Newton (2017) is an Indian black comedy-drama film directed by Amit V. Masurkar. The story follows Newton Kumar (played by Rajkummar Rao), an earnest and idealistic government clerk assigned as a presiding officer for an election in a remote, conflict-ridden jungle in Chhattisgarh. Determined to conduct free and fair elections, Newton faces numerous obstacles, including voter apathy, bureaucratic inefficiency, and the looming threat of Naxalite insurgents.
Accompanied by a reluctant security team led by cynical paramilitary officer Aatma Singh (Pankaj Tripathi), Newton insists on upholding democratic principles, even when his efforts seem futile. His rigid honesty and unwavering commitment to the electoral process lead to intense conflicts with the security forces and the local villagers, who view the elections with skepticism.
Blending humor with sharp social commentary, Newton explores themes of democracy, duty, and the struggles of governance in India’s rural and insurgency-affected regions. The film received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of grassroots politics and Rajkummar Rao’s stellar performance. It was India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards.
