‘Kashmir Files’ labelled ‘propaganda’ and a ‘vulgar movie’ by Indian Film Festival Jury Head

‘Kashmir Files’ has been labelled “propaganda” and a “vulgar movie” by the Indian Film Festival Jury Head Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid.

The Kashmir Files, released on March 11, 2022 revolves around the killings and exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990 from Kashmir Valley.

The film in question directed by Vivek Agnihotri, was featured in the “Panorama” section of the 53rd International Film Festival in Goa, last week.

The International Film Festival in Goa concluded on Monday, however, the jury slammed the Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty and Pallavi Joshi starrer.

Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid, who headed the IFFI jury, said “all of them” were “disturbed and shocked” to see the film screened at the festival.

“There were 15 films in the international film competition category. Out of which 14 films were of excellent quality and full of cinematic value. But it was the 15th movie where we were all shocked and disturbed. That movie was called The Kashmir Files. We felt it was propaganda. It felt like a crude and vulgar film in the competition section of such a prestigious film festival,” said Nadav Lapid.

“It seemed to us like a propagandist movie inappropriate for an artistic, competitive section of such a prestigious film festival. I feel totally comfortable to share openly these feelings here with you on stage. Since the spirit of having a festival is to accept also a critical discussion which is essential for art and for life,” Lapid said in his address.

Lapid’s remarks were made at the function that was attended by many Indian ministers including Union Minister Anurag Thakur.

The film has been praised by the India’s ruling political party BJP and was declared tax-free in most BJP-ruled states and was a box office hit.

Earlier in May, The Kashmir Files was banned in Singapore. The authorities cited concerns over its “potential to cause enmity between different communities”.

“The film will be refused classification for its provocative and one-sided portrayal of Muslims and the depictions of Hindus being persecuted in the ongoing conflict in Kashmir,” read a statement from the Singapore government, reported news agency Press Trust of India.