Yami Gautam on Article 370: 'It was about time'

Yami Gautam's character in Article 370 is based on an Indian intelligence officer who worked in Kashmir in 2019.

Yami Gautam had a great 2023. Her three releases—Lost, Chor Nikal Ke Bhaaga and OMG2—offered her opportunities to show off her acting range, from playing a crime reporter to a flight attendant to a lawyer. Her first release of 2024 is Article 370, an action drama that takes place during the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir (in 2019). Gautam plays Zooni Haksar, an intelligence officer in the February 23, 2024, release directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale. Gautam and her husband Aditya Dhar, who has also produced Article 370, are also expecting their first child.

Yami Gautam (Photo via X @dilbag_koundal)

The Bala actress spoke about the experience of playing a character based on a real officer and how the film portrays the events around 2019 when the government of India revoked the special status accorded to Kashmir under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. Excerpts from the interview:

Why do you think Article 370 is an important film?

This film has taken a very important chapter of our political history, which has impacted some important national events, and offers a peek into our history and how that affects our present. What happened? What is Article 370? Why was it necessary for the Government to do what they did? In 2019, when this was announced, it felt very personal to a majority of Indians, and they felt good. At least people I know didn’t have anything else to say, other than it was about time. This is a commercial film and we have had to compress crucial events into a two-hour film. Obviously, this was not easy. We had to understand the importance of so many things, but how do you simplify it, put it chronologically and present it cinematically? So, from both these aspects, I think it's a very important film.

We had the research and facts, but to be in Kashmir, near the ground reality and see and hear ‘370’ from the people who have nothing to do with you and have no knowledge of your film, felt good.

In any film, especially a genre like this, there is only so much you can show in a two-hour film, and you have to follow one line of perspective. Every film can be open to interpretation, but we are talking about facts. Our film is based on true events. I don't know if following other perspectives would fit into the scheme of things. Of course, it's not easy. Of course, it was challenging, and easier for us because we are just sitting on the outside.

Fortunately, whatever access we had to the information while doing the research, information on the ones who pulled it off, the synergy and sync between Delhi, the NIA and army—that was phenomenal. Especially in today's time—how do you keep something so crucial confidential and guarded, and carry it off efficiently?

It's important for every kind of film to be made, provided it is well made and with the right intention. If someone decides to make a film, which is based on true events and a mission that happened, then it's not possible to make a film without mentioning or referring to those people.

We have heard synonyms such as ‘propaganda’, ‘chest-thumping’, but the audience just wants something new, well-made and entertaining. Here we are giving them something which is based on true events. I feel we should give every film a chance, watch it and then decide for yourself how you feel about the film, rather than pre-empting something. If you go in with preconceived notions, then you're not feeling the film, not giving it a chance. Go with the flow and see for yourself.

Yami Gautam in Article 370.

What were the sort of responses you got while shooting the film in Kashmir?

For obvious reasons, it was important to protect the integrity of the film and also to ensure that the shoot should proceed smoothly. One common thing we heard was that things are much better now than they were a few years ago. Tourism is booming—which I witnessed because I was stuck in traffic jams. If there is trade, that means things are better. We had the research and facts, but to be there, near the ground reality and see and hear ‘370’ from the people who have nothing to do with you and have no knowledge of your film, felt good. In fact, no one knew I was there for this film because I was not putting up any social media. I think that is the mother of discretion. Then you can be as discreet as you want. This is the reality in front of us. Of course, there will always be different opinions. But to go with the majority sentiment, I'd say it felt really good to be a part of something so bold and authentic.

Is your character based on a real officer?

Yes, she is a real-life intelligence officer. Here I am representing someone who's actually gone out and done something which we can't even imagine. She's part of the team, and the story of Article 370 is about this entire team—from the top brass to the on-ground army—and how they pulled it off together. As an actor, playing a character based on real life was an honour for me. It is meant to be challenging and all those things, but that extra energy and motivation came from the fact that I was always aware who I was representing. I've not met the concerned officer, and that's obviously part of security protocol.

This film releases in cinemas on February 23. Presumably you will be taking some maternity leave. What about your professional commitments?

I have another film that is ready for release. It’s a caper comedy called Dhoom Dhaam, also produced by B62 Studios. I play a Mumbai-based Punjabi girl. Pratik Gandhi, a very talented actor, plays the Gujarati boy my character is in an arranged marriage setup with. It’s the story of what happens over the course of one night.

Yes, I am embracing a different time in my life now which comes with different responsibilities which I'd love to fulfil with my utmost heart and dedication. At the same time, there's a soft commitment for another film. The producers were kind enough to say they would wait for me to be ready. I think that's a very positive and welcome change from an actress’s perspective. There was a time when you had to hide your marriage. So many things would change the moment you're married. It has taken years and there are so many actresses who are responsible for this. The audience just wants good stories and good films. And it's our job to deliver what they want. Of course, we all want our films to do well. I'm so happy that we are working in these times.

Article 370 releases in theatres on February 23, 2024.