Article 15 is a 2019 Indian crime drama film directed by Anubhav Sinha. The film stars Ayushmann Khurrana as IPS officer Ayan Ranjan, who is posted in Lalgaon, a small rural village in Uttar Pradesh. The movie is inspired by true events, including the 2014 Badaun gang rape case and the 2016 Una flogging incident.
The plot of the movie revolves around the disappearance of three Dalit girls from the village. Two of them are found dead, hanging from a tree, while the third one is nowhere to be found. Ayan Ranjan arrives in the village to investigate the case and is shocked to discover the deep-rooted caste divide, discrimination, and systemic violence against the lower caste people.
As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption and conspiracy involving the local police, the upper-caste villagers, and the politicians. Ayan Ranjan faces resistance from the villagers, who are reluctant to cooperate with him due to his outsider status and upper-caste background.
The movie highlights the issue of caste-based discrimination and violence prevalent in rural India and the failure of the justice system to bring perpetrators to justice. It also raises questions about the constitutional right of equality enshrined in Article 15 of the Indian Constitution.
Article 15 received critical acclaim for its powerful message, realistic portrayal of social issues, and brilliant performances by the cast. The film was screened at several international film festivals, including the London Indian Film Festival and the Gerry Weber Open in Germany, and won several awards, including the Best Film on Social Issues at the 66th National Film Awards.
