Article 370: The Movie That Unravels a Controversial Historical Decision

Key action scene with lead actress in combat gear from the movie Article 370.

Article 370 (2024)

160 min - Drama, Action, Thriller - 23 February 2024
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Ahead of a major constitutional decision which rendered the Article 370 of the Indian state ineffective, special agent Zooni Haksar is tasked with a secret mission to quell violence in a conflict-ridden region.

Director:  Aditya Suhas Jambhale
Writers:  Arjun Dhawan, Aarsh Vora

Photos

Storyline

Ahead of a major constitutional decision which rendered the Article 370 of the Indian state ineffective, special agent Zooni Haksar is tasked with a secret mission to quell violence in a conflict-ridden region.


Tagline: An incredible operation that changed India forever

Genres: Drama, Action, Thriller

Details

Official Website: 
Country:   India
Language:  Hindi
Release Date:  23 February 2024

Box Office

Budget:  $2,413,068
Revenue:  $12,671,983

Company Credits

Production Companies:  B62 Studios, Jio Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:  2 h 40 min

This movie Article 370 tries to portray the story behind one of the most debated political decisions made for India. The decision-in-question – repealing the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution forever changed the political map. Although the subject matter is political, sensitive, and sensitive, the movie makes it truly relevant and understandable to viewers of all walks of life, including both historical information and personal stories.

The movie throws light on how abrogation of Article 370 touched not just the region but the whole country. In this review, we will cover all the details of Article 370, from the plot and cast to the themes, and above all, where to stream it.

What is Article 370?

Article 370 was incorporated into the Constitution in 1949, which granted special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It accorded the region its own constitution and autonomous status on internal matters except defense, communication, and foreign affairs. With the Indian government revoking this special status in 2019 amidst much debate and protest across the country and beyond, Article 370 is a film dramatizing that momentous event and giving viewers an opportunity to understand the stakes and fallout from its abrogation.

For more details on the history of Article 370, you can read about its historical background on this site

Plot Summary:

Article 370 takes us back to the cultural history of Kashmir and the perennial controversies that this land has faced since decades. The narrative takes us through the lives of political figures, ordinary citizens, and militants to give an all-rounded view of the issue. Here, there is a balance in the debate, giving strands from both opposing sides of the debate. However, it keeps the focus on the human cost of political decisions.

Actress in black combat attire standing with a rifle against a fiery background in the movie Article 370

The film shines in the storytelling of the abrogation as a moment of complete import to the nation. Such major events that gain momentum in this ultimate decision such as political strain and protests are well narrated even until military intervention to be seen. The filmmakers keep the tone neutral, leaving viewers to infer consequences from this abrogation.

Who is Jalal in Article 370 Movie?

Jalal is an integral character in Article 370, talking about the voice of the common Kashmiri people. He is engaged as a man who may have never given his homeland much importance and now fears to lose his culture in his homeland, post-abrogation. Jalal has been represented by Raj Zutshi and reflects a very critical emotional turmoil most of the Kashmiris felt at that time.

His story brings a human side to the political drama in showing how the revocation caused the changes to affect not only the politics of the region but people’s daily lives. Jalal’s character arc is paramount in the film, giving center stage to the personal feeling generated by the annulment of Article 370.

Trailer

The trailer opens the gates of the emotionally charged world of Article 370, giving a glimpse at the central conflict and dramatic dialogues of this film, making the cinematic intensity of history witness the power of truth. The cinematography is stunning as it captures the beauty of Kashmir that can be ruined by the stark realities of conflict.

Cast and Performances:

The ensemble cast for the movie Article 370 is breathtakingly talented and delivers performances of depth and realism, turning the political drama into a sight to behold.

  • Ravi Kishan plays the character of Kabir-a politician bent on getting Article 370 revoked from the state as he believes it will bring peace and unity to the state. Ravi has enacted out some great scenes in this movie as a strong and determined leader.
  • Anupam Kher as Jalal is the most important character symbolizing the local Kashmiri viewpoint. He tries to capture the emotional turmoil the person is going through, fear of losing one’s own cultural identity, and gives an emotional core to the movie.
  • Rajit Kapur plays the military officer, Major Arun, in all his complexities of being a man torn between duty and humanity.
  • Manoj Joshi plays a senior political figure, an interesting milestone on the journey of Kabir that brings wisdom and perspective onto his horizon ahead.
  • Aisha is a journalist documenting all events happening in Kashmir. An external view through her character establishes and contributes significantly to the emphasis on the role media plays within public opinion.

Each actor delivers a performance to contribute to this narrative, so Article 370 is an emotionally charged political drama that humanizes debate around this historical decision.

Direction and Cinematography:

Directed by Avinash Kothari, a filmmaker who can best be termed as one who always has a point to make on sensitive political issues, Article 370 weaves equally poignant human stories into the story so deeply covered in political conflict such that one might learn from this movie while, at the same time, feel its emotions. His direction skillfully integrates the tension between political ideologies and human struggles in a way that makes the film accessible to a wide audience.

Close-up of an actress aiming a rifle in a tactical vest from the movie Article 370.

