'Article 370' Review: Yami Gautam, Priyamani Shine In Riveting, Nuanced Depiction Of Indian History's Untold Chapter

In 2022, director Vivek Agnihotri struck a chord with audiences with his film 'The Kashmir Files,' focusing on the 1990 exodus of Kashmiri Hindus and portraying the events leading up to it as a genocide. This narrative stirred controversy and was viewed as propaganda by many. While the movie advocated for the revocation of Article 370 , it merely scratched the surface without delving into the intricate details of its implications and how it would impact the lives of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

Two years later, we witness 'Article 370,' directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, a sincere endeavor to explore the complexities surrounding the events preceding the nullification of Article 370, which bestowed special status upon the state of Jammu & Kashmir, a subject of ongoing debate since 1947.

'Article 370' explores the intricacies of politics in depth

With Yami Gautam and Priyamani at the helm, 'Article 370' delivers a gripping narrative that informs, educates, and captivates audiences throughout. For those vaguely familiar with the significance and abrogation of Article 370 but have never delved into its intricacies, this 2 hours 30 minutes film serves as a compellingly narrated chapter, simplifying the complexities of politics and offering an engaging watch that enables the average viewer to comprehend its relevance with ease.

'Article 370' diverges from 'The Kashmir Files'

While 'Article 370' may be seen as an extension of 'The Kashmir Files' to some extent, it offers a vastly different lens and perspective, refreshing in its approach. The film refrains from adopting a jingoistic narrative or subtle undertones, steering clear of any propaganda. Instead, it remains focused on presenting facts as they unfolded, supported by meticulous and exceptional research, which truly sets it apart.

'Article 370' not only outlines the events surrounding the abrogation but also delves into the details, showcasing how the escalating violence in Kashmir compelled the current government to revoke Jammu & Kashmir's special status.

Penned by Aditya Dhar and Monal Thaakar, the film prioritizes its story as the central focus for the majority of its runtime, although it features several standout performances that captivate the audience's attention.

The core concept

The movie begins in 1947 with sepia-toned visuals and Ajay Devgn's voiceover, detailing the division of Kashmir and the inception of Article 370. Transitioning to 2016, a political action thriller unfolds, following the Kashmir unrest. Local agent Zooni Haksar (portrayed by Yami Gautam Dhar) and Intelligence Field Officer Rajeshwari (played by Priyamani Swaminathan) are clandestinely recruited by the PMO Secretary to lead a National Investigation Agency (NIA) operation in Kashmir. Their mission: to uncover the conflict economy, combat separatists and corrupt officials, and address the escalating terror situation, all in the months leading up to the abrogation of Article 370.

The first half of the film is a gradual build-up, taking its time to establish the premise, with the tragic Pulwama attack strategically placed as the interval block. Transitioning into the second half, the narrative adopts a more focused and accelerated pace, resulting in a tightly woven storyline leading to a satisfying climax that spans an exhilarating 30 minutes. While certain dialogues may echo sentiments seen in numerous Kashmir-based films, there are moments where the screenplay shines with impactful lines that command appreciation.

One cannot ignore the creative liberties taken by filmmakers

The impactful writing is complemented by a seamless screenplay crafted by Aditya Dhar, Aditya Suhas Jambhale, Arjun Dhawan, and Monal Thaakar, which maintains a linear progression without unnecessary back-and-forth movement. This approach allows key events leading to the removal of Article 370 to unfold with the intended impact. The screenplay's division into multiple chapters, such as 'The Lover of the Tral,' 'Blindspot,' 'Save The Date,' 'Sub-clause (d),' and 'Was, Is and Always Will Be,' further streamlines the plot, ensuring there are no loose ends. Credit is due to Shivkumar V. Panicker's editing, which meticulously stitches together the portions, crafting a narrative that evokes a strong sense of nationalism and emotion.

While much of 'Article 370' draws inspiration from real events, it's undeniable that the filmmakers have taken creative liberties, occasionally in a manner that may seem too conspicuous for viewers to overlook. For example, the inclusion of overdramatic action sequences, such as Yami and her colleague surviving a grenade attack unscathed, or depicting NIA investigations conducted behind closed doors, may stretch believability and warrant scrutiny from the audience.

Yami and Priyamani deliver equally powerful performances

Yami Gautam delivers a powerful performance, showcasing her versatility and talent in her portrayal. Her no-nonsense demeanor adds gravitas to the film, and she effectively conveys her character's determination and intensity through her actions and intense dialogue delivery. Particularly commendable are the moments when she stands up for her fellow men in uniform or confronts a colleague for jeopardizing her breakthroughs, adding depth and authenticity to her character.

Priyamani delivers an equally compelling performance, stealing the spotlight with her restrained yet impactful portrayal. Throughout the film, she maintains a sense of calm amidst the chaos, portraying her character with depth and nuance. While the styling of characters in politically-driven narratives may not always receive much attention, Priyamani's elegant cotton drapes deserve special mention, adding a touch of authenticity to her character. Films like "Article 370" instill a sense of pride, showcasing two female leads carrying the weight of the narrative with grace, supported by a talented ensemble cast. One can only hope that such films inspire more filmmakers to craft strong, driven, and phenomenal roles for female actors.

Impressive ensemble cast

Among the notable ensemble cast, Arun Govil's portrayal of the PM and Kiran Karmarkar's depiction of the Home Minister stand out significantly. These characters, inspired by Narendra Modi and Amit Shah respectively, are brought to life convincingly through meticulous prosthetics and compelling dialogue delivery, adding authenticity to the film. Additionally, actors Raj Zutshi, Raj Arun, and Vaibhav Tatwawadi provide strong support to the leading cast, contributing to the overall impact of the narrative.

'Article 370' highlights one of the most pivotal chapters in our nation's history. With its impressive writing, straightforward narrative, and exceptional direction, the film effortlessly conveys its intended message. While Bollywood has seen numerous films centered around Kashmir, this Yami and Priyamani-starrer undoubtedly stands out as one of the finest among them.