Originally published here Masala
Ayushman Khurana and Anubhav Sinha have teamed up to show us the other side of not-so-incredible India. It is not the first time that Ayushman has picked a controversial movie, and he never fails to impress us with his impeccable acting skills. Article 15 is a true teamwork of some brilliant talent out of Bollywood. Be it Sayani Gupta as Gaura, or Kumud Mishra as Jatav. Anubhav Sinha has ensured throughout the film that each and every character is performed with an unmistakable excellence. This is not the first time, Bollywood has come up with caste-based movie, yet the timing is crucial as India has recently gotten over its election.
The film begins with a song Kahab Toh carrying strong lyrics between economic class difference, while an important event takes place in background. This song sets the tone of sentiments of lower class of India called Dalits but the relevance can be universal.
Ayushman Khurana is shown as an IPS officer appointed in a far-flung country side of India. His initial reactions to the poverty and practiced influence are pure and naïve as compared to other policemen shown in his area. Ayushman’s character has shown a subtle privilege which strengthen his character to take decisions and challenge the complicated caste system.
It is very interesting to note that an urban high-class IPS officer is shown to be unaware of the caste system of India, because his place & privilege never had these. Article 15 is full of small but significant anecdotes which keep the audience involved and reflect on their surroundings. There is one situation where a policeman was unable to understand instructions in basic English, shows the kind of induction Indian police has at several levels. The abuse of economic and caste power can surprise you in this film. Anubhav Sinha has delicately directed this challenging subject with utmost care. The teamwork shows where you will see some of the most gruesome scenes shot to perfection.
Article 15 has many folds to it, but the character of Nishad, performed by Zeeshan Ayub, will give you food for thought. Nishad is a man who was young and hopeful but then life happened. His character is almost every other man who is in league of separatist/nationalist, but free of hunger for power. Zeeshan Ayub’s screen time is less but he has left his mark. They say, civilization is what sets a human apart from an animal. Watch Article 15 to know, they were wrong!
