The intricate political and social fabric of Jammu & Kashmir has long been a subject of intense discussion and debate, especially following the monumental decision to abrogate Article 370, which had previously conferred special status to the region. Creator-producer Aditya Dhar steps forward with a gripping political thriller that probes into the events surrounding this historical episode. “Article 370”, as the film is aptly titled, aims to present a chronological account of the revocation, a task that carries the weight of the region’s intricate history.
Yami Gautam steps into the role of an intelligence officer, bringing to life a narrative that intertwines complex political decisions with the everyday realities of the people affected by such policies. The film necessitated a rigorous adherence to protocol, something that Dhar, following his experiences with his critically acclaimed directorial “Uri: The Surgical Strike” (2019), takes in stride. Drawing lessons from Uri, he approached the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the necessary approvals, emphasizing both due diligence and respect for procedure.
Dhar’s approach has been methodical and respectful, highlighting the importance of feedback from defense establishments, which he regards as surpassing 99 percent of industry critiques. Moreover, such engagements have provided crucial clearances, setting the stage for unimpeded production and immunizing the project against potential disruptions.
Helmed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale and starring notable actors like Priyamani alongside Gautam, the film’s narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the real-life transformation of Kashmir. The motion picture was entirely shot in a region that, since 2019, has observed a marked shift towards peace, welcoming improvements in areas like tourism, education, and overall civil harmony.
As with any cinema that seeks to encapsulate political events, the anticipation of how different sections of society will receive the film looms large. Dhar is acutely aware of this and defends the film’s depiction as a factual representation of events, devoid of dramatization. He’s determined to mirror reality’s complex blame game where the establishment’s reputation is often a hostage to the success of its operations.
Dhar himself, a Kashmiri, harbors a deep connection to his work, a sentiment accentuated by the National Award gracing his portfolio. This connection, however, led him not to direct but to lift others who share analogous stories of steadfastness amidst an industry that often prioritizes pedigree over talent. In choosing Jambhale for the director’s role, Dhar saw a reflection of his own past struggles—a committed talent unnoticed due to a lack of industry connections. The film becomes not just a narrative of a region but also a testament to meritocracy and opportunity.
The chronologically driven plot of “Article 370” strips away the noise to lay bare the meticulous operations carried out by the bureaucracy, Army, MoD, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). It underlines the stakes involved and the groundwork necessary for a tranquil transition. Dhar encapsulates the film’s commitment to authenticity, its celebration of unsung heroes, and its confrontation with skeptics who, perhaps prejudiced by their views, are quick to label the film as agenda-driven.
Unyielding in the face of criticism and grounded in the real-life stories that inspire his characters, Dhar possesses the fortitude required to bring such a contentious issue to the silver screen. “Article 370” promises to be a venture that not only explores the tremulous terrain of Jammu & Kashmir’s politics but also stands as a testament to the filmmaking world’s potential to usher in talent based solely on merit—an ethos that its creator-producer holds dear.
