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Yearender 2022: The Kashmir Files controversy, truth, propaganda and a hard place

After the film’s release, several videos showed people in theatres raising genocidal and Islamophobic slogans after watching the film. The Kashmir Files has been called out countless times for polarization by vilifying the Muslim community and adding to the growing prejudice against the minority community.

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The Kashmir Files

By Utkarsh Tripathi

Vivek Agnihotri’s film The Kashmir Files has been a subject of many debates since it first hit the floors. The film, which was released on March 11, 2022, was said to be based on the true story of the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the early 1990s from Jammu and Kashmir. The film stars Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar, Pallavi Joshi and Mithun Chakraborty among others.

Despite being the centre of a lot of controversy, the film did very well in theatres as it raked approx Rs 250 crore at the box office in the month of its release.

The film was praised by various actors and directors for displaying the hard truth and voicing the forgotten story of the Kashmiri Pandits. Not only the industry or the people, but the film was supported and endorsed by the Narendra Modi Government. Many speculated the ruling party’s reason for supporting the film was to knock out the opposition parties, as well as activists and scholars.

As the movie was praised and celebrated by one group of society, the other group spoke against Vivek Agnihotri’s film. Many alleged inconsistencies in the film’s script and called it out for depicting a distorted point of view of the whole incident. Some said it was an agenda-driven film pushing for polarization in the country by vilifying and spreading prejudice against Kashmiri Muslims.

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Vivek Agnihotri on Row over Kashmir Files

Director Vivek Agnihotri was unabashed by the negative takes against his film and said controversy was unnecessary as The Kashmir Files was purely based on facts. The director added The Kashmir Files team had tried to portray what happens when militancy enters a community and is given ideological support from a part of the society. Agnihotri further added that it leads to disaster.

Agnihotri had claimed that he had researched four years before he started work on the project. To queries on the agendas being driven by him with the film, he agreed that he does have an agenda. He tweeted his agenda is to find India the respect it deserves and to get rid of Naxals and separatists in the country.

After the release of the film, The Kashmir Files team, including Vivek Agnihotri and his wife Pallavi Joshi, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 12 where the PM congratulated and praised them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remark on Kashmir Files Row

PM Modi attacked the people who stood against The Kashmir Files and called it out that it was propaganda and factually incorrect on various occasions.

The Prime Minister said there is an ecosystem working to suppress the truth in the country. The PM said someone who tries to show the truth is being stopped and being suppressed. He further added that the people, who pose to be the custodians of freedom of expression, are themselves trying to discredit the film and scrutinize it.

He added his concern is not specifically for the film, but that the country needs to see the truth in the right manner. Prime Minister Modi said if someone wants they can make a film on the same issue but with a different perspective, if they want.

Not only the PM, his party echoed the praise for the film as various BJP-ruled states made the film tax-free, including Bihar (now in the Opposition camp thanks to Nitish Kumar switching sides), Gujarat, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Haryana and others. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma announced half-day leave for government employees to watch the film. Whereas in Karnataka’s Vijayapura, MLA Patil Yatnal announced free shows of the film for people.

Opposition Parties on Kashmir files

The support for The Kashmir Files by the BJP became a national issue, the opposition including the Aam Aadmi Party, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, the Congress and many others chimed in to add their take.

Aam Aadmi Party on the film

Back in March, Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal said a great tragedy happened in Kashmir and highlighted that 32 years have gone by and even after 32 years, the government tells Kashmiri Pandits that they made a film for them. He attacked the Centre and said the Kashmiri Pandits don’t want a film, they want rehabilitation. The Delhi Chief Minister also accused the BJP of doing politics over The Kashmir Files.

Shiv Sena’s take on the film

Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena wrote against The Kashmir Files in Shiv Sena’s mouthpiece Saamana. The editorial said the story is based on the fleeing of Hindu Pandits in Kashmir, their killings, atrocities inflicted on them and their anger disturbs one’s mind.

The editorial charged the film as an attempt to divide Hindu-Muslims again. Raut claimed the BJP was supporting the film to win the upcoming Assembly elections due then in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.

Raut said The Kashmir Files should be created, but the agenda of such films has lately been to spread hatred and confusion about the political opposition, rather than showing the truth.

Congress’s take on the film

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the film was inciting hate by distorting history to provoke anger. Ramesh tweeted some films inspire change, whereas, The Kashmir Files incited only hate. He highlighted the truth can lead to justice, rehabilitation, reconciliation and peace.

