Singapore has banned the Indian film ‘Da Kashmir Files’ saying that the film is provocative and portrays Muslims in a one-sided way.
Singapore says the film does not ‘comply’ with the country’s film guidelines.
‘Da Kashmirophiles’ is a fictional film that revolves around the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley in the 90s. The mountainous region of the valley is located in the Federal Territory of Jammu and Kashmir administered by India.
The Pandit community consists of Kashmiri Hindus who are part of India’s large Sarvasot Brahmin community. Brahmins consider themselves the highest in the Hindu caste system.
The film Da Kashmir Files, starring Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, Puneet Issar, Aman Iqbal and Pallavi Joshi, portrays the exodus of Pandits in the 1990s as their genocide. This is a controversial idea. According to multiple reports, Singapore has expressed concern over the film’s ‘potential cause of enmity between different communities’.
The government of Singapore has said in a statement released on May 9 in response to questions from the media that “for portraying Muslims provocatively and one-sidedly and showing that Hindus are being oppressed in the ongoing conflict in Kashmir. is, due to which this film will be denied classification.’
“These scenes can cause hostility between different sections of our society and turn into religious and social harmony where people of many races and religions live.”
The film has been endorsed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with many politicians from India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
However, critics say that the film played with anti-Muslim sentiments and the veracity of the facts presented in it is not beyond doubt.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor shared the Singapore government’s statement on social media and wrote that ‘The film promoted by India’s ruling party has been banned in Singapore.’
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#Danger #communal #enmity #Singapore #bans #Kashmir #Files
**Interview with Dr. Ayesha Malik, Film Critic and Cultural Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Malik. Singapore’s ban on ‘Da Kashmir Files’ has sparked quite the conversation. What are your initial thoughts on this decision?
**Dr. Malik:** Thank you for having me. The ban on ‘Da Kashmir Files’ reflects Singapore’s commitment to maintaining social harmony and its stringent film regulations. The film portrays a highly sensitive historical event—the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits—through a particular lens, which may be interpreted as provocative, especially towards the Muslim community. Such depictions can escalate societal tensions, which is why authorities in Singapore took this step.
**Interviewer:** The film is based on real historical events, yet it has faced criticism for its portrayal of Muslims. How important is the representation of all communities in films like this?
**Dr. Malik:** Absolutely, representation is crucial. Films that present history should strive for a balanced perspective that does justice to all sides involved. In the case of ‘Da Kashmir Files,’ while it shines a light on the plight of Kashmiri Pandits, it risks oversimplifying the complexities of the situation and painting a large community with a broad brush. This can lead to misperceptions and even hatred among communities.
**Interviewer:** With the film being refused classification in Singapore, what message do you think this sends to filmmakers around the world?
**Dr. Malik:** It’s a clear reminder of the weight of responsibility that filmmakers carry. While art and storytelling often aim to provoke thought and discussion, they must also be mindful of the potential consequences of their narratives. This ban underscores the importance of depicting history with nuance and sensitivity, especially when communal harmony is at stake.
**Interviewer:** how has the global reaction been to the film and its ban?
**Dr. Malik:** The global reaction is mixed. Supporters of the film argue that it raises awareness about a neglected chapter in history, while critics view it as polarizing. The ban in Singapore may reinforce the view among some that there are limits to freedom of expression when it comes to sensitive topics. It sparks a larger conversation regarding censorship, artistic freedom, and the responsibility of filmmakers in today’s global context.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Malik, for your insights on this complex issue.
**Dr. Malik:** Thank you for having me. It’s important that we continue to discuss these themes in our increasingly interconnected world.
