Article 15

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

No words. The film boldly engages all the parties involved in the social justice system. The story could have satisfied viewers even with limited domain, but instead of narrow approach of pin pointing, it chooses to broaden.

Ayushmann is reaching new heights in every other film and other actors also nailed it. And some shots are spine chilling.

First things first, this is a very important movie. This is a movie about something that we almost everyday read about in news or our Facebook feed but choose to scroll past. It talks about issues that our politicians pick up at slight popularity and turn it into vote machines. Some of us even join the band. Some of us leave thoughts and prayers and move on.

In a country that on paper and figures is a fastest developing nation, the citizens certainly don't act like it. Article 15 doesn't pull it's punches when it comes to baring these harsh realities. Problem is, instead of focussing on one, it tries to over reach and takes on several issues but only satisfies us with the two main plot, while other things we have been following are kept open. While I understand that writers don't want to give us a happy ending, or make us feel all is well in the end , these sub plots certainly didn't deserve to be wrapped so quickly to reach the climax. It felt like they shot a long movie but had to let go of important scenes to cut down the run time.

Other than that, the writers do a great job setting the characters and the director understands how to tackle this heavy subject. The director and DP work together to shoot every frame with grit and the environment is foggy with low visibility, just as the mindset of people living there.

Ayushman does a great job as usual but this time he is not the best part of the movie. Supporting actors Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa and Sayani Gupta give towering performance. Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub is credited as guest appearance but with limited screen time he leaves lasting impact. It's a shame his character and storyline was cut short.

Background score is superb. Last but not the least, the casting director has handpicked each character nicely.

In the end, this movie deserves to be screened everywhere all around the country. I am enjoying the reviews by trolls who are triggered and claiming this 'work of fiction' a Propaganda.

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.

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.