The Kashmir Files: Difference between revisions

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*Vivek Agnihotri<ref>{{cite news |title=The Kashmir Files line producer dies by suicide; heartbroken Anupam Kher writes that the news 'shook' him |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/article/the-kashmir-files-line-producer-dies-by-suicide-heartbroken-anupam-kher-writes-that-the-news-shook-him/782425 |access-date=9 July 2021 |publisher=[[Times Now]] |date=9 July 2021}}</ref>
*Vivek Agnihotri<ref>{{cite news |title=The Kashmir Files line producer dies by suicide; heartbroken Anupam Kher writes that the news 'shook' him |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/article/the-kashmir-files-line-producer-dies-by-suicide-heartbroken-anupam-kher-writes-that-the-news-shook-him/782425 |access-date=9 July 2021 |publisher=[[Times Now]] |date=9 July 2021}}</ref>
}}
}}
| writer        = Vivek Agnihotri <br>Saurabh M Pandey
| writer        = Vivek Agnihotri <br>Saurabh M. Pandey
| starring      = {{Plain list|
| starring      = {{Plain list|
*[[Mithun Chakraborty]]
*[[Mithun Chakraborty]]
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| editing        = Shankh Rajadhyaksha
| editing        = Shankh Rajadhyaksha
| studio        = [[Zee Studios]]<br />Abhishek Agarwal Arts
| studio        = [[Zee Studios]]<br />Abhishek Agarwal Arts
| distributor    = [[Zee Studios]]
| distributor    = Zee Studios
| released      = {{Film date|df=yes|2022|03|11}}
| released      = {{Film date|df=yes|2022|03|11}}
| runtime        = 170 minutes<ref name=BBFC>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/the-kashmir-files-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmdazmtuw|title=The Kashmir Files|date= 9 March 2022|publisher=[[British Board of Film Classification]]|access-date=9 March 2022}}</ref>
| runtime        = 170 minutes<ref name=BBFC>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/the-kashmir-files-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmdazmtuw|title=The Kashmir Files|date= 9 March 2022|publisher=[[British Board of Film Classification]]|access-date=9 March 2022}}</ref>
| country        = [[India]]
| country        = India
| language      = [[Hindi]]
| language      = Hindi
| budget        =  
| budget        =  
| gross          = {{Estimation}} {{INR|12.05}} [[crore]]<ref name="bo" />
| gross          = {{Estimation}} {{INR|27.15}} crore<ref>{{cite web|title=The Kashmir Files Box Office|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/the-kashmir-files/box-office/|date=14 March 2022}}</ref>
}}
}}


'''''The Kashmir Files''''' is a 2022 Indian Hindi-language [[drama film]]<ref name=BBFC/> written and directed by [[Vivek Agnihotri]]. Produced by [[Zee Studios]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-08 |title=Vivek Agnihotri’s The Kashmir Files to CLASH with Prabhas-starrer Radhe Shyam on March 11 : Bollywood News |website=Bollywood Hungama |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/vivek-agnihotris-kashmir-files-clash-prabhas-starrer-radhe-shyam-march-11/ |access-date=2022-03-11}}</ref> the film depicts the [[exodus of Kashmiri Hindus]] during the [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir|Kashmir Insurgency]].<ref>{{cite news |date=1 January 2020 |title=Vivek Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files to go on floors next month |publisher=[[Cinema Express]] |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2020/jan/01/vivek-agnihotris-the-kashmir-files-to-go-on-floors-next-month-16315.html |access-date=31 December 2020}}</ref> It stars [[Anupam Kher]], [[Darshan Kumar]], [[Mithun Chakraborty]] and [[Pallavi Joshi]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Negi |first=Shrishti |date=2022-03-09 |title=The Kashmir Files Producer Pallavi Joshi: Am I Making the Film for Hindu Rashtra? I'm Just Telling a Story |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/the-kashmir-files-producer-pallavi-joshi-am-i-making-the-film-for-hindu-rashtra-im-just-telling-a-story-4854995.html |access-date=2022-03-11 |website=News18}}</ref>
'''''The Kashmir Files''''' is a 2022 Indian Hindi-language [[drama film]]<ref name=BBFC/> written and directed by [[Vivek Agnihotri]]. Produced by [[Zee Studios]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-08 |title=Vivek Agnihotri’s The Kashmir Files to CLASH with Prabhas-starrer Radhe Shyam on March 11 : Bollywood News |website=Bollywood Hungama |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/vivek-agnihotris-kashmir-files-clash-prabhas-starrer-radhe-shyam-march-11/ |access-date=2022-03-11}}</ref> the film is based on the [[genocide of Kashmiri Hindus]] during the [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir|Kashmir Insurgency]].<ref>{{cite news |date=1 January 2020 |title=Vivek Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files to go on floors next month |publisher=[[Cinema Express]] |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2020/jan/01/vivek-agnihotris-the-kashmir-files-to-go-on-floors-next-month-16315.html |access-date=31 December 2020}}</ref> It stars [[Anupam Kher]], [[Darshan Kumar]], [[Mithun Chakraborty]] and [[Pallavi Joshi]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Negi |first=Shrishti |date=2022-03-09 |title=The Kashmir Files Producer Pallavi Joshi: Am I Making the Film for Hindu Rashtra? I'm Just Telling a Story |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/the-kashmir-files-producer-pallavi-joshi-am-i-making-the-film-for-hindu-rashtra-im-just-telling-a-story-4854995.html |access-date=2022-03-11 |website=News18}}</ref> The film has received mixed reviews,{{refn|<ref name="IE box office" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-14 |title=The Kashmir Files: Controversies and accolades surrounding the film |url=https://www.dtnext.in/News/Cinema/2022/03/14143451/1357988/The-Kashmir-Files-Controversies-and-accolades-surrounding-.vpf |access-date=2022-03-14 |website=Dina Thanthi |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-12 |title=Netizens on Twitter reveal that the screening of The Kashmir Files has been stopped in cinema halls |url=https://boxofficeworldwide.com/movies-latest-news/netizens-on-twitter-reveal-that-the-screening-of-the-kashmir-files-has-been-stopped-in-cinema-halls/ |access-date=2022-03-14 |website=Box Office Worldwide |language=en-US}}</ref>}} the positive ones praised the cast's performance, particularly that of Anupam Kher.{{refn|<ref name=":0" /><ref name="TKFHT" /><ref name="TKFPV" />}}


