Amidst a climate ripe with political opinions and cinematic expressions, actor Vaibhav Tatwawadi finds himself at the center of attention for his latest performance in director Aditya Suhas Jambhale’s controversial political thriller ‘Article 370’. The film has been making waves and provoking discussions, as it delves into the intricate and contentious subject of the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir. In an exclusive interview with mid-day.com, Tatwawadi, playing Yash Chauhan, an army officer, opened up about his role, the training he underwent, and his perspective on the film’s reception and the wider implications it has sparked.
One might wonder how Tatwawadi landed such an impactful role. He recalls being called for a meeting by two individuals named Aditya. Already impressed by Tatwawadi’s theatrical performances, director Aditya Suhas Jambhale saw the actor as an ideal fit for the character of Yash Chauhan. His vision for the film was clear and the script was written with a precise narrative that instantly captivated Tatwawadi, compelling him to accept the offer readily.
Recently, Yami Gautam, the lead actress of the film, posted a video showcasing her intense physical preparation for her role. Tatwawadi also shared insights into the rigorous training he endured. Ex-army personnel played a crucial role in this process, guiding him through military drills, weapon handling, and sharing their own experiences from serving in active operations. This comprehensive training went a long way in helping Tatwawadi effectively bring the authenticity and gravity of an army officer’s life to the silver screen. The response to both his portrayal and the film has been overwhelmingly positive, surpassing his own expectations.
Despite his character’s powerful presence in the film, Tatwawadi’s Yash Chauhan faces a tragic fate. When discussing the impact this had on storytelling, the actor explained that his role, although brief, leaves a lasting impact, echoing the sentiments of director Jambhale who assured him of his memorable presence, especially in the heart of the audience during the first half of the movie.
‘Article 370’ has not shied away from criticism, as any thematically bold film invariably invites a spectrum of opinions. Tatwawadi takes a pragmatic stance on this, acknowledging that being in the public eye equals being open to public opinion, whether in approval, disapproval, or indifference. He emphasizes the importance of acceptance in response to this fact of life, as well as the overwhelming love that has been showcased towards the film thus far.
When questioned about his reservations toward the project due to its sensitive political context, Tatwawadi’s response was grounded in the importance of presenting historical facts unaffected by a single narrative perspective. The film aims to lay out the events as they unfolded without succumbing to storytelling bias. He stands by the film’s portrayal of these historical events as a relevant and necessary component of the nation’s narrative fabric.
Furthermore, Tatwawadi discussed his seamless transition between the Marathi film industry and films in other Indian languages. To him, language isn’t a barrier but rather an element contingent upon the script’s appeal. He explained how, in a diverse country like India, it’s an opportune time for multilingual actors to thrive within various regional industries.
The film, which stars Yami Gautam, takes a deep dive into the developments surrounding the revocation of Article 370 that until then had provided a special autonomous status to the region of Jammu & Kashmir. The discussions and debates around this historical legislative action have found a new avenue through the medium of cinema, with ‘Article 370’ being a provocative and talked-about addition to that ongoing dialogue.
