We celebrate the Indian Republic day to mark the day when the constitution came into effect. In accordance, here are five films on the Indian constitution that we think people would enjoy. While there are a lot of patriotic films involving the military and sports, these films deal with the foundations of our country post-independence.

They represent the first concrete bible we could follow as citizens of the nation. While some of these films contest the relevance of the law, most try their best to show how it must be upheld as it is presented.

Films on the Indian Constitution

Article 15

Ayushmann Khurrana stars in this film as a police officer posted in a rural village where most of the residents are Dalits. Investigating two murders and a sexual assault case, this film explores the intrinsic nature of the caste system, the heinous crimes committed against the people and the dehumanisation of a social group consistently suffering.

What the film does extremely well acknowledges the deep-seated ubiquitous knowledge of this social hierarchy, even in the 21st century. As the film progresses, it sheds light on the convenience with which we gauge the rights of the Dalit community. It forces audiences to open their eyes to their Savarna privilege while delivering a brilliant film. Article 15 is streaming on Netflix.

Aligarh

Manoj Bajpayee takes on this role with stride and plays a professor who gets fired from his job after it is revealed that he is homosexual. Dealing with Article 377, which criminalises any sexual acts that go against nature, the film makes sure to go beyond the identity aspect of the person and instead also looks into privacy as a larger theme.

Bajpayee does a great job of negating the stereotypical representation of a queer person and also looks at the queer identity beyond its sexuality. Instead, it looks at professional repercussions and societal stigma around the LGBTQ community. Aligarh is available to stream on JioCinema.

Also Read: 6 Classic Tamil Patriotic Movies to Watch on Republic Day: Indian, Bombay and More

19(1)(a)

In this film, Vijay Sethupathi does it again. Being a writer in this country is difficult, especially for people who don’t conform to the mainstream narrative. Gauri Shankar, the protagonist, is a writer who has been publishing controversial work for a long time. However, some people want to kill him. The name, the context and everything about the movie seem like a larger symbolic allusion to real life.

It is a contemplative film that explores freedom of speech and expression more quietly. Those who are willing to understand the dangerous lives of writers and creators should watch this film. 19(1)(a) is available to stream on Disney+ Hotstar.

Section 375

While most films shy away from the brutality of reporting a sexual assault case, Section 375 faces them head-on. It explores, in explicit detail, the expectation that the law demands from the victim. In a social landscape where nearly three out of four women confirm being sexually harassed in some form, this film does its best to accurately express the legal system that allows disbelief on the victim’s end.

Meera Chopra, Akshaye Khanna and Richa Chadha take on the mantle to tell a difficult story representative of many stories of people across the country. Section 375 is available to stream on Prime Video.

420 IPC

In a mysterious story, protagonist Bansi Keswani is accused of committing an economic offence he contests. He maintains that he was being framed and hires a lawyer Birbal to fight his case. It is a simple suspense film that focuses on the legal drama aspect of cinema and tells the story of a middle-class man accused of siphoning off funds and is later accused of something similar again.

In making a film with deeply woven storylines, the director and writer do a good job of keeping the audience guessing and telling a satisfying story. Apart from a stellar cast, the film subtly reveals the impacts of class differences in the workplace. 420 IPC is available to stream on Zee5.

The aforementioned films all deal with the law and courts in a way that tries to impart equality and justice for all. This Republic Day, watch stories that restore faith in the foundations of this country. A short film titled Article 370 also shows the turbulent state of citizens in the Kashmir valley who have often been stripped of communication out of the state and put through gruesome violence.

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