The film was initially set to release theatrically worldwide on 26 January 2022, coinciding with [[Republic Day|India's Republic Day]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty's 'The Kashmir Files' to release on Republic Day 2022|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2021/nov/19/anupam-kher-mithun-chakrabortys-the-kashmir-files-to-release-on-republic-day-2022-2385617|date=19 November 2021|work=The New Indian Express |access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref> but was postponed due to the [[SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant|Omicron variant]] spread,<ref name="post:bh">{{Cite web |date=10 January 2022 |title=Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri's 'The Kashmir Files' release postponed amid rising COVID-19 cases|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/vivek-ranjan-agnihotris-kashmir-files-release-postponed-amid-rising-covid-19-cases/|access-date=10 January 2022 |work=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref> and finally theatrically released on 11 March 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 February 2022 |title=Vivek Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files to CLASH with Prabhas-starrer Radhe Shyam on March 11|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/vivek-agnihotris-kashmir-files-clash-prabhas-starrer-radhe-shyam-march-11/|access-date=8 February 2022 |work=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref> The film has been declared tax-free in [[Haryana]],<ref>{{Cite news|date=11 March 2022|title='The Kashmir Files' film declared tax-free in Haryana|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/the-kashmir-files-film-declared-tax-free-in-haryana20220311221608|url-status=live|access-date=11 March 2022|website=[[Asian News International]]}}</ref> [[Madhya Pradesh]],<ref>{{Cite news|date=11 March 2022|title=MP में टैक्स फ्री हुई The Kashmir Files, देशभक्तों ने पूरा थियेटर बुक कर देखी फिल्म|url=https://ghamasan.com/the-kashmir-files-became-tax-free-in-mp-patriots-booked-the-entire-theater-and-watched-the-film-ak/|url-status=live|access-date=11 March 2022|website=ghamasan.com}}</ref> and [[Gujarat]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=13 March 2022|title=Anupam Kher starrer 'The Kashmir Files' gets tax-free in Gujarat|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/anupam-kher-starrer-the-kashmir-files-gets-tax-free-in-gujarat/articleshow/90183117.cms|url-status=live|access-date=12 March 2022|website=[[Times of India]]}}</ref>
It was initially set to release theatrically worldwide on 26 January 2022, coinciding with [[Republic Day|India's Republic Day]],<ref>{{cite web |date=19 November 2021 |title=Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty's 'The Kashmir Files' to release on Republic Day 2022 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2021/nov/19/anupam-kher-mithun-chakrabortys-the-kashmir-files-to-release-on-republic-day-2022-2385617 |access-date=19 November 2021 |work=The New Indian Express}}</ref> but was postponed due to the [[SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant|Omicron variant]] spread,<ref name="post:bh">{{Cite web |date=10 January 2022 |title=Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri's 'The Kashmir Files' release postponed amid rising COVID-19 cases |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/vivek-ranjan-agnihotris-kashmir-files-release-postponed-amid-rising-covid-19-cases/ |access-date=10 January 2022 |work=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref> and finally theatrically released on 11 March 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 February 2022 |title=Vivek Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files to CLASH with Prabhas-starrer Radhe Shyam on March 11 |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/vivek-agnihotris-kashmir-files-clash-prabhas-starrer-radhe-shyam-march-11/ |access-date=8 February 2022 |work=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref> The film was declared tax-free in the states of [[Haryana]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Gujarat]], [[Karnataka]], and [[Tripura]], and became a box office success, within three days of its release, setting several box office records for a small budget Hindi film.<ref name="boi1">{{cite|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=6738|title=The Kashmir Files Is Another Gadar - On Its Way To Create HISTORY|date=14 March 2022|publisher=Box Office India|accessdate=14 March 2022}}</ref><ref name="boi2">{{cite news|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=6736|title=The Kashmir Records Fantastic Weekend - Set For Extraordinary Run|date=14 March 2022|publisher=Box Office India|accessdate=14 March 2022}}</ref>