The Congress general secretary said propaganda twists facts, distorts history to whip up anger and promote violence and said statesmen heal wounds, whereas pracharaks exploit fear and prejudice to divide and rule.

IFFI Kashmir Files Row

In late November, The Kashmir Files was yet again in the news. International Film Festival of India (IFFI) jury head and Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid called the film propaganda and a vulgar film. He said it was inappropriate to place it in the artistic competitive section in IFFI. Lapid’s statements reignited the row which revolved around the film.

The Israeli filmmaker expounded on his comments to the media and said bad films are not a crime, however, The Kashmir Files is a very crude, manipulative and violent propaganda film.

As a result of Lapid’s remarks on the film, many including the team of The Kashmir Files attacked him. Subsequently, the Israeli filmmaker himself came forward and issued an apology for his remarks.

Reaction of the people who watched the film

After the film’s release, several videos showed people in theatres raising genocidal and Islamophobic slogans after watching the film. The Kashmir Files has been called out countless times for polarization by vilifying the Muslim community and adding to the growing prejudice against the minority community.

While such is the effect on one part of the audience, Kashmiri Pandits themselves are up in arms against the Government’s rehabilitation policy. Terrorists killed four Kashmiri Pandits on their return to the Kashmir Valley. The protesters have sought more protection for people who return to the Valley from terror elements.

If one was to look at The Kashmir Files and its version of the truth, India has itself chosen not to send the film as its 2022 Oscars’ entry. That decision nails the claims of its makers.

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Entertainment

The Night Agent season 2 review: Netflix hit spy show even better than before

A secondary plotline, focusing on suspicious activities at the Iranian mission to the United Nations, adds a further dimension to the already multifaceted narrative, broadening the scope of the conspiracy beyond the confines of the American government.

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Netflix’s The Night Agent, a runaway success in 2023, returns for a second season that expertly builds upon its predecessor’s thrilling foundation. Picking up ten months after the explosive conclusion of season one, the show plunges viewers back into the high-stakes world of Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), the earnest but resourceful FBI agent now operating as a Night Action agent.

The immediate danger is palpable; within the first fifteen minutes, Peter finds himself in a familiar predicament—surrounded by potential enemies and unsure of who to trust. This sets the stage for a season filled with suspense, double-crosses, and relentless action.

The central mystery revolves around a dangerous leak within the agency. Peter, utilizing his sharp intellect and street smarts, embarks on a perilous investigation to uncover the mole, a quest complicated by both internal and international threats. His reunion with Rose Larkin (Luciane Buchanan), his former girlfriend, adds another layer of complexity.

Rose, now a key asset in his investigation, helps navigate the treacherous landscape of political intrigue and espionage. A secondary plotline, focusing on suspicious activities at the Iranian mission to the United Nations, adds a further dimension to the already multifaceted narrative, broadening the scope of the conspiracy beyond the confines of the American government.

Showrunner Shawn Ryan and his writing team have once again crafted a captivating ten-episode season that maintains the addictive quality of the original. Each episode ends on a dramatic cliffhanger, keeping viewers hooked and eagerly anticipating the next installment. While some plot points may strain credulity, the show’s commitment to delivering edge-of-your-seat entertainment overshadows any concerns about realism. The increased budget is evident in the expanded filming locations; the action spills beyond the familiar streets of Washington D.C., transporting viewers to the vibrant backdrops of Bangkok and New York City, adding a visual flair to the already dynamic storytelling.

The pacing, though rapid, avoids feeling rushed, successfully balancing the constant tension with well-developed character arcs. Basso and Buchanan’s chemistry remains compelling, their performances anchored by the palpable tension and trust issues stemming from their shared trauma.

The supporting cast shines as well; the addition of Brittany Snow as Peter’s Night Action partner, Amanda Warren as his supervisor, and Arienne Mandi as the enigmatic Iranian aide, Noor, significantly enhances the overall narrative. The return of Kari Matchett as the President provides a crucial link to the previous season while simultaneously allowing the introduction of these new pivotal characters.

The knowledge that a third season is already in the works subtly alters the dynamic, easing the pressure on the main characters while simultaneously amplifying the stakes of the ongoing conspiracy. The mystery surrounding the CIA leaks, with its implications for national security, is just as gripping as the previous season’s plot to assassinate the president. Ultimately, The Night Agent Season 2 delivers another exhilarating ride, perfect for those seeking a high-octane weekend watch filled with unexpected thrills and unwavering suspense.

