As the election season heats up, filmmakers are not far behind in showcasing their political views. The latest film to join the fray is Article 370, a gripping thriller that explains the government’s decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019.
The film, directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, is a slick and fast-paced account of the events that led to the historic move. It does not shy away from taking a clear stand in favour of the ruling party, portraying every step as a strategic and bold move. This lack of nuance may detract from the accuracy and realism of the story.
Article 370 also draws parallels with Uri: The Surgical Strike, another film that celebrated the government’s military action against Pakistan in 2016. Both films are co-produced and co-written by Aditya Dhar, who directed Uri and is married to Yami Gautam, the lead actress of Article 370.
Yami Gautam plays Zooni Haksar, an intelligence officer who is instrumental in executing the plan to abrogate Article 370. Zooni is a Kashmiri Pandit who has a personal vendetta against the corrupt and divisive politicians of the state. She is the voice of the film, narrating the history and the implications of Article 370, and exposing the vested interests of the separatists and the terrorists. She is also the action hero of the film, leading the covert operations and fighting the enemies with courage and skill.
The film boasts of a stellar supporting cast, who bring to life the real-life characters involved in the political drama. Priyamani plays the key roles of the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, who cooperates with the Centre to implement the decision. Raj Zutshi plays a sinister politician who resembles a combination of Farooq and Omar Abdullah, the former chief ministers of the state. Divya Seth plays a cunning and ruthless politician who is modelled after Mehbooba Mufti, another former chief minister. Arun Govil and Kiran Karmarkar play the Prime Minister and the Home Minister of India, respectively, based on Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. They are convincing in their portrayals, thanks to the prosthetics and the dialogue delivery that mimic the real leaders.
The film is not just a political propaganda, but also a well-made thriller that keeps the audience hooked. The cinematography and the score of the film are commendable, capturing the somber and tense atmosphere of Kashmir. The film also has some thrilling action sequences, such as the infiltration of the terrorists, the encounter of the security forces, and the evacuation of the tourists. The film also educates the viewers about the history and the context of Article 370, and how it affected the lives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The film also shows the positive impact of the abrogation, such as the restoration of peace, the development of infrastructure, and the empowerment of women.
Verdict
Article 370 is a film that underlines one of the most crucial chapters in the nation’s history. It has impressive writing, a simple narrative, and an outstanding direction. It also has a message that it intends to send across, without any ambiguity or hesitation. The film is one of the best films made on the Kashmir issue and showcases the talent and the vision of the filmmakers and the actors. Article 370 is a film that deserves to be watched and appreciated.