Article 15
Ratings: 4/5
Duration: 2hrs 10 mins
Director: Anubhav Sinha
Genre: Crime. Drama. Thriller
Release Date: 28.06.2019 (India)
Starcast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Kumud Sharma, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, and M Nasser
Plot: Article 15 is a thrilling investigative drama based on the shocking true events set against the backdrop of Badaun gangrape and murder case (2014). This movie starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Sayani Gupta, is an unpleasant watch as it makes you aware of the socio-political situation of India, where discrimination is everywhere, whether related to race, caste or sex. And is a hard-hitting reminder of the forgotten values of the Indian Constitution.
Review: The movie remains true to the demands of the plot without losing control over its principal purpose and that has worked wonderfully well. The storyline interspersed with powerful and poignant moments that leaves you with goose-bumps. The narrative keeps you on the edge, but there are times when it feels a tad overstuffed as the layers, political intricacies and a multitude of characters seep in. And at times the pace dips.
Many of the movie’s plot elements were picked from the newspaper headlines of recent years, the principal one related to the 2014 Badaun gangrape and killing of two girls and the 2016 Una flogging of Dalit men. The story is about the non-stop exploitation of the rural poor, rape as a weapon of suppression, murder and the horrifying culture of impunity when it comes to the investigation of crimes against the dispossessed. And is heavy on atmospherics, with the top-notch cinematography and background score adding to the mood. Moreover, the dialogues leave an impact and the feel is grim, gritty and grey that brings a chill to the bone with palpable tension in the air.
The director wins half the battle by casting little-known actors with real faces who look and act like people you would meet in an upcountry village. The performances from supporting cast like Nassar, Kumud Mishra, Sayani Gupta, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub were highly effective for the movie. Their performances are one of the high points of the film. Even Ayushmann Khurana has you hooked instantly, belting out an engrossing performance as the sincere, determined police officer. An intense act as he gets under the skin of his character seamlessly.
Article 15 is not a film in search of easy answers instead, it is a reminder that we already know the questions but don’t ask them enough. Therefore, watching this film is an overwhelming emotional experience. A film that should not be missed as it holds a mirror up to our society, compelling us to confront the worst that we are and the best that we can be.
