CHALLENGING PERCEPTIONS: ATHIRAN THROUGH THE LENS OF DISABILITY STUDIES

Raiza Basheer; Aishwarya Lakshmi

doi:10.29121/granthaalayah.v13.i13(4ISMER).2025.6044

CHALLENGING PERCEPTIONS: ATHIRAN THROUGH THE LENS OF DISABILITY STUDIES

Authors

Raiza Basheer Student, M.A English |V Semester, Department of English Language and literature, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi Campus, India
Aishwarya Lakshmi Assistant professor, Department of English Language and literature, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi Campus , India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/granthaalayah.v13.i13(4ISMER).2025.6044

Keywords:

Autism, Cognitive Strengths, Disability Studies, Neurodiversity

Abstract [English]

Autism research has become a significant aspect of disability research. In this paper, the notion of autism, rather than a disability but as a different kind of ability, is examined through the lens of the Malayalam film Athiran.The Nithya’s character problematizes the societal constructs of autism as a disease, leading to a reconsideration of neurodiversity. Based on disability studies theory, the paper analyzes the way the film represents autism and its unseen strengths, including unusual cognitive abilities and differing modes of experiencing the world.The research attempts to demarcate the change from disabilities to capabilities, encouraging a more equitable and knowledgeable understanding of autism in cinema and society.

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References

Cleveland Clinic. (2025). Autism. Retrieved January 21, 2025, from

Expressable. (2025). Understanding Autism as a Difference, not as a Disorder. 2025, January 12

Rajalakshmi, R., & Jansi, K. (2017). Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Overview. Rehabilitation Science, 2 (1), 1–9. doi: 10.5455/rj.1007.

Vats, T. (2023). Autism Spectrum Disorder Portrayals from the Indian Lens.

Vivek, V. (Director). (2019). Athiran [Motion Picture]. India: Century Investments.

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Published

2025-04-25

How to Cite

Basheer, R., & Lakshmi, A. (2025). CHALLENGING PERCEPTIONS: ATHIRAN THROUGH THE LENS OF DISABILITY STUDIES. International Journal of Research -GRANTHAALAYAH, 13((4ISMER), 9–13. https://doi.org/10.29121/granthaalayah.v13.i13(4ISMER).2025.6044

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Issue

Vol. 13 No. (4ISMER) (2025): 4th Annual International Symposium on Media Education and Research - 2025

Section

Articles

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