Nupur Jha
Starring Yami Gautam, Priyamani, and Raj Arjun, Article 370 hit theaters on February 23, 2024. Directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, who also co-wrote the story alongside Aditya Dhar, Monal Thakkar, and Arjun Dhawan, this political action thriller delves into the controversial abolishment of Kashmir policy Article 370 by the government on August 5, 2019.
The film has sparked debate among viewers, with some labeling it as BJP propaganda and others seeing it as a reflection of the events in Kashmir. Despite the divided opinions, the movie has found its audience.
But is Yami Gautam’s portrayal of Article 370 mere propaganda, or is it a must-watch film? To answer that question, here’s a spoiler-free review to help you decide whether to catch it in theaters or give it a pass, if you havent watched it already.
Cohesive Screenplay, Cinematography And Actors
Article 370 presents a fictionalized take on events in Kashmir from 2015 to 2019. The narrative revolves around Yami Gautam’s character, NIA agent Zooni Haksar, who is tasked with maintaining peace in the region while quelling any violence.
While the film’s first half struggles to find its footing, the second half excels. Like many political movies, Article 370 runs the risk of being perceived as propaganda, portraying the BJP in a favorable light and justifying its actions.
However, what distinguishes this movie is its cohesive screenplay, which successfully balances the narrative, preventing it from becoming overly consumed by propaganda.
In addition, the narrative depicts the violence unfolding in Jammu & Kashmir, portraying power-hungry politicians and the Indian government striving to preserve peace. As viewers, you have to stick with the journey, overlooking certain aspects as the film effectively crafts a political thriller narrative.
The movie is shot with remarkable professionalism, with cinematography that enhances the storytelling. Siddharth Deena Vasani captures Jammu & Kashmir in a muted color palette, effectively conveying the region’s somber atmosphere and the plight of its people.
Yami Gautam truly shines as Zooni, displaying a depth of emotion and complexity that resonates with the audience.
Her portrayal of a strong and multifaceted character fills a much-needed space for dynamic female roles in Bollywood. Whether conveying subtle emotions through facial expressions or commanding the screen in action sequences, Yami delivers a captivating performance.
The supporting cast, including Priyamani as Rajeshwari Swaminathan, Raj Arjun as Khawar Ali, and Vaibhav Tatwawadi as Yash Chauhan, also deliver commendable performances, adding depth and dimension to the storyline.
Caricature And Political Biases
Article 370 struggles with character caricatures and stereotypical scenes, particularly in its portrayal of key figures. Arun Govil’s character, which is meant to resemble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Divya Seth’s depiction of Mehbooba Mufti, as well as Kiran Karmarkar’s Amit Shah and Sumit Kaul’s Yasin Malik, though performed with dedication, occasionally feel exaggerated, making certain scenes less immersive.
Additionally, the film exhibits a noticeable political bias, overwhelmingly favoring government actions and portraying events predominantly positively. While the actors put in commendable efforts, this bias may detract from the movie’s overall impact, potentially alienating some viewers.
Despite these criticisms, most of the movie presents a compelling political thriller storyline. The film effectively illustrates the actions, motivations, and historical context behind the government’s decisions. Surprisingly, Article 370 educates the audience about the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and its impact over the years.
The film does have its own political agenda, but audiences will still enjoy the story or the characters. Despite these flaws, it’s an entertaining watch, especially for fans of political thrillers with a great background score.
Ratings : 6 /10
