In the realm of cinema, the ability to entwine history with the art of storytelling often results in a profound impact on its audience. In the recent film ‘Article 370’, the complexity of Kashmir’s political saga unfolds through the eyes of director Aditya Suhas Jambhale. The star cast, led by the compelling performances of Yami Gautam and Priyamani, offers a narrative loaded with historical significance and contemporary fervor. The movie has earned a measured rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars.
Yami Gautam embodies Zooni Haksar, an ID field officer, with such intensity and grace that she seems to be the only one worth focusing on in most scenes. Her co-star Priyamani, as the deputy secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office, shoulders a significant portion of the film’s dramatic weight. Both actresses deliver riveting performances amid the backdrop of a conflict-ridden Kashmir, fighting the ‘bad guys’ with a cinematic bravura that is both mesmerizing and thought-provoking.
The film doesn’t rely on an exaggerated patriotic soundtrack but instead opts for a grander approach to storytelling. It is partitioned into six chapters, spanning the years 2015 to 2019, providing a detailed canvas to explore the controversial abrogation of Kashmir’s special status. The high production values are evident with robust explainer presentations, archival footage, and action sequences that are bound to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
The plot circles around the protagonist Zooni Haksar’s successful mission against Burhan Wani, a known Mujahideen, only to be undervalued for her efforts and relegated to Delhi. Zooni’s trajectory changes when she crosses paths with Rajeshwari (played by Priya Mani), the deputy secretary with a steely resolve. As the story progresses, local Kashmiri political leaders are depicted with nefarious intentions toward their region, further thickening the plot.
Arun Govil and Kiran Karmarkar respectively play the roles of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, adding another layer of political nuance to the unfolding drama. The narrative navigates through prominent events like the Balakot strike and the Pulwama Attack, forming a strong storyline that advocates the abrogation of Article 370 as the incumbent government’s necessary response to the turmoil.
Jambhale’s direction and storytelling prowess shine as he intertwines real historical events with fictional drama, setting a premise that is intended to resonate with nationalist sentiments, particularly in an election year—a perhaps timely coincidence.
In addition to its political undertones, ‘Article 370’ captures the natural beauty of Srinagar, juxtaposing the peaceful landscapes with the intense ‘Azadi’ chants and presence of Pakistani flags that add to the film’s rich political tapestry. The film is described as an electrifying event, a riveting two-and-a-half-hour thrill-ride that serves as a dramatic history lesson on the complexities involving Kashmir.
The film concludes leaving a strong reminder of the potency of cinema to educate, entertain and provoke thought. For those interested in the intertwining of history with cinematic storytelling, the rich visual and historical narratives provided by ‘Article 370’ are compelling reasons to watch this eloquently crafted piece of cinema. This film is a stark reflection of the events that have left an indelible mark on the socio-political landscape of India, thereby capturing the attention of both cinephiles and history enthusiasts alike.
