Yami Gautam has responded to the box office success of her recent film, "Article 370," with gratitude and a firm stance against any suggestions of foul play or gimmicks. The political action thriller, which was released on February 23, 2024, delves into the events surrounding the revocation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir.
The film stars Yami Gautam as an intelligence officer navigating the complexities of the political landscape in the region. Upon release, "Article 370" faced skepticism from critics, with some deeming it too technical or laden with political jargon. However, the film defied expectations, achieving significant box office success.
Over its opening weekend, "Article 370" raked in ₹22.8 crore in India. By its fifth day, the film had minted nearly ₹30 crore domestically. Globally, the film has earned over $6 million. As of April 11, 2024, "Article 370" has grossed ₹98.06 crore (US$12 million) in India and ₹12.51 crore (US$1.5 million) overseas, totaling ₹110.57 crore (US$13 million) worldwide.
Yami Gautam expressed her gratitude to the audience for their support, acknowledging that many had doubted the film's potential. She stated that the filmmakers went ahead with their gut feeling, believing that the audience was being underestimated. She thanked the audience for proving the naysayers wrong and for showering love on their "small little film, with a big heart".
The film's success has been attributed to positive word-of-mouth. "Article 370" has also outperformed other films released simultaneously, such as "Crakk". Some analysts noted that the film's release coincided with "Cinema Lovers' Day," which offered discounted ticket prices, potentially contributing to its initial success.
"Article 370" has sparked discussions about factual accuracy and political messaging. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi endorsed the film as a source of correct information, producer Aditya Dhar clarified that it is a work of fiction inspired by actual events. The film aims to explain the steps taken by the Indian government regarding Kashmir and justify them on several levels.
Yami Gautam has emphasized the importance of growth in her film choices. She stated that "Article 370" has raised her expectations for future projects and that she seeks roles that allow her to progress as an artist. She also highlighted the collaborative nature of filmmaking, acknowledging the contributions of writers, directors, and the technical team.