==Plot==
==Plot==
{{Expand section|date=March 2022}}
{{Expand section|date=March 2022}}
The movie revolves around the journey of a young student Krishna ([[Darshan Kumar]]), who goes from being influenced by Prof. Radhika Menon ([[Pallavi Joshi]]) to finally learning about the [[ Genocide of Kashmiri Hindus|genocide of his own people]].
The movie revolves around the journey of a young student Krishna, who goes from being influenced by Prof. Radhika Menon to finally learning about the [[genocide of Kashmiri Hindus]].


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
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==Production==
==Production==
On 14 August 2019, Agnihotri announced the film with its first look poster saying, "''the film will be an honest investigation into one of the biggest human tragedies''". Director Vivek Agnihotri completed the script, stationed at an undisclosed location in the [[Himalayas]]. The subject of the film was the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits that took place between the late 80s and early 90s.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vivek Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files to go on floors next month |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2020/jan/01/vivek-agnihotris-the-kashmir-files-to-go-on-floors-next-month-16315.html |access-date=31 December 2020 |publisher=[[Cinema Express]] |date=1 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The Kashmir Files: Vivek Agnihotri announces new film through poster, announces its release on 15 August, 2020 |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/the-kashmir-files-vivek-agnihotri-announces-new-film-through-poster-announces-its-release-on-15-august-2020-7162381.html |access-date=31 December 2020 |publisher=[[Firstpost]] |date=14 August 2019}}</ref>  
On 14 August 2019, Agnihotri announced the film with its first look poster saying, "the film will be an honest investigation into one of the biggest human tragedies". Director Vivek Agnihotri completed the script, stationed at an undisclosed location in the [[Himalayas]]. The subject of the film was the genocide of Kashmiri Pandits that took place between the late 80s and early 90s.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vivek Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files to go on floors next month |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2020/jan/01/vivek-agnihotris-the-kashmir-files-to-go-on-floors-next-month-16315.html |access-date=31 December 2020 |publisher=[[Cinema Express]] |date=1 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The Kashmir Files: Vivek Agnihotri announces new film through poster, announces its release on 15 August, 2020 |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/the-kashmir-files-vivek-agnihotri-announces-new-film-through-poster-announces-its-release-on-15-august-2020-7162381.html |access-date=31 December 2020 |publisher=[[Firstpost]] |date=14 August 2019}}</ref> As a part of production, Vivek Agnihotri claimed to have interviewed more than 700 emigrants from the genocide and recorded their stories over a period of two years <ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-07 |title=Vivek Agnihotri on The Kashmir Files: 'I wanted to make a film about people who did not pick up guns'-Entertainment News , Firstpost |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/vivek-agnihotri-on-the-kashmir-files-i-wanted-to-make-a-film-about-people-who-did-not-pick-up-guns-10416331.html |access-date=2022-03-11 |website=Firstpost}}</ref> Actor Anupam Kher joined the cast as the lead actor of the film in May 2020. The first schedule of the film was called off due the [[COVID-19 pandemic|coronavirus outbreak]].<ref>{{cite news |title=COVID 19 effect: Shooting of 'The Kashmir Files' called off |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/covid-19-effect-shooting-of-the-kashmir-files-called-off/articleshow/74673912.cms |access-date=31 December 2020 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=17 May 2020}}</ref> [[Yograj Singh]] was removed for his speeches at the [[2020–2021 Indian farmers' protest]]<ins>,</ins><ref>{{cite news |title=Yograj Singh out of Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/lifestyle/yograj-singh-out-of-vivek-ranjan-agnihotris-the-kashmir-files-183221 |access-date=31 December 2020 |publisher=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)]] |date=12 December 2020}}</ref> and [[Puneet Issar]] was brought in as replacement.<ref>{{cite news |title=Puneet Issar Replaces Yograj Singh In 'The Kashmir Files' Post Singh's Derogatory Remark |url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/puneet-issar-replaces-yograj-singh-in-the-kashmir-files-post-singhs-derogatory-remarks/23144242 |access-date=31 December 2020 |publisher=[[Mid-Day]] |date=15 December 2020}}</ref> A [[line producer]], Sarahna died during the production by committing suicide.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Kashmir Files line producer dies by suicide; heartbroken Anupam Kher writes that the news 'shook' him |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/article/the-kashmir-files-line-producer-dies-by-suicide-heartbroken-anupam-kher-writes-that-the-news-shook-him/782425 |access-date=9 July 2021 |publisher=[[Times Now]] |date=9 July 2021}}</ref>