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Priyanka Chopra backed film Anuja nominated for Oscars 2025

This marks Monga’s third Oscar nomination, adding to her impressive track record with previous wins for “The Elephant Whisperers” and “Period: End of Sentence,” both of which brought significant accolades to Indian filmmaking.

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Indian cinema is celebrating a significant achievement at the 2025 Academy Awards. “Anuja,” a live-action short film backed by prominent Indian and international producers Guneet Monga and Priyanka Chopra, has earned a prestigious nomination in the Best Live Action Short Film category.

This marks Monga’s third Oscar nomination, adding to her impressive track record with previous wins for “The Elephant Whisperers” and “Period: End of Sentence,” both of which brought significant accolades to Indian filmmaking.

The nomination announcement, made on Thursday by presenters Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott, highlights “Anuja’s” selection from a highly competitive pool of 180 qualifying films. The film now contends against “Alien,” “I’m Not a Robot,” “The Last Ranger,” and “A Man Who Would Not Remain Silent” for the coveted award.

“Anuja” itself is a powerful and moving narrative centered around a nine-year-old girl working in a back-alley garment factory. The film poignantly explores the challenges and resilience of working children, following the young protagonist as she confronts a crucial decision that will shape her future and her family’s destiny.

Director Adam J. Graves describes the film as “a heartfelt tribute to the resilience and untold stories of working children,” capturing the spirit of the young protagonist’s strength and vulnerability.

The production of “Anuja” is a collaborative effort, reflecting a commitment to telling authentic stories. It was produced by Graves’ wife, Suchitra Mattai, in collaboration with the Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT), a non-profit organization supporting street and working children founded by Mira Nair’s family.

Shine Global, known for its Oscar-winning films “War/Dance” and “Inocente,” and Krushan Naik Films also contributed to the project. The film stars Ananya Shanbhag, Sajda Pathan, and Nagesh Bhosle and boasts a strong supporting cast. While the official release date on Netflix is yet to be announced, the nomination itself ensures “Anuja” will receive significant global attention.

The 97th Oscars ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 2nd. The nomination of “Anuja” marks not only a personal triumph for its creators but also a significant moment for Indian cinema on the global stage.

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Sean Diddy files $50 million defamation case against Courtney Burgess, others over false allegations of celebrity sex tapes

Combs’ legal team argues that the defendants acted with malice, intentionally disseminating these falsehoods for personal gain and without regard for the devastating consequences for their client.

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Sean Diddy Combs has filed a $50 million defamation lawsuit against Nexstar Media Group, the parent company of NewsNation, and Courtney Burgess, a grand jury witness, in a New York federal court. The suit alleges that the defendants knowingly and recklessly spread false and defamatory statements about Combs, severely damaging his reputation and jeopardizing his ability to receive a fair trial.

At the heart of the lawsuit are claims made by Burgess that he possesses explicit video footage depicting Combs engaged in non-consensual sexual acts with both celebrities and minors. These claims, amplified by NewsNation’s reporting, have allegedly poisoned public perception and created a prejudicial atmosphere.

Combs’ legal team argues that the defendants acted with malice, intentionally disseminating these falsehoods for personal gain and without regard for the devastating consequences for their client.

Combs’ lawyer, Erica Wolff, emphasizes the fabricated and malicious nature of the accusations. She contends that the defendant’s actions constitute a reckless disregard for the truth, deliberately undermining Combs’ right to a fair trial. The lawsuit highlights the irresponsible reporting and amplification of unsubstantiated claims, arguing that NewsNation failed to adequately verify Burgess’s statements before broadcasting them to a wide audience.

The suit specifically cites statements made by Burgess during interviews, including claims that Kim Porter, Combs’ late partner and mother of four of his children, sent him videos allegedly showing Combs assaulting intoxicated celebrities and minors.

Furthermore, the lawsuit points to unsubstantiated allegations made by Burgess’s attorney, Ariel Mitchell, regarding police reports supporting sexual assault claims against Combs—claims that were ultimately dismissed by authorities. Mitchell also reportedly mentioned the circulation of these alleged tapes within Hollywood circles, further fueling the damaging narrative.

Combs seeks to hold the defendants accountable for the intentional dissemination of false information, arguing that their actions have not only tarnished his reputation but have also created a significant impediment to his ability to obtain a fair and unbiased legal process. The lawsuit represents a strong defence against what Combs’ legal team describes as a malicious campaign to damage his standing in the public eye.

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