A Vivek Agnihotri wrote and directed The Kashmir Files, a 2022 Indian Hindi-language thriller film. The film is based on the evacuation of Kashmiri Pandits during the Kashmir Rebel movement and was produced by Zee Studios.
The film was originally scheduled to be released theatrically on January 26, 2022, to coincide with India’s Republic Day, but was delayed due to the spread of the Omicron form of Covid-19, and was finally released on March 11, 2022. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party approved, promoted, and granted tax-free status to the film in several states (BJP). It was a big office hit, despite conflicting reviews from critics. The film’s critics lauded it for drawing attention to the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus. The film has been acclaimed for its dialogues, background research, and the cast’s performances, particularly those of Kher, but it has also been accused of historical revisionism, political propaganda, and attempts to foment hatred against one community.
Vivek Agnihotri, the film’s producer, believes that the film depicts the “reality of Kashmir.” Its main point is that the so-called “exodus” of Kashmiri Pandits is a “genocide.” The film concentrates solely on the killings of Kashmiri Hindus in 1990 and subsequently, although Kashmiri Muslims were slain in greater numbers throughout the conflict. The film was accused of historical revisionism and unnuanced narrative, which some saw as a ruse to promote anti-Muslim prejudice.
On March 11, 2022, The Kashmir Files was presented in India on over 630 screens. On its first three days, the film grossed 3.55 crore, 8.50 crore, and 15.10 crore at the domestic box office, bringing its opening weekend total to 27.15 crores.
Is The Kashmir Files 18+?
Answering in short, yes, the Kashmir Files is 18+ due to its strong graphics and violence shown in the movie. Even some 18+ adults find this film hard to watch, as the violence shown in the film is very extreme. Vivek Agnihotri claims to have visited over 700 people from the exodus and documented their memories over two years as part of the project. Within the first two days of its release, The Kashmir Files became a box office success. The film has grossed 60.20 crores at the box office as of March 15, 2022. In addition, the film grossed an estimated 5 crore in global markets during its debut weekend.
So, the bottom line is that the film is 18+ and is not for children and even for some adults who are sensitive and can’t watch violence that much.
The Kashmir Files Story
Using the slogan “Raliv Galiv ya Chaliv,” (“convert, leave or die”) terrorists stormed Kashmir in 1989-90 and expelled Kashmiri Hindu Pandits from the valley. Pushkar Nath Pandit is concerned for the safety of his son Karan, who is suspected of being an Indian spy by the militants. Pushkar enlists the help of his buddy Brahma Dutt, a civil servant, to defend Karan. Brahma travels to Kashmir with Pushkar and becomes aware of the plight of Kashmiri Pandits. He brings the matter up with the chief minister of J&K, who suspends Brahma.
Pushkar Nath’s house is breached by militant commander Farooq Malik Bitta, who was also a previous pupil of Pushkar. Karan hides under a rice container, but Bitta discovers him and shoots him. Pushkar and Sharda, his daughter-in-law, beg for their lives. In exchange for their lives, Bitta forces Sharda to consume rice soaked in Karan’s blood. Pushkar brings Karan to the hospital after Bitta.
Pushkar and his family are sent to Kaul, a Hindu poet who maintains a friendly connection with Muslims, by journalist Vishnu Ram. Kaul welcomes numerous Pandits into his home, but under the pretense of supplying safety, a group of terrorists arrives to kidnap Kaul and his son. The remaining Pandits leave but are later stunned to see Kaul and his son’s bodies hanging from trees.
Pandits fleeing the Kashmir valley relocate to Jammu, where they survive on low rations and in hazardous conditions. Brahma has been chosen as an advisor to J&K’s incoming governor. On Pushkar’s request, the Home Minister visits the Jammu camps, where he requests that Article 370 be repealed and Kashmiri Pandits be resettled. Brahma secures Sharda a government position in Kashmir’s Nadimarg, and the family relocates.
Where to Watch The Kashmir Files?
The Kashmir Files is currently in Cinema and later to be released on Zee5 for streaming.