Article 370: Yami Gautam fiercely defends against baseless accusations by Critics

In the face of mounting criticism, Bollywood actress Yami Gautam has come forward to defend her upcoming film ‘Article 370’. The film, which is based on the Indian government’s decision to abolish Article 370, has been labeled as a propaganda film by critics. However, Gautam believes that there is no point in justifying the film to those who have already formed their opinions.

Gautam’s Take on Preconceived Notions

Gautam, in an interview with PTI, expressed her views on the criticism the fil

m has been receiving. She stated, “If someone is calling it names… like ‘propaganda’, ‘jingoism’, and ‘chest-thumping’… Any section that goes into theatres already thinking or carrying a preconceived notion that this is what it’s about, you’ll never be able to feel or enjoy the film. There is no point in justifying the film to them. I don’t think the audience thinks about these things. This film is for the majority of the audience and we make films for the audience.”

This statement reflects Gautam’s belief in the intelligence of the audience and their ability to form their own opinions. She asserts that the film is made for the majority of the audience, not for those who carry these preconceived notions.

Dhar’s Response to Claims

Aditya Dhar, the director of ‘Article 370’, also addressed the allegations of the film being propaganda-driven. At the film’s trailer launch, he humorously pointed out that the current ruling government does not need a ‘small film’ like Article 370 to win votes in the upcoming elections. He said, “I personally and seriously feel that the current government doesn’t need a small film like ours to win an election (smiles). They made Ram Mandir for us. It took us 500 years to get that. I don’t think they need us to get votes for them.”

In another part of the press conference, Dhar expressed his indifference towards people who label his films as propaganda. He confidently stated that the Indian audience is very smart and can distinguish between a film that is propaganda and one that has the right intent. He assured me that as long as he is a director or a producer, the intent of his films will always be right. He added that he would stop making films the day the intent becomes wrong.

PLOT ‘Article 370’

‘Article 370’ is a gripping film that takes us back to the tumultuous times following the 2016 unrest in Kashmir. The story centers around Zooni Haksar, a young and dedicated local field agent, brilliantly portrayed by Yami Gautam.Zooni is handpicked for a top-secret mission by Rajeshwari Swaminathan from the Prime Minister’s Office. Their ambitious goal? To dismantle the thriving conflict economy in the valley, fueled by terrorism, and valued at billions of dollars.

Their strategy is audacious and unprecedented – they plan to abrogate the infamous Article 370. And they are determined to do this without causing any harm to innocent lives.

The film also delves into the rise of terrorism in Kashmir and the government’s unwavering resolve to repeal Article 370. Directed by the talented Aditya Suhas Jambhale. It promises to be a cinematic experience that will leave audiences reflecting on the complexities of peace and conflict.

Timing of the Film’s Release

The timing of the film’s release has also been a topic of discussion. The film is set to release just a few weeks before the 2024 Indian general election, leading some to speculate that it is a strategic move. However, Dhar clarified that the release date was decided a year or two ago after discussions with exhibitors and distributors.

He explained, “Article 370 has the right intent. The timing was decided a year or two ago because the release dates are selected after a conversation with the exhibitors and distributors. That’s how we decided upon this date. There was supposed to be another film in between, The Immortal Ashwatthama. It didn’t happen. By God’s grace, this is the best time we have and that’s how we are releasing the film.”