As a part of production, [[Vivek Agnihotri]] claimed to have interviewed more than 700 emigrants from the exodus and recorded their stories over a period of two years <ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-07 |title=Vivek Agnihotri on The Kashmir Files: 'I wanted to make a film about people who did not pick up guns'-Entertainment News , Firstpost |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/vivek-agnihotri-on-the-kashmir-files-i-wanted-to-make-a-film-about-people-who-did-not-pick-up-guns-10416331.html |access-date=2022-03-11 |website=Firstpost}}</ref> Actor [[Anupam Kher]] joined the cast as the lead actor of the film in May 2020. The first schedule of the film was called off due the [[COVID-19 pandemic|coronavirus outbreak]].<ref>{{cite news |title=COVID 19 effect: Shooting of 'The Kashmir Files' called off |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/covid-19-effect-shooting-of-the-kashmir-files-called-off/articleshow/74673912.cms |access-date=31 December 2020 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=17 May 2020}}</ref> Later Agnihotri removed actor [[Yograj Singh]] for making speeches at the [[2020–2021 Indian farmers' protest]]<ins>,</ins><ref>{{cite news |title=Yograj Singh out of Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/lifestyle/yograj-singh-out-of-vivek-ranjan-agnihotris-the-kashmir-files-183221 |access-date=31 December 2020 |publisher=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)]] |date=12 December 2020}}</ref> and brought in [[Puneet Issar]] as replacement.<ref>{{cite news |title=Puneet Issar Replaces Yograj Singh In 'The Kashmir Files' Post Singh's Derogatory Remark |url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/puneet-issar-replaces-yograj-singh-in-the-kashmir-files-post-singhs-derogatory-remarks/23144242 |access-date=31 December 2020 |publisher=[[Mid-Day]] |date=15 December 2020}}</ref>  
== Critical reception ==
[[File:Anupam Kher at the Shirin Morani’s wedding reception (cropped).jpg|thumb|200px|Kher's performance in ''The Kashmir Files'' was generally praised by the film critics.<ref name="TKFHT">{{Cite news |date=10 March 2022 |title=The Kashmir Files movie review: Anupam Kher is the soul of this gut-wrenching film that's brazen and brutal |website=[[Hindustan Times]] |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/the-kashmir-files-movie-review-anupam-kher-is-the-soul-of-this-gut-wrenching-film-that-s-brazen-and-brutal-101646904407351.html |url-status=live |access-date=11 March 2022}}</ref><ref name="TKFDH">{{Cite news |date=12 March 2022 |title='The Kashmir Files' movie review: Anupam Kher is brilliant in this heart-wrenching story |website=[[Deccan Herald]] |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/the-kashmir-files-movie-review-anupam-kher-is-brilliant-in-this-heart-wrenching-story-1090519.html |url-status=live |access-date=12 March 2022}}</ref><ref name="TKFPV">{{Cite news |date=11 March 2022 |title=The Kashmir Files Review: Anupam Kher shines in the film that creates an impact but lacks balance |website=[[Pinkvilla]] |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/reviews/kashmir-files-review-anupam-kher-shines-film-creates-impact-lacks-balance-1042736 |url-status=live |access-date=12 March 2022}}</ref>]]


