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In 2022, director Vivek Agnihotri struck a chord when he made The Kashmir Files, a film focusing on the exodus of Hindus from Kashmir in 1990, and depicted the events leading up to it as a genocide, a narrative that many considered controversial and propaganda. . The film also showed its protagonist urging the revocation of Article 370, but that’s about it, and never touched on the crux of what that meant and how it would change the lives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Also read | 6 movies opening in theaters this Friday: from article 370 to Mean Girls
Two years later, we have Article 370 directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, a serious attempt to show the nuances of the events that led to the nullification of Article 370 that granted the state of J&K a special status, which has continued to be a subject of debate since 1947. .
Article 370 delves into the ins and outs of politics
Starring Yami Gautam and Priyamani as the two forces driving this intense narrative, the film informs, educates and keeps you engaged for the most part. For all those who are vaguely aware of what Article 370, its existence and repeal means, but have never bothered to understand its meaning or relevance, this 2 hour and 30 minute film is nothing less than a narrated chapter of impactful way that delves into the complexities. of politics, and in a much more simplified way, presents an attractive watch for the average viewer to understand.
Article 370 is different The Kashmir Files
Is Article 370 an extension of The Kashmir Files? To some extent, yes, but from a very different perspective and a completely different perspective, really refreshing. The film never resorts to a jingoistic narrative or even slight nuances, nor does it try to enter the zone of propaganda. It simply states the facts as they happened, backed by meticulous and exceptional research, and that’s where it really wins.
Article 370 not only describes the events but also details them to show how the uncontrollable violence in Kashmir prompted the present government to abrogate the special status of J&K. I liked that the creators didn’t rely on the crutches of patriotic clichés to make an impact, but instead chose a strong narrative to tell an informative story. Written by Aditya Dhar and Monal Thaakar, the film allows its story to remain the protagonist for the maximum runtime, despite some powerful performances that steal the show throughout.
The premise
The film begins in 1947 with sepia-toned footage and voice-over by Ajay Devgn, explaining how a part of Kashmir passed to Pakistan and how Article 370 came about. The political action thriller then moves to 2016, when, after unrest in Kashmir, PMO Secretary Rajeshwari (Priyamani Swaminathan) secretly recruits a local agent and intelligence field officer, Zooni Haksar (Yami Gautam Dhar), to head the National Investigation Agency (NIA). operation in Kashmir, uncover the troubled economy, fight separatists and corrupt officials and curb the terrorist situation, months before the abrogation of Article 370 comes into play.
The first half is a slow burn that takes time to build the momentum needed to establish the premise, and the tragic Pulwama attack is carefully used as an interval block. With a more focused focus on the second half, the film comes together quickly and tightly, leading to a satisfying climax that lasts for a thrilling 30 minutes. Some of the dialogues may seem repetitive from what we have heard in numerous Kashmir-based films, however, there are many parts where some power-packed lines make you praise.
We cannot ignore the creative liberties that the creators have taken
The impactful writing is enhanced by a fluid screenplay (by Aditya Dhar, Aditya Suhas Jambhale, Arjun Dhawan and Monal Thaakar) that neither progresses nor advances and allows the key events that led to the scrapping of Article 370 to unfold with the desired impact. . . Dividing the film’s script into several chapters, such as The Tral Lover, Blind Spot, Save the Date, Subclause (d) and It Was, Is and Always Will Be, further simplifies the plot without leaving any loose ends. Kudos to the editing by Shivkumar V. Panicker, who has paid adequate attention to putting the parts together in a way that weaves a story that evokes a sense of nationalism and emotions.
Although most of Article 370 is inspired by real events, the creative liberties taken by the creators cannot be overlooked, sometimes too obvious for the viewer to ignore. For example, the overly dramatic action sequences where Yami and her colleague survive a grenade attack without serious harm, or the NIA investigates suspects behind closed doors.
Yami and Priyamani give an equally powerful performance
Yami Gautam packs a punch and is excellent in her performance. Her no-nonsense demeanor lends gravitas to the film and lets her action and her intense dialogue do most of the talking. I especially loved the parts where she defends her uniformed colleagues or confronts another colleague for always endangering her advances.
With an equally powerful performance, Priyamani steals the show with her restrained yet effective act. Throughout the film, she remains calm in all the chaos around her. I’m not sure how much attention is paid to character style in a politically driven narrative, but a special mention goes to Priyamani’s beautiful cotton curtains, every one of them. Movies like Article 370 give you a sense of pride seeing two women carrying the entire movie on their shoulders with the able support of a group of men in the supporting cast. Hopefully these films will inspire more filmmakers to write such strong, driven and phenomenal roles for actresses.
Appropriate distribution
Among the notable cast, the ones that definitely stand out are Arun Govil as the Prime Minister and Kiran Karmarkar as the Home Minister, characters based on Narendra Modi and Amit Shah respectively. From their prosthetics to make them look good, their dialogue to the aura they bring to the screen, it was quite an appropriate casting. Actors Raj Zutshi, Raj Arun and Vaibhav Tatwawadi also provide ably supporting cast.
Article 370 highlights one of the most crucial chapters in our nation’s history. With impressive writing, a simple narrative and outstanding direction, it effortlessly manages to convey its intended message. Films made with Kashmir as a central theme abound in Bollywood, but this one starring Yami and Priyamani is sure to be among the best of them all.
Movie: Article 370
Cast: Yami Gautam, Priyamani, Kiran Karmarkar, Arun Govil, Raj Arun
Director: Aditya Suhas Jambhale
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