Article 15

Anubhav Sinha's 'Article 15' is designed like a crime thriller. And what works for the film is that it's thought provoking, hard hitting while unflinchingly bringing to light burning social issues.

The film is heavy on atmospherics, with the top notch cinematography (Ewan Mulligan) and background score adding to the mood. The feel is grim, gritty and grey often bringing a chill to the bone with palpable tension in the air. The images - some provocative and uncomfortable stand out, like the one where a man goes deep into a drain to unclog it and emerges soaked in the filth or the top shot of a group of policemen conducting a search in a swamp with their torchlights. The dialogues leave an impact. And the director brings out subtle nuances through his characters and setting which add to the essence of the narrative. The film's storyline, interspersed with powerful and poignant moments leaves you with goose-bumps. The narrative definitely keeps you on the edge, but there are times when it feels a tad overstuffed as the layers, political intricacies and a multitude of characters seep in. And at times the pace dips.

But certainly, the performances by an ace set of actors is one of the high points of the film. Ayushmann Khurana has you hooked instantly, belting out a riveting performance as the sincere, determined police officer. It's an intense, gripping act as he gets under the skin of his character. Other noteworthy scene stealers include actors Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayub, in a short but impactful role as Nishad.

'Article 15' is not a light watch, but it is definitely relevant, compelling and a film that will spark conversation.

Caste n communal politics by the fascists in India is responsible for the deterioration of my beloved India.

The film is beautifully-shot, superbly-acted and has a plot that is very very disturbing.

Fans of Marshland, Memories of Murder n True Detective S1 will definitely like this.

In rural North India, two underage girls r raped n hanged on a tree while a third one is missing. An honest cop investigates the heinous crime but comes face to face with the brutal realities of caste discrimination.

The investigation leads us thru the desolated fields, filthy swamps, tall weeds, thick tress and abandoned tannery n ultimately we come face to face with the ugly n harsh realities.

Schindler's List's pit scene wher the kids hide in the excreta pit, made me cry. And in this movie, the scene of the girls' bodies hanging on the tree made me very sad n disturbed.

The film is beautifully-shot, superbly-acted and has a plot that is disturbing but a reality still existing in 21st century.

Ayushman gave a restrained but terrific performance.

Director Anubhav Sinha (Mulk) shud be applauded for making Mulk n Article 15. He has dealt with relevant issues which is plaguing India which unfounately no other filmmakers in India is bothered about.

The cinematography by Ewan Mulligan enhances the viewing experience, with the rural landscapes feeling appropriately desolated as if the fields n trees r disturbed too.

There are some high overhead shots that add to the sense of vastness.

Zeeshan Ayyub gave a memorable performance, a scholar turned into a rebel.

His lines before the climax is heart wrenching.

He says in the film that men martyred at the border r outnumbered by those who die cleaning the sewers n no one mourns for them.

Very disturbing that India is the only place where manual scavenging still exists, where poor fellas clean human excreta by their bare hands.

This movie is a must for fans of Mississippi Burning n Devgan's Aakrosh which itself is an unofficial remake of Mississippi Burning.

This movie is a perfect example of a team of artists taking accountability of the social issues in India. I completely understand that revenue and profit cannot be overlooked in any professional industry, however, social responsibility is critical as well. Artists need to be honest and direct with their audience. I think this movie should be a lesson for those high paid actors who need to be less greedy and utilize their stature to help develop India.

Article 15 as formed by the Indian Constitution of India prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. Unfortunately, this is not case on the records in the real India.

Article 15 tells the story of IPS officer, Ayan Ranjan (played by Ayushmann Khurrana), who has been posted in a small village, Laal Gaon, Uttar Pradesh. The day he takes up duty, he is welcomed with the murder case of three girls which leads to the "real" issues of the caste system which is very much prevalent in the "real" India.

Last year Anubhav Sinha proved that he is more than just making candyfloss film,Tum Bin, or forgettable Cash with Mulk. This year, he goes one step ahead with Article 15 which is based on true life event of the 2014 Badaun gang rape case where two Dalit girls were gang raped continuously for two days, murdered and hung from a tree. There are no songs in this 2 hours 10 minutes film as Anubhav Sinha takes the audience right into the the truth which is harsh but was never elaborated. There are couple of questions raised by Ayushmann Khurrana to his peers relating to the different levels of caste and to his dismay, he gets the answer that there are different levels of caste and even sub-caste below. The scene is funny yet exposes the harsh truth existing in the few parts of rural India. Two scenes stands out - a lower caste worker coming out of a pit full of waste, his face smeared with sludge and goes back again to complete manual removal of untreated human excreta. The second scene is where a factory owner proudly admits to hitting the three girls who demanded a pay-hike of just Rs 3 and the reason he gives for beating these girls "Unko Aukat Unki Dikhane ke Liye"

Article 15 details out the struggles and challenges faced by the cops mentally and physically. The crime-drama boast off some strong technical support. I should start with an outstanding editing work. The background score is haunting and yet mesmerizing. The cinematography is brilliant, portraying a real-life crime with aplomb. Screenplay is fantastic, though it becomes little sluggish towards the second half.

Coming to the performances, it is Ayushmann Khurrana who will make you believe with enduring transformation from uninformed IPS officer into a angry man who stands for the righteous act. Ayushmann Khurrana lives and breathes the character of Ayan Ranjan and is complimented by Kumd Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta and the dependable Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub (who shines in a small role).

Article 15 is not easy watch but it will expose the harsh reality of what happened on that fateful night and it will definitely make you angry. Go for it ...MIND-BLOWING 4/5

One of the greatest movie in bollywood i 've ever watched. No words to describe this movie. Ayushmann role is very very incredible.