Article 15

"Article 15" is an enthralling and thought-provoking Indian film released in 2019, that dares to venture into uncharted territory within the Indian socio-political cinema landscape. With an impressive cast headlined by Ayushmann Khurrana and supported by other veteran actors like Nassar and Manoj Pahwa, this film weaves a compelling narrative that reverberates within the audience long after the conclusion of the movie.

Anubhav Sinha, the director of the movie, submerges us into the tapestry of India’s society divided along the lines of caste, religion, and political ideologies. "Article 15" isn't a typical Bollywood movie; it drops the melodrama, strange plot twists, and interspersed song and dance routines characteristic of conventional Bollywood movies. Instead, it prides itself on a hard-hitting script bound by realism and entwined with eerie silences that speak more loudly than any cinematic score.

The title "Article 15" references a clause in the Indian constitution that prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. Ayushmann Khurrana plays the role of an idealistic young police officer, Ayan Ranjan. He hails from an upper caste and urban background, and is recently posted in the rural heartlands of India. A place where societal norms and prejudices often override the written law.

Ayan's first case is a heart-wrenching and deeply unsettling incident, involving the disappearance of three teenage girls who belong to a lower caste. The initial conjecture points towards a case of 'honor killing.' The victims worked as laborers and had demanded a slight increase in their daily wages. As he delves deeper into the case, Ayan is confronted with the deeply entrenched caste system and the ghastly reality of 'untouchability,' things quite alien to his urban upbringing. His determination to bring the culprits to justice and administer equal rights to all, irrespective of their caste, forms the backbone of the movie.

Khurrana shines in the role of a conflicted police officer struggling with his preconceived perceptions about society and the harsh realities he encounters. His performance is exceptionally nuanced as he discovers the layers of social disparities. In contrast, actors Manoj Pahwa and Nassar portray the desensitized local law enforcers reminiscent of the permanent landscape. You can't help but laud them for their riveting performances.

"Article 15" uses a dark and somber palette, set mostly in the swampy and desolate rural outskirts. The film plays out in an eerie gloom, with cinematography by Ewan Mulligan that captures the essence of the narrative and accentuates the grim subject matter. The movie also packs a musical punch with the hauntingly beautiful track "Kahab toh," composed by Anurag Saikia and Piyush Shankar and sung by Sayani Gupta.

"Article 15" brings to light the atrocities and social inequalities that still exist in many rural parts of India due to the deeply ingrained caste system. Anubhav Sinha, with co-writer Gaurav Solanki, meticulously unfolds the disturbing layers of societal hypocrisy and the casual acceptance of discrimination.

The movie is a significant departure from commercial cinema, marking an essential milestone in the realm of socially relevant movies. With its realistic portrayal of life, gripping storyline, and outstanding performances, "Article 15" serves as a stark reminder of the senseless injustice and inequality that stain modern society. It advocates for a pledge to challenge these prejudices and strive for a world where 'Article 15’ of the Indian Constitution is not just a theoretical concept but a tangible reality.

In conclusion, "Article 15" is not just a film; it's a mirror held up to society, forcing viewers to face the somber reality of current societal structures. It is a film that motivates audiences to question, introspect and incite change. This compelling film, sensibly crafted and wonderfully executed, certainly deserves a watch. It leaves you with the lingering question - how long until the lines of social discrimination blur and true equality prevails?