[[Mithun Chakraborty]] fell ill due to stomach infection during second schedule, but completed his portion few hours later.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mithun Chakraborty shoots The Kashmir Files despite serious infection |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/mithun-chakraborty-shoots-the-kashmir-files-despite-serious-infection-1751693-2020-12-21 |access-date=31 December 2020 |publisher=[[India Today]] |date=21 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Mithun Chakraborty falls ill on the sets of 'The Kashmir Files'; shoot comes to halt |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/mithun-chakraborty-falls-ill-on-the-sets-of-the-kashmir-files-shoot-comes-to-halt/articleshow/79833685.cms |access-date=31 December 2020 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=21 December 2020}}</ref> A [[line producer]], Sarahna died during the production by committing suicide.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Kashmir Files line producer dies by suicide; heartbroken Anupam Kher writes that the news 'shook' him |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/article/the-kashmir-files-line-producer-dies-by-suicide-heartbroken-anupam-kher-writes-that-the-news-shook-him/782425 |access-date=9 July 2021 |publisher=[[Times Now]] |date=9 July 2021}}</ref> During the final phase of shooting, director Agnihotri fractured his leg on the set.<ref>{{cite news |title='द कश्मीर फाइल्स' के सेट पर डायरेक्टर विवेक अग्निहोत्री को लगी चोट, पैर में हुआ फ्रैक्चर |url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/entertainment/bollywood-director-vivek-ranjan-agnihotri-leg-fractured-on-set-of-the-kashmir-files-ss-3395661.html |access-date=31 December 2020 |publisher=[[News18 India]] |language=hi| date=30 December 2020}}</ref>
Stutee Ghosh of ''[[The Quint]]'' rated the film 3.5 out of 5 and found the film to have made a compelling case for Kashmiri Pandits and their "hitherto unaddressed wounds" but wished for more nuance; the cinematography esp. color palette, Anupam Kher's acting, and realist depictions were praised in particular.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=10 March 2022 |title=Review: 'The Kashmir Files' Makes a Compelling Case For Kashmiri Pandits |website=[[The Quint]] |url=https://www.thequint.com/amp/story/entertainment/movie-reviews/the-kashmir-files-review-vivek-agnihotri-anupam-kher-mithun-chakraborty |url-status=live |access-date=11 March 2022}}</ref> Monika Rawal Kukreja of ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' praised Agnihotri's non-mellowed take on the events and showered praises on cast performances.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-10 |title=The Kashmir Files movie review: Anupam Kher is the soul of this gut-wrenching film that's brazen and brutal |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/the-kashmir-files-movie-review-anupam-kher-is-the-soul-of-this-gut-wrenching-film-that-s-brazen-and-brutal-101646904407351.html |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> Joginder Tuteja, reviewing for ''[[Rediff.com]]'', praised the subtle filmography, middling pace, and individual performances of the cast; noting the film to be a "real chronicle" of 90s' Kashmir, he rated 4 out of 5 stars.<ref>{{Cite web |last=TUTEJA |first=JOGINDER |title=The Kashmir Files Review |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/the-kashmir-files-review/20220311.htm |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=Rediff |language=en}}</ref> Likewise, Jagadish Angadi of ''[[Deccan Herald]]'' was effusive in his praise — Agnihotri's use of non-linear narratives and strong dialogues, enviable background research, and strong individual performances produced an "intense watch".<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 March 2022 |title='The Kashmir Files' movie review: Anupam Kher is brilliant in this heart-wrenching story |website=[[Deccan Herald]] |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/the-kashmir-files-movie-review-anupam-kher-is-brilliant-in-this-heart-wrenching-story-1090519.html |url-status=live |access-date=12 March 2022}}</ref> Avinash Lohana of ''[[Pinkvilla]]'' scored the film at 3 out of 5 stars, praising the cast performances—particularly that of Kher's—and behind-the-scenes research but criticized the lack of balance.<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 March 2022 |title=The Kashmir Files Review: Anupam Kher shines in the film that creates an impact but lacks balance |website=[[Pinkvilla]] |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/reviews/kashmir-files-review-anupam-kher-shines-film-creates-impact-lacks-balance-1042736 |url-status=live |access-date=12 March 2022}}</ref>


