#Article15 is one step next to #PariyerumPerumal and other movies in that genre. It is not necessarily the logical next step or even the next step in cinematic brilliance. It is the next step in the cinematic narrative that has evolved in the past few years in the realm of movies that have now boldly taken on the beast of caste. What was once spoken in hushed tones is now spoken loud and clear, on a large screen, with scintillating background music, a riveting screenplay and ounces of talent oozing from each department that takes to make a full-length movie. The interval break with the camera focusing on Article 15 of the constitution and Vande Mataram in the background raises goosebumps - in sharp contrast to the forced national anthem at the beginning of the movie. You really want to get up and salute the makers of this glorious Constitution. Talking of which, I wondered, how little I know of Dr Ambedkar. He is just a mention in my General Knowledge sphere, associated with the constitution. But in three movies now that touch upon caste, he is almost the Central Figure. He is not another historical character. He is an emotion, life and blood in these movies and perhaps the caste consciousness of this country. Ayan's candid conversations with Aditi are written to speak to the urban conscience of this country, which lives, as pointed out, in another country. Sometimes it's a soft prick, then it's a jab and in some moments it is a violent thrust.
I went to the movie, as it was recommended highly on social media. It did not disappoint. While movies like Pariyerum Perumal highlighted the caste oppression, Article 15 delves on what can be done next, and now. Which, to me personally, is hugely pertinent and critical. Ayan's struggle brilliantly elucidates why eradicating caste hierarchy is not a linear exercise.
But the end though is disappointing. That a Messianic, James Bond type, Brahmin Saviour is indeed needed to arrive at the answer - something the film had laboured to negate the rest of the 125 minutes. Having said that, it is making good money at the box office, is what I hear. All good news for quality cinema in this country. No unnecessary fight scenes. No songs. No dance. Just scripted poetry in motion. So much so that now Ayushmann Khurrana has made a name for himself for the scripts he chooses.
I went to the movie, as it was recommended highly on social media. It did not disappoint. While movies like Pariyerum Perumal highlighted the caste oppression, Article 15 delves on what can be done next, and now. Which, to me personally, is hugely pertinent and critical. Ayan's struggle brilliantly elucidates why eradicating caste hierarchy is not a linear exercise.
But the end though is disappointing. That a Messianic, James Bond type, Brahmin Saviour is indeed needed to arrive at the answer - something the film had laboured to negate the rest of the 125 minutes. Having said that, it is making good money at the box office, is what I hear. All good news for quality cinema in this country. No unnecessary fight scenes. No songs. No dance. Just scripted poetry in motion. So much so that now Ayushmann Khurrana has made a name for himself for the scripts he chooses.
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