Section 375 movie review: An engaging courtroom drama led by Akshaye Khanna's fantastic act

"Section 375 of Indian Penal Code defines rape as a criminal offense and states that a man is said to commit rape when he has sexual intercourse with a woman against her or without her consent or if she is a minor." 

Above written sentence sums up what exactly Section 375 of IPC is. But is an accused always a criminal? Well, that is something the movie Section 375 questions. Starring Akshaye Khanna, Richa Chadha, Rahul Bhat, and Meera Chopra, Section 375 takes up a very sensitive issue, but thankfully director Ajay Bahl has narrated it quite well and without going overboard with the drama.

Rohan (Rahul Bhat), a filmmaker is accused by a junior costume designer Anjali (Meera Chopra) for raping her. Session court convicts Rohan and he is sentenced for 10 years. He appeals in the High Court and Tarun Saluja (Akshaye Khanna) is in his defense while Hiral Mehta (Richa Chadha) is the prosecution lawyer. The movie moves forward and keeps you hooked, but well, it also has a few flaws.

The story of the film, written by Manish Gupta and Ajay Bahl, (additional screen and dialogues) is interesting and makes you think a lot of things. Their research on Section 375 as well as the rape cases in India is up to the mark. Also, with many Bollywood filmmakers being accused of sexual harassment last year, in the rage of #MeToo movement in India, this movie looks quite relevant in a lot of terms. The dialogues in the film are interesting and cunning at times, especially those mouthed by Akshaye Khanna.

Talking about the flaws, the film in the second half loses its grip a bit. The pace becomes slow and even the arguments look pale. But soon it picks up once again. The other element that didn't really impress us is the character of Richa Chadha. Her character in front of Akshaye's character looks weak.

Coming to performances, Akshaye Khanna is the star of the film. He has once again proved that he is one of the most talented actors we have in Bollywood. Richa Chadha looks lost throughout and doesn't give her best. Rahul Bhat is damn good in the film and Meera Chopra leaves a mark. A special mention to Kruttika Desai and the actor who played the male judge in the movie.

Overall, Section 375 is an engaging film and if you enjoy courtroom dramas then this is surely a must-watch for you.

Ratings: 3/5

Watch the trailer here...