Newton (film)

Newton is a 2017 Indian Hindi-language black comedy drama film directed by Amit V. Masurkar and starring Rajkummar Rao in the titular role. The film follows Newton Kumar, a rookie government clerk, who is sent to a remote, conflict-ridden area of Chhattisgarh, India, to conduct a free and fair election.

The film explores themes of idealism versus pragmatism, the complexities of democracy in a diverse and challenging socio-political landscape, and the bureaucratic hurdles faced by those trying to uphold ethical standards. Newton's unwavering commitment to his duty is tested by the apathy of the local authorities, the presence of Maoist insurgents, and the skepticism of the security forces assigned to protect him.

The film received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of the election process in rural India and its nuanced exploration of the challenges of upholding democratic ideals. It won the National Film Award for Best Hindi Film and was India's official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards, though it was not nominated. Supporting cast members include Pankaj Tripathi, Anjali Patil, and Raghubir Yadav.