The Kashmir Files: Why Is This Film Laced In Controversy

The Kashmir conflict has been as old as India’s fight for freedom. It is a sensitive topic for all Indians. Imagine making a film that not just revolves around the conflict but dwells into the lives of those who have been an integral part of that conflict. How can then one expect controversy to stay at bay? 

Vivek Agnihotri directed, The Kashmir Files has been swarming with controversy right from the time it has hit the theatres on 11th March 2022. The movie brings to the forefront the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits living in the valley in 1990. 

The country’s citizens seem to be divided into two sides. One that supports the making of the film and the other that highly condemns it. Political leaders, especially seem to be majorly affected by it. 

In almost all of the BJP-ruled states, the movie has been made tax free. This is said to be a move of the government to encourage people to watch the film that shows the plight of the Kashmiri Pandits. On the other hand, political leaders of Kashmir like Omar Abdulla and Mehbooba Mufti have condemned the film. They have accused the filmmaker of showing false things and playing with the facts. Mehbooba Mufti has also criticized the government for promoting the film. She tweeted, “the manner in which GOI is aggressively promoting Kashmir Files & is weaponising pain of Kashmiri Pandits makes their ill intention obvious. Instead of healing old wounds & creating a conducive atmosphere between the two communities, they are deliberately tearing them apart.”

The filmmakers are yet not clear on their stand of calling their work a documentary or a work of fiction. However, the fact that the exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits did take place (which is quite evidently shown in the film) cannot be denied by anyone as it stands true. 

Those who have condemned the film have also called for a ban on it. This however is an attack on every individual’s right to freedom of speech and expression. The controversy related to the film reached such great heights that the director started receiving death threats on social media. He has now been provided with a Y category security cover. 

This small budget film stars Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Mithun Chakraborty and Darshan Kumaar in leading roles and has had a box office collection of Rs 236.70 crore till now.