Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Nassar, Sayani Gupta, Isha Talwar and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayub.
Rating: 5/5
Ever since childhood, we all are taught to treat everyone equally, for all of us wish to have the power and freedom to live our life on our terms. While we ourselves do not wish to be looked down upon ever, what gives us the right to treat someone in a disgraceful manner. It is not the constitution, for it has been written keeping the entire nation as one. And, if you think it is your power, then you should be ashamed. These words may seem harsh, but they are true, and this is what Anubhav Sinha wants to convey. In a nutshell, Article 15 will give you the taste of your own medicine.
The backdrop is Lalgaon, a small village in UP, where IPS Ayan Ranjan is newly posted. The ‘firang-like’ demeanour catches the attention of the villagers, and truly like a firang, he is mostly unaware of the ugly behaviour and discrimination breeding in the village. Just as he arrives, he is stunned with his first case, as three girls go missing from the village. While two are found dead, the third goes missing. The real reason for that is unknown, but the villagers try to shut the case with false accusation and misleading stories. Despite understanding the societal concerns, social disparities, Ayan fights against all odds and makes his mission to find the third girl by all means.
There are many good aspects of this film. Firstly, besides the plot, the film is heavy on beautiful visuals and kudos to the cinematographer Ewan Mulligan and the team for presenting Article 15 on a stunning canvas. Some scenes have been creatively thought-through, to ensure the presentation is taken a notch higher. Anubhav Sinha once again does what he is best at, and that is to blend important issues with fictional storytelling. In Article 15, Anubhav Sinha stitches three important issues – discrimination, rape, and political power – in one powerful film. Even amidst the drama and intense atmosphere, Sinha and his co-writer Gaurav Solanki, manage to make one laugh with subtly placed dialogues.
The characters of the film are well sketched and casting is to the point. Ayushmann Khurrana once again proves his worth, and presents a new side of his skill, as IPS Ayan Ranjan. He is strong yet vulnerable, naïve about the societal issues yet focused to take a stand for the right. This film is a classic example of success, as a highly talented team works together to put forward an intriguing film. The eminent supporting cast, which includes Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Nassar, Sayani Gupta, Isha Talwar, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayub, adds a lot of value to the film. The expertise in the craft will make your experience worth it.
There is a lot that this film will do to your soul, as it is made with good intentions. The film has the power to make you feel guilty for all the right reasons. As an individual, even if you have ever discriminated, at any point in life, knowingly or unknowingly, then you would feel the pain, and you should feel guilty. Article 15 is not just about what the constitution says. It is a film that focuses on what humanity teaches, and that is to treat everyone with an equal eye. It is an eye-opener, for we are emotional and intellectual souls, yet ignorant, and this is shameful!
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