Article 15 (4/5) – Netflix Movie Review

ARTICLE 15 is a new Netflix thriller inspired by true crimes that have taken place in rural India. It’s both inspiring and scary to watch. Most of all, however, it’s an important subject and the movie is extremely well made. Read our Article 15 review here and watch the movie on Netflix.

Article 15 is a new Netflix true crime thriller. The story is inspired by some of the terrible caste-based crimes that have gone unreported. And, as a result thereof, ultimately unpunished. 

When a police officer, who has been educated in Delhi and travelled the world, is hired to run a department in a rural area of India, he is confronted with the powers of the caste system. It’s a wake-up call for him and he wants to change it. Mostly, he want to do things by the book and simply use the law to do his job. 

Read more in our full review of Article 15 below!

What is article 15?

Of course, most will wonder about the title of this new Netflix true crime thriller. It refers to article 15 of the constition in India. Back in 1950, article 15 made it clear that all citizens of the country were equal and should be treated as such.

Of course, this is something that will sound familiar to what’s in other constitutions around the world. Unfortunately, many of us will also know that one thing is what the law says, it’s quite another to have to put into effect. In India, however, things are even more divided than in any other country that comes to mind. 

Also, this is taking place in the present. Imagine Apartheid in South Africa or racism in the Deep South back in the 1950, and then make it even more grotesque. I’m not trying to belittle the issues in South Africa or the US, but it’s something even older and more powerful at work in India. We’re talking about people being afraid of being touched by the shadow of others!

The reason article 15 becomes so important in this story, is revealed in the trailer for the Netflix movie; Basically, you can get away with murder if you’re in a powerful caste and the victim is from a very low caste. Again, I know this takes place all over the world, but in this movie the powers at work just become very obvious.

A beautiful and impressive movie

If you’ve watched some of the other movies from India on Netflix, you will know that a lot of English is usually spoken. This makes you feel like you’re somehow watching an international movie of sorts.

You might also like: Our review of the Indian Netflix series Typewriter here >

And while Article 15 clearly seems to be a movie for the people of India, it is also to show the rest of the world, that change is coming to this country. Also, the filmmakers very obviously love their country and are making this movie to bring about positive change.

The story in this movie was so enganging that I didn’t even notice the runtime of more than 2 hours (it’s at 2 hours and 10 minutes). From the opening credits, you get the feeling that you’re about to see something that will both shock and inspire you. And you’ll be right to think so. Article 15 does a brilliant job of showing both the beauty of India as well as the huge problems they struggle with. The purpose of this movie is to show how the people can make the change needed. 

But be warned, Article 15 is also a tough watch. Nothing is simple or easy and only very few people do bad things out of malice. Most do it because they feel forced due to traditions that go back thousands of years.

Watch Article 15 on Netflix!

Article 15 was directed by Anubhav Sinha, who also co-wrote the script with Gaurav Solanki. They have done a truly inspiring job with this movie which tries to show the struggle. Nothing is shown as black and white, so instead the focus is on trying to change things for the better.

This is not an easy job, since the filmmakers clearly want to show both the beauty and the struggles of India. With Article 15, Anubhav Sinha can be proud of having succeeded at doing exactly this! 

Netflix came on as a distributor and is releasing the movie in countries continuously. The movie is already out in India and several other countries while others will have to wait a while longer. When you do get the chance, I would certainly recommend watching it.

Article 15 is out on Netflix in the US from September 6, 2019.

Details

Director: Anubhav Sinha
Writers: Anubhav Sinha, Gaurav Solanki
Stars: Ayushmann Khurrana, Manoj Pahwa, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Sayani Gupta, Sushil Pandey

Plot

The grim realities of caste discrimination come to light as an entitled but upright city cop ventures into India’s heartland to investigate a murder.