== Reception ==
Amogh Rohmetra, reviewing the film for [[The Print]], gave 3 out of 5 stars to the film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-13 |title=The Kashmir Files tries showing 1990 genocide 'truth' but Vivek Agnihotri gives it death blow |url=https://theprint.in/features/reel-take/the-kashmir-files-tries-showing-1990-exodus-truth-but-vivek-agnihotri-gives-it-death-blow/871254/ |access-date=2022-03-14 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> Rohit Bhatnagar of ''[[The Free Press Journal]]'' found the screenplay as well as individual performances to be sloppy, thus failing to "translate the grief on the big canvas" and make any mark; however, he admired the effort that went behind the film and rated 2.5 out of 5 stars.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhatnagar |first=Rohit |date=11 March 2022 |title=The Kashmir Files review: A preachy tale of facts that lacks attention |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/the-kashmir-files-review-a-preachy-tale-of-facts-that-lacks-attention |access-date=2022-03-12 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en}}</ref> Shilajit Mitra of ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' panned the film with a rating of 1 out of 5 stars.<ref name="Shilajit Mitra">{{Cite web |last=Mitra |first=Shilajit |date=12 March 2022 |title=Movie Review{{!}} Kashmir Files, A limp attempt at provocation |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2022/mar/12/movie-review-kashmir-files-a-limp-attempt-at-provocation-2429076.html |access-date=2022-03-12 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
=== Box office ===
''The Kashmir Files'' was released in over 630 screens in India on 11 March 2022.<ref>{{Cite news|date=12 March 2022|title=The Kashmir Files box office day 1 collection: Anupam Kher's film opens at ₹3.55 crore despite limited release|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/the-kashmir-files-box-office-day-1-collection-anupam-kher-s-film-opens-at-rs-3-55-crore-despite-limited-release-101647069549164.html|url-status=live|access-date=12 March 2022|website=[[Hindustan Times]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=12 March 2022|url=https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/1502522266571083778?t=ItZJ6bGutHG3ZVBF5yz-Pg&s=19|title=#TheKashmirFiles springs a BIGGG SURPRISE on Day 1… Despite limited showcasing [630+ screens], the film goes from strength to strength during the course of the day… Evening and night shows EXTRAORDINARY… SOLID GROWTH on Day 2 and 3 is a surety… Fri ₹ 3.55 cr. #India biz.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312094746/https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/1502522266571083778?t=DqDlQs8qL7Dzt-SE3-tTBw&s=19|archive-date=12 March 2022|via=[[Taran Adarsh]] (Twitter)|access-date=12 March 2022}}</ref> Due to strong [[word-of-mouth]], the screens were increased to 2,000 in India on 13 March 2022.<ref>{{Cite news|date=13 March 2022|title='The Kashmir Files' Box Office Collection: Vivek Agnihotri's Riveting Drama Grosses 10.10 Cr On Day 2|url=https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/the-kashmir-files-box-office-collection-vivek-agnihotri-s-riveting-drama-grosses-10-10-cr-on-day-2-1519341|url-status=live|access-date=13 March 2022|website=[[ABP Live]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=13 March 2022|url=https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/1502914593525420033?t=jkjwQrdqNCV_HLfUyzuVHQ&s=19|title= #TheKashmirFiles emerges triumphant, despite sooo many odds. #India screen count on Day 3 [Sun]: 2000|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313081019/https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/1502914593525420033?t=6P2XYcqchw5JLjfKaNgp1g&s=19|archive-date=13 March 2022|via=[[Taran Adarsh]] (Twitter)|access-date=13 March 2022}}</ref> The film earned {{INR}}3.55 [[crore]] at the domestic box office on its opening day. On its second day, the film showed a growth of 139.44% and earned {{INR}}8.50 crore, taking its total domestic box office collection to {{INR}}12.05 crore.<ref name="bo">{{cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/the-kashmir-files/box-office/|title=The Kashmir Files Box Office|website=Bollywood Hungama|access-date=12 March 2022}}</ref>