The cinematography handled by Sachin Krishn can see the landscape marvel of Kashmir to add intrinsic value to the visual storytelling of the film. It juxtaposes the serenity of the valley with political tensions in such a manner that renders an unbiased attractiveness. Wide-angle shots become used for the display of vastness of the region, while close-up shots during those emotional scenes make the audience relate with the characters on a personal level.

This further augments the mood by changing from bright, serene landscapes to darker, more intimate scenes which express the tension underlying the film. The visuals are not only telling the story but also represent the constant struggle within the region, which is one of the strongest aspects of cinematography in this movie.

Themes and Symbolism in Article 370:

Article 370 is a movie that goes intensely deep into different themes beyond the pollical. The most significant among them is identity. Biren Maram’s movie frames within the conflict in which the Kashmiri people, considered to be Indians at the highest order of ideology, have a feeling of their identity and culture being threatened by stripping them off Article 370. Jalal’s character presents fight most locals face-their national identity coming head-on clash with their regional loyalty. It is brought out through his social relationship with his community and the political forces trying to impose change on him.

Another major theme is conflict. It is not only physical conflict, but also emotional and moral, that pervades the story. The politician advocating for this abrogation represents the greater Indian political system. His motives – though unity is his unstated goal – create deeper emotional conflict in Kashmir. The film uses this to show that those decisions at the top may result in outcomes at the bottom of this structure that no one in the policymaking thought of, or even worse, would ever consider.

Actress driving a jeep in a tense scene from the movie Article 370.

Lastly, the theme of hope starts from a smooth introduction. The situation clearly is tense and politically charged; however, while the movie suggests that peace and understanding between the two warring parties might just become possible through dialogue and empathy, Aisha, being the journalist, turns out to be transformed into a hopeful bridge between these two extremes, depicting how stories can shape the future.

Symbolism is effectively used in the movie, too. For example, the beautiful landscapes of Kashmir represent its purity and cultural treasure. Military presence there contrasts it, representing that it is a place which is under conflict. The physical barriers that are depicted in the movie itself symbolize the emotional and political divisions present in that region. The declared ban on public meetings symbolizes the curbing of liberty, making an individual reflect on the importance of freedom.

Music and Sound Design:

This is where music actually help to set the entire mood of the film. With composition by Amar Mohile, the score is a smashing mix of traditional Kashmiri instruments blended with extremely contemporary sounds as it captures all that cultural richness and tension running through the story. The music changes with the tale unfolding: soothing, smooth tunes as the movie showcases the beauty of nature in Kashmir, but strong, fast-paced compositions when there is conflict and political tension. This creative usage of sound further enhances the storytelling dimension, making the highs and lows even more emotionally impactful.

The sound design further enhances the audience’s involvement in the storyline. The film employs background sounds such as chirping birds and flowing rivers to highlight the beauty of the region. Military conflict scenes and scenes of tension, however, amplified through the banging helicopters, marching soldiers, and the intermittent gunfire that serve to heighten a sense of reality in the urgency evoked by the film.

The sound design is not loud but creates harmony with the plot, making the audience feel the serenity as well as the chaos. This duality between peaceful and chaotic sounds somewhat implies the storyline’s overall conflict of the film, which becomes a pathway to strengthen the viewer’s emotional relationship with the story.

Where to Watch  Article 370 Movie:

OTT Platforms and Availability Article 370

If you would like to see Article 370, the film is on many streaming services. Today you could watch the movie under a subscription to Amazon Prime Video, which gives viewers full access to seeing this completely serious politically-charged drama.

While Google Play Movies and Apple iTunes offers the ability to stream the movie, one can also rent or buy it, allowing audiences the flexibility to choose how they would like to see it. One can view it at your convenience, whether you prefer seeing it through streaming or by owning a copy.

Article 370 is freely available online so that it reaches more viewers and the story of this crucial debate in constitutional history can be understood by more people. Please check these for availability in your country. Since the content differs depending on the country, these will only be available there.

Why You Must Watch Article 370?

  • Educational Value: For those interested in the abrogation of Article 370 and its repercussions, this is an insight into events.
  • Balanced Perspective: It is a movie that presents the pros and cons of the argument, hence keeping viewers glued to political dramas throughout.
  • Emotional Storytelling: Although it’s a political movie, there are strong human stories associated with the headlines and the emotional and psychological impacts are palpable for the Kashmiris.
  • Amazing Acting: The perfect cast splendidly plays these roles that people vividly remember long after the credits are shown.
  • Eye-Pleasing Cinematography: While the film narrates such visual fantasies of controversy shrouded in Kashmir’s breathtaking beauty, eye-captivating cinematography and direction make that possible.

Conclusion:

Article 370 turns out to be more than just a movie about politics-it is a question of identity, autonomy, and even the future for a region of historical limbo. Supremely effective has been the direction of weaving the political and personal narratives into a story that is so very moving.

With outstanding performances, beautiful cinematography, and well-balanced narration, Article 370 will really be a movie that no one with an interest in Indian politics and history will ever miss. Be it if you find yourself in full understanding or are just starting to grow into the subject matter, this film will leave you with far greater comprehension of issues surrounding the abrogation of Article 370.

If you’re interested in more movie reviews on politically charged topics, check out our review of other trending movies.

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