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.

A movie with great story and meaningful. Starting from it's cinematography to it's acting, it's all fantastic which shows the great work of the director.

The story itself and delivering many meaningful messages to the viewers is the best thing in the movie. System corruption, people's acceptance to unfairness, poor being victims, dividing people into categories all these cases are shown in this wonderful movie.

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

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.

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