Indian constitutional laws on celluloid!

You may not be aware of your constitutional rights, but Bollywood, through some gripping stories, is bringing awareness about the Indian constitutional laws to its audience. For instance, actor Ayushmann Khurrana is busy with his next, a movie titled, Article 15 directed by Anubhav Sinha, and a film called 377: Ab Normal was recently streamed on an OTT platform, while actors Akshaye Khanna and Richa Chadha have been roped in for a film Section 375.

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

Gaurav Solanki, who has cowritten the script of Article 15 along with Anubhav Sinha, says, “It’s a good sign that we are talking about it in mainstream cinema so more people are 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.”

But does the audience appreciate such movies? Trade analyst Atul Mohan believes that the audience’s engagement depends on who’s making the film and who’s featuring in it. “The upcoming movies on 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.”

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

Actor Richa Chadha feels such films draw in audience in big numbers as 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 accurate information goes a long way in making an impact on the society. Richa says, “Such films create awareness among people about their rights and duties.” To this, Atul adds, “Through these subjects people understand how Indian constitutional laws are formed.”

Maanvi is hopeful that such films would encourage indie film-makers and scriptwriters. She says, “Our news space is full of story ideas. It’s about sinking one’s teeth into it and bringing it out on celluloid.”

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