Article 370 Review

Article 370: A Movie Review with a Missed Opportunity

Article 370 is a recently released Indian movie and has sparked debate and garnered mixed reviews from the audience and critics. The movie story is set against the backdrop of the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir, a law that granted special rights to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Yami Gautam, Priyamani and the entire star cast and supporting actors of Article 370 has done a fabulous job and has been hugely applauded by the critics as brilliant and captivating. The film’s brutal portrayal of political conflict and painstaking attention to detail have also received praise, solidifying its reputation as a cinematic masterwork.

Article 370 Plot and Release Date

The film – Article 370 tells the story of two women navigating the complexities of the situation. Zooni, a Kashmiri woman, and Rajeshwari, a government official, find themselves on opposite sides of the issue, grappling with personal and professional challenges.

On July 8, 2016, intelligence division agent Zooni Haksar (Yami Gautam Dhar) learns vital information about the whereabouts of a dangerous terrorist named Burhan (Shivam Khajuria) in Kokernag, Kashmir. When she approaches her superior, Khawar Ali (Raj Arjun), seeking permission, he tells her to hold off. When Zooni decides not to, Yash Chauhan (Vaibhav Tatwawadi), a CRPF officer, and his crew assist him in carrying out the operation. When Burhan is assassinated, some political leaders become enraged. They incite the youth, which makes the Valley violent. The story revolves around the main characters and the conservative situation of the Indian Valley. 

Released February 23, 2024, Article 370 delves into a sensitive and controversial topic. The narrative of the story woven masterfully due to the concern of it being an international issue  in the UN as well. The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 was a significant political move by the Indian government, and the film attempts to portray the human impact of this decision.

Article 370 Music & Songs

Article 370’s music is given by Shashwat Sachdev and sadly, it didn’t connect so well with its audience like it did in Uri: the Surgical Strike. Article 370 ought to have been a song-free movie in theory, however, the background score by Shashwat Sachdev made the whole direction more humane touch.

Cinematography of Article 370 & Everything

In action moments, Siddharth Vasani’s cinematography is stunning and simple. The production design by Sriram Kanan Iyengar and Sujeet Subhash Sawant is exquisite. Veera Kapur Ee creates fashionable yet realistic costumes for the movie. The action of Parvez Shaikh is not at all graphic and the visual effects of Similar Brains are just fine and is good to watch.

Skip it or Watch it? A Balanced Review

Despite the absence of the most important thing – Kashmiri voices, which the article rightly critiques, Article 370 deserves a watch for its attempt to spark conversation about a complex and ongoing issue in India and between its other neighbouring countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The film sheds light on the human stories behind the headlines, showcasing the diverse perspectives and challenges faced by individuals caught in the midst of political turmoil.

A Missed Opportunity, But Still Worth Watching

While the movie’s portrayal of the situation in Kashmir is undoubtedly subjective and lacks the crucial perspective of the Kashmiri people themselves, it is a commendable effort to bring this sensitive topic to the forefront. The film compels Indian viewers to engage with the issue and also reaches out to international audience as well. The narrative fosters empathy and understanding for the human value above the political decisions.

A Positive Take, But Room for Improvement

Article 370 is a well-made film with strong performances from the lead actresses – Yami Gautam and Priyamani. It is a thought-provoking exploration of Indian Cinema in recent times, and despite its shortcomings, it is a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue about Kashmir. However, the inclusion of Kashmiri people would have undoubtedly enriched the narrative and provided a more nuanced perspective on the situation and the valley.

Overall, Article 370 is a film that is worth watching, but it should be approached with a critical eye. In the last exploration of such controversial topics, The Kashmir Files in 2022 and The Kerala Story in 2023 has magnetized several scrutinized dialogues from all over the world. While it offers a glimpse into the human stories behind the headlines, it is important to remember that it is just one perspective on a multifaceted issue.

It is also essential to seek out diverse viewpoints and engage in open and respectful dialogue in order to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding Kashmir.