‘Article 15’ Should Be Declared Tax-Free: Ayushmann

The film is loosely based on the rape and murder of two Dalit women in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, in 2014.

Ayushmann Khurrana plays a police officer in Article 15.

(Photo Courtesy: YouTube Screengrab)

Ayushmann Khurrana has said that his film Article 15, which released in theatres on 28 June, should be declared tax-free because it’s important that a film of such social relevance reaches more people. The Anubhav Sinha directorial is loosely inspired by the rape and murder of two Dalit women, which took place in Badaun in Uttar Pradesh in 2014.

"It should be declared tax-free. It is important that such films reach more people. It is not a comedy or an entertaining film, it is based on a grim subject, which is important and should be watched by maximum people," Ayushmann told reporters at a special screening of the film.

The screening was attended by several celebrities including superstar Shah Rukh Khan, Vicky Kaushal, Tabu, Neena Gupta and producer Sidharth Roy Kapur. "Shah Rukh sir has come to bless us. He has worked with Anubhav Sinha sir earlier. He has liked the trailer," Ayushmann said.

The Badhaai Ho actor plays the role of a police officer who must navigate caste politics of small town India while trying to solve the rape and murder of two girls. "Many people feel that caste system doesn't exist in our country but through this film, we are showing that caste system still exists in our country and we need to sort this out," Ayushmann said, adding he felt a sense of responsibility about his role.

Article 15 earned the ire of the Brahmin community in Uttar Pradesh, who have alleged that the film shows Brahmins in a poor light. Anubhav Sinha responded to the allegations with a statement that said, “Why would I make an anti-Brahmin film? People are smart enough to know that there were enough and more Brahmins associated with the making of the film to know [that it doesn’t showcase them in bad light].”

(With inputs from PTI)