===Critical response===
== Release and box office ==
[[File:Anupam Kher at the Shirin Morani’s wedding reception (cropped).jpg|thumb|200px|Kher's performance in ''The Kashmir Files'' was widely praised by the film critics.<ref>{{Cite news|date=5 March 2022|title=The Kashmir Files Review: A Story of Rotting Hope and Anupam Kher's Finest Contribution to Cinema Yet|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/the-kashmir-files-review-a-story-of-rotting-hope-and-anupam-khers-finest-contribution-to-cinema-yet-4840082.html|url-status=live|access-date=13 March 2022|website=[[CNN-IBN]] }}</ref><ref name= "TKFHT"/><ref name= "TKFDH"/><ref name="TKFPV">{{Cite news |date=11 March 2022 |title=The Kashmir Files Review: Anupam Kher shines in the film that creates an impact but lacks balance |website=[[Pinkvilla]] |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/reviews/kashmir-files-review-anupam-kher-shines-film-creates-impact-lacks-balance-1042736 |url-status=live |access-date=12 March 2022}}</ref>]]
The film has been declared tax-free in [[Haryana]],<ref name="ANI tax-free">{{Cite news |date=11 March 2022 |title='The Kashmir Files' film declared tax-free in Haryana |website=[[Asian News International]] |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/the-kashmir-files-film-declared-tax-free-in-haryana20220311221608 |url-status=live |access-date=11 March 2022}}</ref> [[Madhya Pradesh]],<ref name="TOI Madhya Pradesh">{{Cite news |date=13 March 2022 |title='The Kashmir Files' becomes tax-free in Madhya Pradesh |website=[[Times of India]] |url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/the-kashmir-files-gets-tax-break-in-mp/articleshow/90187829.cms |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2022}}</ref> [[Gujarat]],<ref name="TOI Gujarat">{{Cite news |date=13 March 2022 |title=Anupam Kher starrer 'The Kashmir Files' gets tax-free in Gujarat |website=[[Times of India]] |url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/anupam-kher-starrer-the-kashmir-files-gets-tax-free-in-gujarat/articleshow/90183117.cms |url-status=live |access-date=12 March 2022}}</ref> [[Karnataka]],<ref name="DH tax-free">{{Cite news |date=13 March 2022 |title='The Kashmir Files' to be tax-free in Karnataka |website=[[Deccan Herald]] |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/state/top-karnataka-stories/the-kashmir-files-to-be-tax-free-in-karnataka-1090965.html |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2022}}</ref> and [[Tripura]].<ref name="Tripura">{{Cite news |date=14 March 2022 |title=Tripura govt makes 'The Kashmir Files' tax-free |website=[[Deccan Herald]] |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/east-and-northeast/tripura-govt-makes-the-kashmir-files-tax-free-1091249.html |url-status=live |access-date=14 March 2022}}</ref> ''The Kashmir Files'' was released in over 630 screens in India on 11 March 2022.<ref name="IE box office">{{Cite web |date=2022-03-13 |title=The Kashmir Files box office collection Day 1: Vivek Agnihotri film mints Rs 3.55 crore |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/box-office-collection/the-kashmir-files-box-office-collection-day-1-vivek-agnihotri-film-7816736/ |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> The film earned {{INR}}3.55 crore at the domestic box office on its opening day. On its second day, the film showed a growth of 139.44% and earned {{INR}}8.50 crore, taking its total domestic box office collection to {{INR}}12.05 crore.<ref name="bo">{{cite web |title=The Kashmir Files Box Office |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/the-kashmir-files/box-office/ |access-date=12 March 2022 |website=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref> After the response from the first two days, the screens were increased to 2000 on 13 March 2022.<ref>{{Cite news|date=13 March 2022|title=The Kashmir Files Box Office: Film's shows increased from 600 to 2000 after stupendous response|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/amp/news/box-office-special-features/kashmir-files-box-office-films-shows-increased-600-2000-stupendous-response/|url-status=live|access-date=14 March 2022|website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}</ref> The film earned {{INR}}15.10 crore at the domestic box office on its third day, taking its opening weekend collection to {{INR}}27.15 crore.<ref name="bo"/>


Monika Rawal Kukreja of ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' described ''The Kashmir Files'' as a ‘‘''gut-wrenching film that's brazen and brutal''’’ and called Kher the ‘‘soul’’ of the film. She wrote, ‘‘''The Kashmir Files is not an easy watch. You would cry, sob, feel scared watching the tragedy of [[Lakh|lakhs]] of men and women who were made refugees overnight. Thankfully, it is not your typical Bollywood masala film based on true events and told with the colours of a rainbow. Agnihotri tells the horrible tale as it should have been told’''’.<ref name= "TKFHT">{{Cite news|date=10 March 2022|title=The Kashmir Files movie review: Anupam Kher is the soul of this gut-wrenching film that's brazen and brutal|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/the-kashmir-files-movie-review-anupam-kher-is-the-soul-of-this-gut-wrenching-film-that-s-brazen-and-brutal-101646904407351.html|url-status=live|access-date=11 March 2022|website=[[Hindustan Times]] }}</ref>
''The Kashmir Files'' emerged as a [[box-office|box-office hit]] within its first two days of release.<ref>{{Cite news|date=12 March 2022|title=The Kashmir Files Emerges A HIT|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=6730|url-status=live|access-date=12 March 2022|website=[[Box Office India]]}}</ref> The film set several box office records for a small budget Hindi film.<ref name="boi1"/>
 
