesh-floods-while-shooting-for-kayattam-facing-food-shortage-details-inside/articleshow/70754053.cms |access-date=2025-09-25 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> it was reported that the crew and cast got trapped in a remote village<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-08-20 |title=Manju Warrier and team trapped in Himalayan floods |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/manju-warrier-and-team-trapped-in-himalayan-floods/articleshow/70750650.cms |access-date=2025-09-25 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> that was 330 kilometers away from [[Shimla]] due to the Himachal floods.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-08-20 |title=Manju Warrier, Sanal K Sasidharan and Kayattam crew members stuck in Himachal floods |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/manju-warrier-sanal-k-sasidharan-kayattam-film-crew-trapped-himachal-pradesh-flash-floods-5920084/ |access-date=2025-09-25 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> After getting stranded there for a week, the team was safely shifted to [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-25 |title=Kayattam new poster: Manju Warrier plays a happy hiker |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/kayattam-new-poster-manju-warrier-plays-a-happy-hiker/ |access-date=2025-09-25 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Apart from writing and direction, the editing and sound design were also handled by the director Sanal Kumar himself.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-08-30 |title=Manju turns producer with Sanalkumar Sasidharan's 'Kayattam' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/manju-turns-producer-with-sanalkumar-sasidharans-kayattam/articleshow/70910839.cms |access-date=2025-09-25 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> During an interview in May 2020, Sanal Kumar revealed that the post-production works were completed and is in the processes related to censor.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-05-26 |title=Exclusive! ‘Kayattam’ will be a compelling movie: Sanal Kumar Sasidharan about the Manju Warrier-starrer |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/exclusive-kayattam-will-be-a-compelling-movie-sanal-kumar-sasidharan-about-the-manju-warrier-starrer/articleshow/76005993.cms |access-date=2025-09-25 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><br />
<br />
== Soundtrack ==<br />
The songs in the film are in a fictional language called ''A'hr''.<ref name="FC"/><br />
<br />
== Release ==<br />
In January 2025, Sanal Kumar disclosed his idea of releasing the film online for free, similar to his previous release, ''[[Vazhakku]]'' (2022).<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-01-23 |title=Manju Warrier's ‘Kayattam’ to be released online for free, director Sanalkumar Sasidharan announces |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/manju-warriers-kayattam-to-be-released-online-for-free-director-sanalkumar-sasidharan-announces/articleshow/117477797.cms |access-date=2025-09-25 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> On 23 January 2025, Sanal Kumar shared the link of his [[Google Drive]] to access the film, along with the link for the English subtitles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Manju Warrier's A'hr Kayattam released online, here's how to watch Sanal Kumar Sasidharan film |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/manju-warriers-ahr-kayattam-released-online-heres-how-to-watch-sanal-kumar-sasidharan-film/a4da679ffd856 |access-date=2025-09-25 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== Premiere ===<br />
''Kayattam'' was premiered at the [[Busan International Film Festival|25th Busan International Film Festival]] scheduled between 21 and 30 October 2020<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-09-14 |title=Manju Warrier-starrer Kayattam selected for Busan Film Festival |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/manju-warrier-starrer-kayattam-selected-for-busan-film-festival/articleshow/78110531.cms |access-date=2025-09-25 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> and then at the [[Indian Film Festival of Melbourne]] in 2021.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-08-26 |title=Sanal Kumar Sasidharan: Making of ‘Kayattam’ was mentally effortless but physically challenging |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/sanal-kumar-sasidharan-making-of-kayattam-was-mentally-effortless-but-physically-challenging/articleshow/85648433.cms |access-date=2025-09-25 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== Reception ===<br />
[[Baradwaj Rangan]] of ''[[Film Companion]]'' wrote, "This is Sanal's most woman-centric film, and it's also his gentlest. Usually, the women in his films are preyed upon. But here, Maya is the predator" and added that "even in his experimental mode, he [Sanal] is fascinating".<ref name="FC">{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/kayattam-malayalam-movie-review-ahr-sanal-kumar-sasidharan-in-an-experimental-mode-manju-warrier-baradwaj-rangan|title=The Fascinating ‘Kayattam’ Finds Sanal Kumar Sasidharan In An Experimental Mode, Pursuing A Woman Of Mystery|date=5 October 2021|access-date=28 September 2025|work=Film Companion|first=Baradwaj|last=Rangan|author-link=Baradwaj Rangan}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Accolades==<br />
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders unsortable"<br />
! scope="col" |Award<br />
! scope="col" |Date of ceremony<br />
! scope="col" |Category<br />
! scope="col" |Nominee(s)<br />
! scope="col" |Result<br />
! scope="col" class="unsortable" |{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}<br />
|-<br />
| 2020 || [[Busan International Film Festival]] || [[Kim Jiseok Award]] || [[Sanal Kumar Sasidharan]] || {{nom}} ||<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2020/sep/16/sanal-kumars-kayattam-selected-at-busan-film-fest-2197327.html| title= Sanal Kumar's Kayattam selected at Busan Film Fest | date= 16 September 2020 | newspaper= New Indian Express }}</ref><br />
|-<br />
| 2021 || [[Indian Film Festival of Melbourne]] || Disruptor in Cinema || Sanal Kumar Sasidharan || {{won}} ||<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nagarajan |first=Saraswathy |date=2021-08-31 |title=‘Kayattam’ wins Sanal Kumar Sasidharan the first ‘Disruptor in Cinema’ award at Melbourne |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kayattam-wins-sanal-kumar-sasidharan-the-first-disruptor-in-cinema-award-at-melbourne/article36199290.ece |access-date=2025-09-25 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Controversy ==<br />
Following a complaint lodged by Manju Warrier at the Elamakkara Police station, [[Kochi]], Sanal Kumar was arrested at [[Parassala]], [[Thiruvananthapuram]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-05-05 |title=Sanal Kumar Sasidharan arrested on Manju Warrier’s complaint |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/sanal-kumar-sasidharan-arrested-on-manju-warriers-complaint/articleshow/91339729.cms |access-date=2025-09-25 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> for trying to blackmail, defame her and alleging on social media claiming that Manju's life is in danger.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-05-02 |title=Filmmaker Sanal Kumar Sasidharan alleges superstar Manju Warrier’s life is in danger |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/filmmaker-sanal-kumar-sasidharan-alleges-superstar-manju-warriers-life-is-in-danger/articleshow/91251889.cms |access-date=2025-09-25 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> It was also reported that Sanal Kumar was stalking the actress, during the shoot of the film, which started after a dispute with Manju Warrier's manager.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajagopal |first=Vivek |date=2022-05-06 |title=Award-winning director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan arrested for stalking actor Manju Warrier |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/director-sanal-kumar-sasidharan-arrested-stalking-harassing-manju-warrier-1946251-2022-05-06 |access-date=2025-09-25 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> Soon after getting bail, Sanal disclosed that he had confessed his love to the actress.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Express News |date=2022-05-07 |title=Director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan says he confessed love to Manju Warrier |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2022/May/07/directorsanal-kumar-sasidharan-says-he-confessed-love-to-manju-warrier-2450653.html |access-date=2025-09-25 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
* {{IMDb title|10909266}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:2020 films]]<br />
[[Category:2020 Indian films]]<br />
[[Category:2020 Malayalam-language films]]<br />
[[Category:Films about hiking]]<br />
[[Category:Films directed by Sanal Kumar Sasidharan]]<br />
[[Category:Films set in the Himalayas]]<br />
[[Category:Films shot in Himachal Pradesh]]<br />
[[Category:Indian film festivals]]</div>WilhelminaBoswel