| Article 21 | |
| Director: | Lenin Balakrishnan |
| Cinematography: | Ashkar |
| Distributor: | Chemmeen Cinemas |
| Runtime: | 163 minutes |
| Country: | India |
| Language: | Malayalam |
Article 21 is a 2023 Indian film directed and written by Lenin Balakrishnan.[1] The film delves into the imperative of safeguarding the fundamental rights of underprivileged and marginalized segments of Indian society. The movie underscores the transformative potential of education for individuals living on the streets, while also scrutinizing the universality of human rights and the societal disparities that obstruct access to education and upward social mobility.[2] [3] [4]
Tamara and her children, migrants from Tamil Nadu, make a living by collecting and selling scraps in Kochi. They live in an abandoned bus near a railway track, lacking the means to dream or achieve much. Dalapathi, the younger child, wishes to attend school but faces obstacles. Auto driver Vishnu and teacher Victor help them navigate these obstacles, ultimately enabling Dalapathi to enroll in school. The film, 'Article 21,' highlights the importance of education for underprivileged children in India, emphasizing the transformative power of the law and compassionate individuals.
Article 21 was released in theaters in Kerala on 28 July 2023, and successfully extended its release to theaters in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu through Galaxy Cinemas from 4 August 2023.[5]
Author and orator M. K. Sanu who recently celebrated his 96th birthday, attended a screening of the film. He commended the movie, stating that it effectively portrays the stark divide between those who have and those who do not, emphasizing the vital message of human rights—a topic frequently discussed but often lacking concrete actions to integrate the underprivileged into the broader social fabric.