The film ‘The Kashmir Files’, which was released in India last month, has been well received by Hindus after Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s support.
The aim of the film is to incite hatred against the Muslim minority. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has endorsed the film on Hindus who left Kashmir en masse 30 years ago.
Critics say Kashmir Files is the latest offering by the Indian film industry, Bollywood, which is known for its dance-heavy films, which aims to tackle themes that serve the political agenda of Modi’s nationalist government. .
The film, which released last month, has already become one of the highest-grossing films of the year. The film shows in harrowing detail how millions of Hindus had to flee for their lives from Muslim militants in Indian-administered Kashmir in the 1989s. In many states of India, the film can be seen without paying tax on the ticket.
In several videos shared on social media, it can be seen that people in cinemas are calling for revenge killing of Muslims. AFP has confirmed the authenticity of these videos.
In one clip, Swami Jitendra Ananda can be seen leading a mob chanting anti-Muslim slogans. According to a Hindu pundit: ‘We think we are safe, but only as long as they (Muslims) do not attack us. (Muslims) are dangerous not only for India but for the whole world.’
According to the film’s director Vivek Agnihotri, ‘About three crore people have seen this film and almost all of them cried after watching the film. He felt sympathy for the Kashmiri Hindus and watched the film in complete silence. Seven million Hindus do not live in their native Kashmir today because of Hinduphobia. They were killed in the name of religion. Ralio Galio Shalio meant accept Islam or run or die. This is how this battle was fought. They accuse me of Islamophobia?’
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Because a false reality was created that only Muslims were oppressed in Kashmir. No one talked about Hindus. In all the major films made on this issue, the genocide of Hindus was not even mentioned. Forget the rest. Where people are concerned, this is the power of truth. I think the story of the film is true which connects with people.’
According to film critic Harish Wankhede, ‘The claim that the film is based on realistic facts is false. This is a very cleverly made film. You can call it a propaganda film of the state. It is a film with a clear agenda. The Indian state, civil society, local right-wing organizations and cinema critics conspired to create an environment in which the film was presented as the only realistic film on such an important issue. This kind of projection attached a nationalist radicalism to the film. It seems that if you don’t watch this film, you are not a part of this atmosphere of nationalism.’
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#Kashmir #Files #Modibacked #film #antiMuslim #slogans
**Interview with Film Critic and Sociopolitical Analyst, Dr. Anjali Verma**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Verma. The release of ‘The Kashmir Files’ has sparked a lot of debates in India and beyond. Can you share your thoughts on the film and its implications for communal relations in India?
**Dr. Verma:** Thank you for having me. ‘The Kashmir Files’ has indeed ignited a significant conversation about the historical and social dynamics in India. The film portrays a tragic chapter of the Kashmiri Pandit community’s exodus, which is essential to acknowledge. However, the way it frames the narrative, particularly its overtly Islamophobic undertones, raises critical concerns. The film seems less like an attempt at historical documentation and more like an emotional rallying cry that could exacerbate existing tensions between communities.
**Interviewer:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown his support for the film, and it has been well-received among Hindu audiences. How do you view the political endorsement?
**Dr. Verma:** Modi’s endorsement cannot be seen in isolation. It reflects a broader trend where historical grievances are selectively used to reinforce a particular nationalist agenda. By supporting this film, the government is tapping into a deep reservoir of communal identity and resentment, which can be politically beneficial at the moment. However, this approach poses significant risks by potentially justifying hostility against the Muslim population.
**Interviewer:** There have been disturbing reports about reactions in cinemas, including calls for violence against Muslims. How concerning is this?
**Dr. Verma:** Very concerning. These incidents demonstrate the dangerous potential for films like ‘The Kashmir Files’ to incite real-world violence and communal hatred. The fact that audiences are reacting with calls for revenge reflects a toxic mix of media influence and unresolved historical grievances. It highlights the responsibility of filmmakers to be aware of the narratives they propagate.
**Interviewer:** What do you think the long-term effects of such films can be on Indian society?
**Dr. Verma:** The long-term effects can be quite damaging. If the narrative promoted by films like ‘The Kashmir Files’ continues to dominate public discourse, we risk entrenching divisions in society, fostering a culture of victimhood among one community and demonization of another. This could lead to a cycle of violence and counter-violence, making reconciliation increasingly difficult.
**Interviewer:** In light of these developments, what do you think is necessary for fostering better communal harmony in India?
**Dr. Verma:** There needs to be a conscious effort towards dialogue and understanding among communities. We must encourage narratives that emphasize shared histories and experiences rather than ones that incite division. Additionally, filmmakers have a social responsibility to ensure that their work does not perpetuate stereotypes or hatred. Educational initiatives that promote tolerance and empathy are equally crucial.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Verma, for your insights. This topic is undoubtedly complex and requires ongoing dialogue.
**Dr. Verma:** Thank you for shedding light on it. It’s essential that we continue to ask these difficult questions.
