Indian constitutional laws on silver-screen!

You may not be aware of your Constitutional rights, but the world of cinema through some fantastic stories, is bringing awareness about the Indian constitutional laws to its audience. Actor Ayushmann Khurrana is acting in the movie ‘Article 15’ directed by Anubhav Sinha. A film called ‘377: Ab Normal’ was streamed at an OTT platform. Actors Akshaye Khanna and Richa Chadha are roped in for a film called ‘Section 375.’ Here is a look at the impact of such movies on the society.

Actors Richa Chadha and Akshaye Khanna have an upcoming release titled Section 375. ( Photos/Yogen Shah )

Actor Manvi Gagroo who has acted in ‘377 Ab Normal’ considers the experience humbling and satiating. She says, “As an actor it’s fulfilling to portray characters based on stories that are not just real but even fresh in our own memories.”

Gaurav Solanki, who has co-written the script of Article 15 along with Anubhav Sinha says, “It’s a good sign that we are talking about it in mainstream cinema, popular culture so more people become aware of it.” Solanki further adds, “People in rural areas vote and choose their leaders, but still don’t know about the rights they have been promised decades ago.”

A still from 377 Ab Normal.

But does the audience appreciate such movies? Trade analyst Atul MohanMohan believes that audience engagement depends on who’s making the film and who’s featuring in it. “The upcoming movies on Indian constitutional laws are backed by big production houses, featuring some of the best talents.It may be able to generate people’s interests as today’s audience prefers realistic cinema.”

Screenwriter Mayank Tewari says. “Appreciating such movies is a sign of audience’s maturity . Rest depends on merit and the way these stories are told.”

Actor Ayushmann Khurana is playing the protagonist in filmmaker Anubhav Sinnha’s upcoming film Article 15. ( Photo/Yogen Shah )

Actor Richa Chadha feels such films draw in audience to a large extent because people care about issues like Section 377, triple talaq, widow remarriage, etc. She says, “People want to watch a well made film irrespective of the subject.”

A well made film, with the correct information goes a long way in having an impact on the society. Chadha says, “Such films serve the purpose of creating awareness among people about their rights and duties and law per se.” To this Mohan adds, “ When you come up with these subjects I am sure people will understand how Indian constitutional laws are formed.”

Actor Maanvi Gagroo was seen in 377 Ab Normal that was streamed at an OTT platform. ( Photo/Waseem Gashroo/Hindustan Times )

Gagroo is hopeful that such films would encourage indie filmmakers and scriptwriters. She says, “Our news is full of story ideas. It’s about sinking one’s teeth into it, to research the facts and bring it out on celluloid.”

Tewari feels such films are pushing the envelope for an entire generation of filmmakers. He says, “When one person attempts to make such films then others also get the conviction to be able to do it.”

Interact with Anurag Singh Bohra at Twitter/KashiNomad.

First Published: May 15, 2019 12:23 IST