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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.

Published

3 years ago

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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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Ramayana teaser unveiled as Ranbir Kapoor appears as Rama in Nitesh Tiwari’s epic film

The teaser of Ramayana has been released, showing Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama. The film will release in two parts in 2026 and 2027.

Published

2 weeks ago

on

April 2, 2026

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Ramayana Teaser

The teaser of Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming film Ramayana has been released, offering the first glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor in the role of Lord Rama. The film, which is planned as a two-part cinematic project, is scheduled for a Diwali release later this year.

The teaser shows several key moments, including scenes from the coronation and the exile period in the forest of Panchavati. Ranbir Kapoor appears in the role of Rama with a calm and composed presence. The teaser also briefly shows Yash in the role of Ravan towards the end.

Ahead of the teaser launch, Alia Bhatt shared a video message on social media asking audiences to support the project and Ranbir Kapoor’s work on the film. In the video, she said the “Rama unit” video would be released and encouraged audiences to watch and support the film.

Budget and scale

Producer Namit Malhotra said the film has been in development for six to seven years and is being made on a large scale. According to him, the total budget for both parts is around $500 million, which is over Rs 4,000 crore combined.

He said the film is being made for a global audience and aims to present the epic on a large cinematic scale while remaining efficient in production.

Music collaboration

The film’s music is being composed through a collaboration between AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer. Rahman said working on a project based on such an iconic epic is challenging, as the team wants to present something new while respecting the importance of the story.

Release plan and cast

The film will be released in two parts. The first part is scheduled for a worldwide release in October 2026 ahead of Diwali, while the second part is planned for release during Diwali 2027.

Apart from Ranbir Kapoor, the film also stars Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol, Ravi Dubey and Yash in important roles.

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Entertainment

Dhurandhar 2 box office collection day 7 crosses Rs 600 crore in India

Dhurandhar 2 continues its strong box office run, crossing Rs 600 crore in India and Rs 1000 crore worldwide within its first week.

Published

3 weeks ago

on

March 26, 2026

By

Dhurandhar 2 review

Ranveer Singh’s film Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has crossed the Rs 600 crore mark at the India box office within seven days of its release, according to trade estimates. The film has maintained a strong run in both mass centres and urban markets during its first week.

As per trade figures, the film’s India net box office collection stands at around Rs 623 crore after seven days, while the gross domestic collection is estimated to be over Rs 740 crore. The film has also performed strongly in overseas markets, taking its international collection to more than Rs 250 crore. With this, the worldwide box office total has crossed Rs 1,000 crore within the first week of release, as per trade estimates.

Day-wise performance in India

The film opened strongly on March 19 with box office collections of over Rs 100 crore. The film continued to perform well over the next few days, collecting around Rs 80 crore on Day 2 and over Rs 110 crore on Day 3. Collections remained strong over the weekend, followed by an expected drop on weekdays. By Day 7, the film collected around Rs 47 crore, taking the total India net collection past Rs 600 crore.

Overseas performance and comparison

The film has also reported strong performance in overseas markets, particularly in the UK and other key international territories. With the worldwide collection crossing Rs 1,000 crore in the first week, the film is being compared to the fast global box office pace seen by Pushpa 2: The Rule in terms of early box office momentum, according to trade observers.

About the film

Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge is the sequel to the 2025 film Dhurandhar. The sequel features Ranveer Singh along with Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan and Sanjay Dutt in key roles.

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Dhurandhar 2 review: Ranveer Singh dominates Aditya Dhar’s high-octane sequel

Dhurandhar 2 review explores Ranveer Singh’s standout performance in a violent and layered sequel directed by Aditya Dhar.

Published

4 weeks ago

on

March 21, 2026

By

Dhurandhar 2 review

The release of Dhurandhar 2 has brought back the kind of theatrical frenzy last witnessed during Pathaan, which marked Shah Rukh Khan’s return to cinemas. This time, the spotlight firmly belongs to Ranveer Singh, who headlines the second instalment of Aditya Dhar’s ambitious action franchise.

The sequel builds on the foundation of the first film, amplifying its scale, violence, and emotional depth. Positioned as a revenge-driven narrative, the story centres on Jaskirat Singh Rangi, whose personal tragedy in 2002 sets the tone for the film’s intense journey.

A revenge story rooted in personal loss

Jaskirat, a young man from Pathankot aspiring to join the Indian Army, is pushed into darkness after his father’s murder and the brutal assault on his sisters. His life takes a drastic turn when he is recruited into a covert operation by Ajay Sanyal, played by R Madhavan, along with his associate Sushant Bansal.

Over time, Jaskirat transforms into Hamza Ali Mazari, a lethal operative tasked with dismantling terror networks across Pakistan. The narrative follows his evolution into a ruthless force, balancing emotional vulnerability with extreme brutality.

Ranveer Singh anchors the film

At the core of Dhurandhar 2 is Ranveer Singh’s performance, which stands out for its range and intensity. Whether portraying emotional turmoil or executing violent missions, the actor commands attention throughout.

One of the film’s standout moments features his character in a restrained yet explosive state, delivering a chilling performance that adds to the film’s dramatic weight.

Expanding the universe with political and historical references

The film blends fiction with real-world references, incorporating elements like the 2008 Mumbai attacks, demonetisation, the Uri attack, and the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute. It also introduces characters inspired by real figures, including terror operatives and political personalities.

A cameo reference to Narendra Modi adds another layer to the narrative, reflecting the film’s attempt to merge cinematic storytelling with contemporary political undertones.

Supporting cast adds depth

The film features strong supporting performances, including Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal, who emerges as a formidable antagonist. However, the absence of a larger role for Akshaye Khanna is noticeable, despite his brief appearance.

Sanjay Dutt appears in an extended cameo, delivering a commanding screen presence. Meanwhile, Madhavan’s dual-layered portrayal adds narrative complexity.

Other actors like Sara Arjun, Gaurav Gera, and Rakesh Bedi contribute effectively, with their characters receiving more clarity compared to the first film.

Music blends multiple eras

The soundtrack of Dhurandhar 2 stands out for its diversity, featuring recreations and classics across decades. Tracks inspired by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Kishore Kumar, and international artist Khaled add a unique musical layer to the film.

A sequel that answers questions but misses the climax high

While the film provides answers to several unresolved questions from the first part, it does not quite match the crescendo of its predecessor. Still, it succeeds in expanding the narrative universe and maintaining audience engagement.

Overall, Dhurandhar 2 is driven by Ranveer Singh’s commanding performance and its bold storytelling approach, making it a must-watch for fans of the franchise.

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