Article 15 is a gripping Indian crime drama directed by Anubhav Sinha. The film draws inspiration from true events and the Indian Constitution’s Article 15, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. With a powerful performance by Ayushmann Khurrana and a deeply unsettling narrative, the movie serves as both a thriller and a social commentary on caste-based injustice in India.
Detailed Summary
Introduction: Arrival in Lalgaon
The story begins with Ayan Ranjan (Ayushmann Khurrana), a young and idealistic Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who has just been posted to the rural district of Lalgaon in Uttar Pradesh. Coming from a privileged urban background, Ayan is shocked by the deep-rooted caste hierarchy and apathy that pervades the region.
He soon encounters a disturbing case: three teenage Dalit girls have gone missing. The next morning, two of them are found hanging from a tree, while the third remains missing. The incident mirrors real-life atrocities such as the 2014 Badaun gang rape case, which heavily influenced the film’s script.
The Investigation Begins
Ayan insists on investigating the case properly, but he faces strong resistance from his subordinates, especially Brahmadutt Singh (Manoj Pahwa) and Jatav (Kumud Mishra), who are accustomed to brushing such cases under the rug. The local police initially claim it to be a case of “honor killing,” but Ayan’s instincts tell him otherwise.
He learns that the girls were employed at a local factory and were demanding a pay raise from 25 to 27 rupees per day — a meager increase that still sparked fury among their upper-caste employers. When Ayan begins questioning the caste system itself, he realizes how deeply normalized discrimination is in rural India.
The Third Girl and the Conspiracy
As Ayan digs deeper, he uncovers that the missing third girl might still be alive — a crucial lead that could expose a web of corruption involving politicians, police officers, and local elites. The pressure on Ayan intensifies; he’s told to “stay out of it” and “not upset the balance.”
His wife, Aditi (Isha Talwar), becomes his emotional anchor, reminding him of why he joined the service — to make a difference. Amid political interference and threats, Ayan starts connecting the dots between the factory owner, caste-based exploitation, and the local police’s complicity.
The Turning Point: Defying Orders
Ayan refuses to back down and publicly questions the systemic discrimination. He organizes search operations in prohibited areas, interviews victims’ families, and challenges the silence surrounding caste crimes. His persistence leads to the shocking discovery of the third girl, barely alive but crucial as living evidence of the crime.
The Arrests and the Truth Revealed
The investigation exposes that the factory owner and several powerful men, protected by political figures, were responsible for the rapes and murders. The police officers who tried to suppress the case are arrested, and the truth comes to light. The film ends not with triumph, but with a sober reminder of the long road ahead in dismantling caste-based inequality.
Movie Ending
In the final act, Ayan successfully rescues the third girl from a hidden bunker in the sugarcane fields. Her survival becomes the key to exposing the crimes and ensuring justice. As Ayan records her testimony and arrests those involved — including complicit police officers — the political machinery begins to crumble.
In the closing moments, Ayan is seen back at the station, receiving reports of a riot brewing in the district. His face hardens, realizing that systemic change is not a single battle but a lifelong fight. The film ends with a powerful visual of the Constitution being read aloud, reinforcing the enduring relevance of Article 15 — equality before the law.
There’s no sensational “hero moment.” Instead, the film concludes on a realistic and haunting note, underlining that justice in India often comes at a steep personal and social cost.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Article 15 does not have a post-credits scene. The film ends definitively with the investigation’s conclusion and Ayan’s realization about the systemic nature of injustice.
Type of Movie
Article 15 is a crime drama and social thriller rooted in realism. It blends investigative police procedural elements with social commentary on caste, corruption, and power.
Cast
- Ayushmann Khurrana as Ayan Ranjan
- Manoj Pahwa as Brahmadutt Singh
- Kumud Mishra as Jatav
- Sayani Gupta as Gaura
- Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub as Nishad
- Isha Talwar as Aditi Ranjan
Film Music and Composer
The music and background score are composed by Mangesh Dhakde, with songs contributed by Anurag Saikia and lyrics by Shakeel Azmi. The soundtrack is subtle and minimal, enhancing the film’s tension and realism rather than overpowering it.
Filming Locations
The movie was primarily shot in Lucknow, Barabanki, and Ayodhya, in Uttar Pradesh, India. These real rural settings were crucial for authenticity, giving the film its dusty, oppressive atmosphere that mirrors the socio-political landscape of caste-ridden India.
Awards and Nominations
Article 15 received widespread critical acclaim and several awards, including:
- Filmfare Award for Best Story – Anubhav Sinha and Gaurav Solanki
- Screen Award for Best Actor (Critics) – Ayushmann Khurrana
- Nominations for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay at various Indian award ceremonies
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The film’s title and theme are inspired by Article 15 of the Indian Constitution, which ensures equality for all citizens.
- Ayushmann Khurrana spent time with real police officers to understand their mindset and mannerisms.
- The film’s set design and color grading were intentionally kept muted to reflect the bleak tone.
- Director Anubhav Sinha reportedly faced resistance from several distributors due to the film’s sensitive subject matter.
- The screenplay was co-written by Gaurav Solanki, who brought in extensive research on caste crimes.
Inspirations and References
- The movie is inspired by true events, including the Badaun gang rape and murder (2014) and the Una flogging incident (2016).
- It also draws thematic influence from films like Serpico and Mississippi Burning, which explore corruption and systemic racism.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no alternate endings publicly confirmed, but early drafts of the screenplay reportedly had a more dramatic climax. Sinha chose a restrained and realistic ending to emphasize systemic apathy over cinematic resolution. Some interrogation scenes were shortened to maintain pacing.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Article 15 is not directly adapted from a book but is based on a collection of real-life incidents and constitutional principles. However, it takes the thematic essence of Article 15 of the Indian Constitution and dramatizes its real-world violations.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The discovery of the two girls hanging from the tree — a chilling, unforgettable visual.
- Ayan’s conversation with a villager who says, “Sir, hamara caste kya hai, aapko batana padega, tabhi to barabar ka nyay milega.” (“Sir, you have to know our caste before you can give us justice.”)
- The rescue of the third girl in the final act.
- Ayan reading aloud from the Constitution, reaffirming the principle of equality.
Iconic Quotes
- Ayan Ranjan: “We are just the middlemen between the powerful and the powerless.”
- Aditi Ranjan: “It’s not about good or bad people, it’s about a system that lets the bad ones win.”
- Ayan Ranjan: “We keep pretending that everything is fine, but it isn’t.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film’s title card subtly displays the text of Article 15 behind the opening credits.
- In one scene, a portrait of B.R. Ambedkar is placed in the background — symbolizing constitutional justice.
- Ayan’s mobile wallpaper is the preamble of the Indian Constitution, emphasizing his evolving belief in equality.
Trivia
- This was Ayushmann Khurrana’s first purely dramatic role, departing from his usual comedic or romantic performances.
- The film’s release was met with controversy and calls for a ban in certain regions due to its sensitive content.
- The title sequence was originally meant to include multiple real-life cases of caste violence but was later replaced with symbolic imagery.
Why Watch?
Article 15 is not just a movie — it’s a mirror held up to Indian society. It forces audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about privilege, caste, and justice. Watch it for Ayushmann Khurrana’s restrained yet powerful performance, for Anubhav Sinha’s fearless direction, and for a story that dares to speak the unspeakable.
Director’s Other Movies
- Mulk (2018)
- Thappad (2020)
- Anek (2022)
- Tum Bin (2001)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Pink (2016)
- Shahid (2012)
- Jai Bhim (2021)
- Raazi (2018)
- Court (2014)
