Yami Gautam and Priyamani’s ‘Article 370’ presents an engaging and emotionally charged political-action thriller. The movie released in theaters on Friday.
Movie: Article 370
Rating: 3/5
Star Cast: Aditya Dhar, Priyamani, Arun Govil and Kiran Karmarkar
Director: Aditya Suhas Jambhale
Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
Article 370 Movie Review:
Set against the backdrop of the Jammu and Kashmir conflict, ‘Article 370’, starring Yami Gautam and Priyamani, possesses all the necessary elements for a box-office hit. Avoiding frivolous elements like mindless romance, dance, and music, the film stands out for its meticulous research and stellar performances by the entire cast, making it a compelling watch. Drawing inspiration from real events in the Kashmir Valley since 2016, the movie boasts impressive visuals, a sharp script, and flawless acting.
Story:
In the initial stages of the film, the narrative is driven by two women: intelligence officer Zooni Haksar (portrayed by Yami Gautam Dhar) and the joint secretary in the Prime Minister’s office, Rajeshwari (played by Priya Mani). They both advocate for the abrogation of Article 370 as a solution to Kashmir’s problems. However, the film lacks acknowledgment of genuine dissent, as all opposition is easily equated with terrorism and ‘misguided youth’. There’s a warning about the potential for a situation akin to the Palestinian intifada, but little exploration into its implications.
The movie ‘Article 370’ begins with the fearless Zooni, who seamlessly transitions from wearing a burqa to donning a bulletproof vest with a gun in hand. She defies the chain of command to lead a raid, which escalates into a confrontation resulting in casualties, including a militant named Burhan Wani, a young individual who leads a terrorist organization and is a well-known figure in the Kashmir Valley. Her demise triggers widespread violent unrest in Kashmir.
Given that the film strongly advocates for the abrogation of Article 370, there’s minimal suspense or tension to be found (elements typically desired in a fictional film). When Zooni and her team enter rooms, fully armed and prepared, regardless of the gunfire and scattered shells, it’s evident who will ultimately prevail.
Performances:
Yami Gautam delivers a captivating performance as Zooni Haksar, an intelligence field officer whose career takes a turn after a failed encounter, revealing the intricate politics within the intelligence department. Her superiors brand her as arrogant for making quick decisions in critical situations. Director Aditya Suhas Jambhale, a National Award winner, skillfully avoids excessive patriotism, crafting a compelling narrative that educates and enthralls without feeling like a history or civics lesson. “Article 370” masterfully portrays the harrowing history of Kashmir, correcting its narrative with justice and sincerity.
Highlights of the movie:
Free from over-the-top acting and melodrama, ‘Article 370’ is structured into six chapters, each carefully depicting real events and the diverse reactions they evoke from the ruling party, opposition, terrorists, and the Kashmiri populace. The storytelling is straightforward yet gripping, unraveling the complexities of Article 370 in a manner accessible to all.
Conclusion:
The strength of ‘Article 370’ lies not solely in its grasp of the subject matter, but rather in its execution. Witnessing two empowered women tackling what is undeniably a high-stakes mission proves intriguing, especially given the commendable performances by both actors. Directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, the film appropriately highlights its female characters, affording them the opportunity to shine as the protagonists of their own narrative, for the most part.