Review : Article 370 : Realistically simplified story behind the abrogation!
On August 5th, 2019 the most talked about and considered to be the most controversial #Article370 was abrogated and a new history was written by the PM of the country. In 1947, the then PM of India was willing to take #Kashmir in our fold provided the reins were handed over to a particular person close to Indian PM which was refused. After partition when Pakistan attacked Kashmir, the ruler asked for help from India but Indian PM was firm on the earlier condition which was fulfilled by the ruler of Kashmir. After the UN intervention, there was a ceasefire but a chunk of Kashmir went into the hands of Pakistan which is still with them. The Kashmir was given a special status in the form of Article 370 which gave unlimited powers to the rulers in which even Indian Government could not interfere. It was a case of a Nation in a Nation. And recent government wanted to abolish terrorism in the valley and to give good life to it’s people for which it was decided to abolish Article 370. It definitely wasn’t an easy task and all that is shown in the film Article 370, simplifying the actions behind it and unfolding the intricacies of Constitutional amendments.
Zooni Haksar (Yami Gautam), a Kasmiri by birth, is serving Indian army as a commando. She traces Burhan Wani, who was responsible for terrorist activities, and with the help of Military forces encounters him. The move backfires as the local leaders declare Burhan as a martyr and due to political pressure Zooni is transferred to New Delhi. In the meanwhile some political movements take place and the PMO (Prime Minister’s Office) secretary Rajeshwari Swaminathan (Priyamani) gets busy with ground work. NIA is given full powers and Rajeshwari personally request Zooni to join the special force earmarked for Kashmir. How the NIA led by Zooni with the support of PMO’s office personnel Rajeshwari help in normalize the situation forms the crux of the narration.
The stories behind abrogation of Article 370 is well known but the screenplay is beautifully woven around action and ground work. The two levels of fights, one actual with terrorists and their sympathizers and the second one the political one are showcased with interesting cuts which highlights the proceedings on the screen. A National Award winning director Aditya Suhas Jambhale has used his skills to make the film realistically authentic yet entertaining. He has a good support of another National Award winning Aditya, executive producer, Aditya Dhar. The opening commentary by Ajay Devgn sets the mood, gripping viewer’s attention. Technically too the film is sleek and the background score is noteworthy.
Yami Gautam offers a stellar performance with sincerity and authenticity. The emotions displayed reach viewer’s hearts and this could one of her best performances so far. Her action scenes are superlative and there is an equal power in her emotional scenes. Priyamani has underplayed her character beautifully. Her crisp mannerisms and behaviour go well with her crisp sarees. Arun Govil as Prime Minister gives sedate performance. Kiran Karmarkar as Home Minister has nailed the character with astute mannerism and diction and stands out despite limited screen time. Ashwini Koul as Zakir Naikoo, Raj Arun as Khawar Ali, Rajendranath Zutsi as Jalal, Divya Seth Shah as ex CM Parveena Andrabi, Iravati Harshe as a news anchor, Vaibhav Tatwawadi as Commando Chauhan and others have given excellent support to the main cast.
A must watch film, Article 370, which showcases a realistically simplified story behind the abrogation of Article 370.
Rating : ****