New Delhi: Every year, November 26 is celebrated as the Constitution Day or ‘Samvidhan Divas’ in our country to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India.
On this special day, let’s take a look at films that highlight the articles dealing with justice, equality, freedom of expression, discrimination and reservation mentioned in Indian Constitution.
1.Article 15: Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the film ‘Article 15’, released in 2019, explores Article 15 through a rape case. In the film, Ayushmann Khurrana plays the lead role.
Article 15 of our Indian constitution states that no citizen shall be discriminated on the grounds of religion, caste, sex, race, place of birth, or any of these.
2.Section 375: Directed by Ajay Bahl, ‘Section 375’ starring Rahul Bhatt, Akshaye Khanna, and Richa Chadha released in 2019.
Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code deals with sexual offences against women.
3.Aarakshan
The 2011 film ‘Aarakshan’, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Manoj Bajpayee, and Deepika Padukone in lead roles is based on Article 16 of the Constitution.
Directed by Prakash Jha, the film revolves around the reservation system, which offers special provisions to uplift the socially backward classes.
4.Article 370: Directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, the film depicts the political scenario that unfolded after the government decided to revoke Article 370 (the article granting special status to Jammu and Kashmir) of the Constitution.
Released in 2024, the film stars Yami Gautam, Priyamani, Arun Govil, and Irawati Harshe in lead roles.
5.Newton: Starring Rajkummar Rao in the lead role, the film ‘Newton’, released in 2017, focuses on the right to vote, mentioned in the Indian Constitution.
In the film, the actor is tasked with administering voting rights in a Naxal-hit area and to carry out his duty despite all odds while even involves confronting the security forces.
6. Aligarh: The film ‘Aligarh’ highlights Section 377, which was enacted to protect homosexual rights.
In the film, actor Manoj Bajpayee plays the role of a person from the LGBTQ community. The film also features actor Rajkummar Rao in a key role.
7. Chhapaak: Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the 2020 film ‘Chhapaak’ features Deepika Padukone and Vikrant Massey in lead roles.
Inspired by the real-life events of acid attack survivor, Laxmi, the film highlights the Poison Act 1919.
The Poison Act of 1919 regulates and monitors actions of individuals or organisations dealing with poisons that can be used to harm others.
8. Satyagraha
Directed by Prakash Jha, the 2013 film ‘Satyagraha’ features Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Amrita Rao, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, and Manoj Bajpayee in lead roles.
The movie highlights Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, which states that everyone has the right and freedom to peacefully assemble without arms and express themselves or protest against something important.
9. Jolly LLB
Directed by Subhash Kapoor, the legal court drama ‘Jolly LLB’ stars Arshad Warsi, Amrita Rao, and Boman Irani in lead roles.
The movie highlights Article 21 of the Indian Constitution which states that everyone is equal in the eyes of law.
According to this Article, no person must be deprived of life or personal property unless the procedure is developed by the law.
10. Mulk
Inspired by real-life events, the 2018 legal drama ‘Mulk’ stars Taapsee Pannu and Rishi Kapoor in lead roles.
Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the film is set in Varanasi and Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh and revolves around a Muslim family.
The movie highlights Article 20(3) of the Indian Constitution and suggests that no person accused of committing a crime can be held guilty without any evidence.
