Article 370 Movie Review: A Tale of Conflict and Resolution
The film “Article 370” centers on Zooni Haksar, an intelligence field officer, who is recruited by the Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office for a critical assignment in the Kashmir valley. The operation’s goal is to dismantle the conflict economy and combat terrorism just as the government prepares to revoke Article 370, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
The Review
Although “Article 370” has a runtime exceeding two and a half hours, the film manages to keep audiences engaged for most of the duration. The narrative, while based on real events, incorporates several fictional elements to amplify the drama. The film supports the government’s decision to abolish Article 370, suggesting that the article’s existence allowed corrupt local leaders and militants to exploit the region, leading to the suffering of Kashmiri residents.
The first half of the movie builds tension effectively, setting the scene for the central plot. However, as the story progresses, the film shifts from intense realism to a more melodramatic climax, occasionally sacrificing plausibility for cinematic spectacle.
Article 370 Movie Review: This intriguing drama sheds light on Kashmir’s complex dynamics
The central storyline follows Zooni Haksar, played by Yami Gautam Dhar, who is transferred to Delhi after a contentious encounter. Despite its success, her superior considers the operation “botched.” As the government moves to annul Article 370, PMO Secretary Rajeshwari Swaminathan, played by Priyamani, leads the efforts and appoints Zooni to head a crucial National Investigation Agency (NIA) mission in Kashmir. This mission requires her to navigate a complex landscape of corrupt leaders and militants, ultimately working towards peace and unity in the region.
It’s refreshing to see two strong female leads carrying the film with their performances. Yami Gautam, in the role of Zooni, exudes determination and focus, delivering a strong performance. Priyamani, as Rajeshwari Swaminathan, provides a controlled and convincing portrayal of an IAS officer.
Supporting roles from Raj Zutshi as a former Chief Minister of J&K, Raj Arun as Khawar Ali, and Vaibhav Tatwawadi as Commandant Yash Chauhan add depth to the story.
While “Article 370” evokes a sense of nationalism, some aspects of the plot could have been more streamlined. Zooni’s impersonation to obtain amended documents from the J&K Secretariat seemed unnecessary, as her position should have allowed easier access. Despite this, the film, directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, a two-time National Award-winning director, offers an engaging experience and indicates potential for future success. Overall, “Article 370” is a gripping watch with enough substance to maintain the audience’s interest throughout.
