Bollywood’s latest political drama, ‘Article 370’, starring Yami Gautam, has hit a roadblock with its ban in Gulf nations. The film, centered around the abrogation of Article 370, has stirred controversy, mirroring recent political developments in India.
The ban, shrouded in mystery, marks the second setback for Bollywood in the Gulf, following the prohibition of Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone’s action-packed thriller, ‘Fighter’, earlier this year.
‘Article 370’ derives its title from the constitutional provision that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, revoked by the Narendra Modi government in August 2019. Yami Gautam leads the cast, portraying a government agent embroiled in a mission linked to this pivotal political event. Notably, Gautam’s husband, Aditya Dhar, serves as one of the film’s producers.
Since its theatrical release on February 23, the movie has garnered approximately Rs 22.80 crore domestically, marking a promising debut for director Aditya Suhas Jambhale.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly endorsed the film, lauding its educational value in enlightening audiences about the historic subject matter. However, the film’s release amid the looming Lok Sabha elections has sparked speculation regarding its political undertones.
In response to allegations of being a “propaganda” film, director Jambhale defended his work, asserting the filmmaker’s prerogative to explore pertinent issues. He reiterated that the audience possesses the discernment to distinguish between cinematic portrayal and political agenda.
Jambhale dismissed notions of governmental interference in filmmaking, urging viewers to engage with the content before forming judgments. In an interview with Outlook, he emphasized the importance of open dialogue and critical engagement with cinematic narratives.
As ‘Article 370’ continues to generate discourse on socio-political matters, its ban in Gulf nations underscores the global reverberations of India’s domestic policies. The film’s fate highlights the intersection of art, politics, and censorship, prompting reflection on the boundaries of cinematic expression in an increasingly polarized world.
