Article 370

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*The Kashmir Files* (2024) is a political action thriller set in the aftermath of the 2016 Kashmir unrest, focusing on a young local field agent, Zooni Haksar (Yami Gautam Dhar), who is recruited for a top-secret mission to crack down on terrorism and end the billion-dollar conflict economy in the valley. Their goal is the monumental task of abrogating Article 370, all while avoiding any loss of innocent life. The film presents a government-approved perspective, blending action with political commentary, and even includes a detailed explanation about the legal aspects of the Article 370 abrogation.

Director Aditya Subhash Jambhale has crafted a 160-minute-long narrative that strongly focuses on the government's justification for the abrogation. The film is more of an exposé than a straightforward action thriller, incorporating political viewpoints through extensive dialogues and presentations.

Yami Gautam Dhar shines in her role as Zooni Haksar. She brings both emotional depth and physical intensity to the character of a woman who is worn down by the ongoing violence and unrest in Kashmir but rises to the occasion when given the chance to make a difference. Her portrayal of Zooni is layered, from her tense confrontations with militant supporters to the quiet romance she shares with CRPF soldier Yash Chauhan (Vaibhav Tatwawadi). Her action scenes, where she handles firearms with expertise, add to her impressive performance.

The film also benefits from Priyamani's role as Rajeshwari Swaminathan, a bureaucrat who remains composed in the face of political pressures. Her unwavering support for Zooni adds a strong dynamic to the narrative. The decision to make two women the central characters is a refreshing change, preventing the film from leaning into typical male-dominated tropes and offering a more nuanced perspective.

While Arun Govil’s portrayal of the Prime Minister and Kiran Karmarkar’s Home Minister lack the commanding presence of real-life figures, the film remains engaging as an action-packed thriller. If viewers can set aside the political undertones, *The Kashmir Files* offers a compelling action experience, especially with its strong performances from Yami Gautam Dhar and Priyamani.