In a classified assignment, the PMO Secretary recruits an intelligence field officer named Zooni Haksar to dismantle the conflict economy. And fight terrorism in Kashmir valley just before Article 370 abrogation takes effect.
Despite its length of two and a half hours ‘Article 370’ is still mostly absorbing. A drama that arose as a result of real incidents but with creative embellishments shows that it was necessary to repeal Article 370 which gave special status for Jammu & Kashmir. The film contends that the government’s action on revoking the article was right. Through its portrayal, the filmmakers make clear that the suffering of residents of Kashmir has been caused by corrupt local leaders conniving with terrorists. The first half is tense and expertly sets up the plot. However, towards its climax, it loses steam somewhat thereby becoming more overtly dramatic than realistic.
‘Botched’ encounter notwithstanding, Zooni Haksar (Yami Gautam Dhar), an intelligence field officer gets transferred to Delhi after successfully completing said mission according to his supervisor’s report himself. Rajeshwari Swaminathan (Priyamani), who is the PMO Secretary, does much of the groundwork as government moves to abrogate Article 370. She also forms her team and appoints Zooni as head of NIA operation in Kashmir. In saving peace and harmony in vale political issues such as corruption among local leaders and terrorism are obstacles.
It is inspiring to see two actresses dominate screen space and carry an entire movie on their backs through their acting skills alone. Yami Gautam comes across as Zooni who delivers a very commendable performance in her no-nonsense attitude showing how dedicated she usually looks like she always does everything to justify her roles Priyamani plays IAS officer role perfectly well with a performance whose restraint hits home convincingly. Raj Zutshi plays a character of a Kashmiri leader and thrice former Chief Minister of J&K. While Raj Arun acts as Khawar Ali and Vaibhav Tatwawadi plays the role of Commandant Yash Chauhan to support the whole cast dynamically.
Throughout ‘Article 370’, some creative liberties try to elicit the sense of nationalism. But why Zooni had to do it by pretending when she could have simply accessed amended documents at J&K Secretariat is unclear. However, this film suggests that director Aditya Suhas Jambhale, a two-time National Award-winning director may have more in store for us in the future. It is worth watching ‘Article 370’ because there is enough substance in it that could keep a viewer engaged and involved.
Watch free movies on Fmovies
