Section 375 meta review: Akshaye Khanna and Richa Chadha’s courtroom drama gets a thumbs up from the critics

As the title suggests, Ajay Bahl’s directorial Section 375 focuses on Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code, under which a woman can accuse a man of rape, if he has sexual intercourse with her without her consent, or if the consent is produced via coercion, deception, or the woman not being in a sound mental state to give consent. Speaking of which, the plot of the film starring Akshaye Khanna and Richa Chadha presents one such courtroom drama wherein a famous married filmmaker gets accused of rape by a junior stylist working in his film. The forensic evidence nails him as guilty but there is more than what meets the eye. The case is then being fought by two lawyers who have a mentor and protege relationship with Akshaye speaking against the Section 375.

Although the film received backlash from a certain section of the society with an advocate filing a case seeking a ban on the film for showing lawyers in the bad light but surviving the negative criticism, the film is all set to hit the screens tomorrow. Here are some of the first critic reviews that have just hit the web. You will be amazed to read the kind of appreciation coming in response to Akshaye’s character. Read on…

TOI has given it a 4 star rating stating, “‘The film makes for a gripping watch with a crisp runtime and top-notch performances. Akshaye Khanna is intense, brooding and riveting all at once. He is simply brilliant as he owns every minute that you see him on screen. Richa Chadha follows up with an equally earnest and nuanced act. Section 375’ is an audacious effort. It is a relevant film that tackles a complex issue and one that will engage, inform and open up debates.”

Filmfare has given Section 375 a 3 star rating with a review stating, “Purely on cinematic merit, it’s a well-crafted, well-acted film. The situations shown in the film seem plausible. The rape act, though graphic, isn’t titillating. The dialogue is both pithy and witty. The courtroom scenes look genuine. Akshaye Khanna is in fine form here as a charming, affable defence lawyer who gets a kick out of defending criminals in high profile cases. He’s a picture of professional calm throughout and doesn’t go overboard ever. Richa Chadda is at her feisty best as the public prosecutor gunning for justice.”

Bollywood Hungama has applauded director Ajay’s narration saying, “Ajay Bahl’s direction is quite apt. He captivates the viewers with his storytelling and doesn’t lose their attention even once in the 120 minute duration. Also, he presents both sides quite nicely and convincingly. This is a courtroom drama but like conventional Bollywood films in this genre, the film is not made in a dramatic fashion. Yes, a lot is happening in the film but it is all done a bit more realistically. On the whole, SECTION 375 is a hard-hitting courtroom drama that raises some important points.”

Koimoi can’t get over Akshaye’s performance in the film as they write, “Akshaye Khanna, with every film, proves just one thing – Why he’s the most missed actor in Bollywood. He’s a drop ‘dread’ delight to watch. With that almost perfect dialogue delivery, he manages to land a wicked smile – it’s pure gold! This movie is more than the nitpicked flaws. It presents the judiciary system in a very abstract light and moves you in the right direction. It makes you think with its very unique approach.”

BollywoodLife has given it a 2.5 star rating, “The film is a good watch for Akshaye Khanna fans. It has some good insight into the hearings of rape cases. Most importantly, it gives us a perspective into different point of views. It is a decent one-time watch for those who like this genre.”

Are you planning to watch Section 375? Tweet your anticipation to us @zoomtv and do come back to this space for more updates.