Aditya Suhas Jambhale’s latest film, “Article 370,” attempts to blend history, civics, and jurisprudence into a thrilling heist narrative, exploring the controversial decision to strip Jammu and Kashmir of its special status. The film, starring Yami Gautam Dhar, Priya Mani, Arun Govil, and Kiran Karmarkar, offers a technically polished yet politically charged portrayal of the events leading up to the abrogation of Article 370.
370 Movie In Cinemas 23rd Feb
Plot and Characters
Set against the backdrop of the PMO imperium and the tumultuous Kashmir, the film follows intelligence agent Zooni Haksar (Yami Gautam Dhar) and bureaucrat Rajeshwari Swaminathan (Priya Mani) as they work in tandem to lay the groundwork for the government’s decision. The characters, although fictional, mirror real-life political figures, including an easily identifiable Prime Minister (Arun Govil) and Home Minister (Kiran Karmarkar).
Political Propaganda
“Article 370” is not shy about its alignment with a specific political ideology, evident from the opening voiceover bashing Jawaharlal Nehru and the newsreel-type exposition of Article 370’s background. The film weaves in theories about the Kashmiri movement for autonomy, presenting a narrative that seems more aligned with a government intelligence dossier than an unbiased exploration of history.
Partisan Perspectives
Despite claiming to explore a significant chapter in Kashmir’s history, the film falls into the trap of being overtly partisan. Several scenes appear to be crafted to serve as a chapter in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s re-election manifesto, rather than a nuanced exploration of the complex issues surrounding Article 370.
Also Read – Siren Movie Review: Jayam Ravi and Keerthy Suresh’s crime thriller disappoints
Portrayal of Characters
The characters in “Article 370” are thinly veiled representations of real-life politicians, with figures resembling Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti portrayed with contempt. The movie takes a one-dimensional approach, depicting moderates and extremists as one and the same, leaving little room for a nuanced understanding of the political landscape.
Espionage Thrills
The narrative of the film, especially in its first hour, unfolds with the briskness and suspense expected from an espionage thriller. The performances of Priya Mani and Yami Gautam Dhar contribute to the overall efficiency, but as the movie progresses, it transforms into a series of back-thumping scenes glorifying the Union government’s leadership.
Influence of Previous Works
With one of the producers and co-writers being Aditya Dhar, known for “Uri: The Surgical Strike,” it’s evident that “Article 370” is highly attuned to its propaganda value. The film draws inspiration from works like “Zero Dark Thirty,” with Zooni’s character resembling the determined Maya from the American film, albeit without the same level of ambivalence.
“Article 370” attempts to turn a pivotal moment in India’s political history into a thrilling cinematic experience but falls short due to its overtly partisan perspective and thinly veiled propaganda. While the espionage elements and performances keep the audience engaged, the film lacks the depth and nuance needed to navigate the complex issues surrounding the abrogation of Article 370. It serves as a reminder that even in the realm of cinema, political narratives should strive for a more balanced and comprehensive portrayal of historical events.
Conclusion
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of any organization, group, or individual. The purpose of this review is to provide an analysis of the film “Article 370” based on the writer’s interpretation and perspective. Individual opinions may vary, and viewers are encouraged to form their own judgments after watching the film.