The influx of political thrillers has made things monotonous in Bollywood. Still, we have expectations with every new such release.
Article 370 is the latest movie to be a part of this bandwagon.
Running for over two and a half hours, the film reunites Yami Gautam and Aditya Dhar professionally.
But the question is, whether the movie sails through or not. Here’s my review.
Article 370 Movie Synopsis
Following the turbulence in Kashmir in 2016, Rajeshwari Swaminathan, an official from the Prime Minister’s Office, selects Zooni Haksar, a young local field agent, for a highly confidential mission.
Their objective is ambitious: to combat terrorism and dismantle the billion-dollar conflict economy in the valley.
The seemingly impossible task involves the revocation of the infamous Article 370, all while ensuring not a single innocent life is harmed.
It is directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale and features Yami Gautam Dhar (Zooni), Priyamani (Rajeshwari), Arun Govil (PM), Vaibhav Tatwawadi (Yash Chauhan), Kiran Karmarkar (HM), and others.
What Works for Article 370 Movie?
Have no doubts, that Article 370 is a political film, which was inevitable due to its subject.
Coming to its merits, the movie has a very strong core with a blend of real and fictional strings.
It connects several parts of real life, including terrorist Burhan Wani’s execution, demonetization, terror funding, Pulwama attack, and the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution with many fictional intrusions in the form of history bashing, aimed barbs at political opponents, and other dramatizations.
The film runs backward with its plot focusing on the events that led to the abrogation of Article 370.
How the government planned the whole move and went ahead with the same forms the main crux of the movie.
It puts women at the forefront with two female protagonists saving the day in their respective fields.
Moreover, the drama in Article 370 movie is engaging. The makers manage to ably instill thrill in a plot that could have easily become redundant after a while.
A fast-paced screenplay renders brilliant results for this Yami Gautam starrer. Never does the creation get boring or dull in both appearance and impact.
Furthermore, the background score is pulsating. It keeps yawns at check inside the hall.
Article 370 has a solid emotional balance, which it achieves by putting the Indian army against terrorists.
All the fictitious drama pays off well eventually when seen as a whole. Basically, Article 370 movie is an explainer of how and why the Indian government did away with the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
How much of it is true is your responsibility to find out.
How are the Performances?
Yami Gautam Dhar is spectacular in the film. Her intensity deserves to be witnessed on the big screen.
She roars like a lioness, emotes like a queen, and maneuvers like an able performer. The actress is vocally strong with her intonations rising and subsiding aptly.
What stands out is Yami’s succinct hold on aggressive scenes.
Kiran Karmarkar stuns you as the Home Minister of India. His portrayal resembles a perfect copycat description of the present real-life HM, Amit Shah.
From bodily gestures to certain oral traits, Karmarkar aces every little detail of the character he is playing.
Arun Govil does a good job as well as the Prime Minister of India.
On the other hand, Priyamani shines in a quiet, and structured role. She carries a lot of dignity around herself that works as a subtle alluring factor for the audience.
What Doesn’t Work for Article 370 Movie?
The problem with political films is that cinematic elements become secondary aspects. You are forced to pick and support an ideology right there inside the theater.
It is easy to walk out of the hall watching the end credits where we are shown the positive results of the move and say the abrogation of Article 370 led to only good things in the valley.
But research a bit and you’ll understand how Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh are still struggling to find their voices back after five years.
Watch or Not?
The movie has several intriguing elements sprinkled with attempts to deliver political messaging. You are sure to like it for its merits but stay mindful of fact vis a vis fiction.
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