Satya Dosapati of ''[[Firstpost]]'' called it a ‘‘remarkable’’ film and wrote, ‘‘''The Kashmir Files is a movie that needs to be shown to one and all. It’s a reminder to the threats the Indic civilisation is facing and how it’s time we acted in a more resolute and forceful manner to deal with the threats it is — and has been — facing. Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has done what India has failed to do for 31 years — to show the real face of [[Kashmiri Hindu]] [[genocide]]''’’.<ref>{{Cite news|date=11 March 2022|title=The Kashmir Files movie review: A remarkable film that brings out gory truth about Hindu genocide in the Valley|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/the-kashmir-files-a-remarkable-film-that-brings-out-gory-truth-about-hindu-genocide-in-the-valley-10184041.html|url-status=live|access-date=11 March 2022|website=[[Firstpost]] }}</ref>
 
Khushboo Mattoo of [[CNN-IBN]] wrote, ‘‘''The Kashmir Files is pain in its rawest form because it is closest to the truth, unlike any other movie on the [[exodus of Kashmiri Pandits|exodus]] so far. None of the deaths were fictional, none of the tragedies coincidental, none of the wounds exaggerated or underrepresented''’’.<ref>{{Cite news|date=11 March 2022|title=The Kashmir Files Review: Vivek Agnihotri's Movie is Closest to the Truth, Unlike Any Other in the Past|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/the-kashmir-files-review-vivek-agnihotris-movie-is-closest-to-the-truth-unlike-any-other-in-the-past-4863527.html|url-status=live|access-date=11 March 2022|website=[[CNN-IBN]] }}</ref>
 
[[Chaiti Narula]] of ''[[India Today]]'' awarded the film 4 stars (out of 5) and wrote, ‘‘''The Kashmir Files opens up your eyes to stories that were untold - the separatist sympathizing politicians, the impact of religious extremism, a press that ignored the harsh reality on the ground and shows how there was a glorification of terrorists as some kind of revolutionaries. And shows you true, real facts on how, despite this subjugation and bloodshed, the [[Kashmiri Pandits]] did not pick up arms. It is heartwarming as the film makes a conspicuous effort to highlight that fact''’’.<ref>{{Cite news|date=7 March 2022|title=Review: The Kashmir Files opened, the bandage ripped off. What do you see?|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/review-the-kashmir-files-opened-the-bandage-ripped-off-what-do-you-see-1921895-2022-03-07|url-status=live|access-date=11 March 2022|website=[[India Today]] }}</ref>  
 
Joginder Tuteja of [[Rediff.com|Rediff]] gave the film 4 stars (out of 5) and wrote, ‘‘''The Kashmir Files is not an easy film to watch. It isn't the kind of movie where you want to munch a bag of nachos and sip that cola while checking your cellphone. Instead, the film makes you realise that if we are alive today, it's a privilege and not something that should be taken for granted''’’.<ref>{{Cite news|date=11 March 2022|title=The Kashmir Files Review|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/the-kashmir-files-review/20220311.htm|url-status=live|access-date=11 March 2022|website=[[Rediff.com]] }}</ref>
 
Oshine Koul of [[Koimoi]] gave the film 4 stars (out of 5) and wrote, ‘‘''Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri has managed to do what others couldn’t do in past 32 years. His loud and clear vision got him praises from not only Kashmiris but also from those who felt the pain''’’.<ref>{{Cite news|date=11 March 2022|title=The Kashmir Files Movie Review By A Kashmiri Pandit: The Truth Is So True, It Almost Feels Like A Lie!|url=https://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-movies/movie-reviews/the-kashmir-files-movie-review-by-a-kashmiri-pandit-the-truth-is-so-true-it-almost-feels-like-a-lie/|url-status=live|access-date=11 March 2022|website=[[Koimoi]] }}</ref>
 
Jagadish Angadi of ''[[Deccan Herald]]'' wrote, ‘‘''Anupam Kher is brilliant in this heart-wrenching story; Violence inflicted on innocent lives, brutality, massacre, elusive peace, human rights and political agenda, ideologies at conflict make the movie more contemplative''’’.<ref name="TKFDH">{{Cite news|date=12 March 2022|title='The Kashmir Files' movie review: Anupam Kher is brilliant in this heart-wrenching story|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/the-kashmir-files-movie-review-anupam-kher-is-brilliant-in-this-heart-wrenching-story-1090519.html|url-status=live|access-date=12 March 2022|website=[[Deccan Herald]] }}</ref>
 
Stutee Ghosh of ''[[The Quint]]'' gave the film a score of 3.5 (out of 5) and wrote, ‘‘''The Kashmir Files boasts of some great performances, evocative background score and an empathetic portrayal of the torture and violence that [[Kashmiri Pandits]] had to suffer’’, although she added that "more nuance in writing would have added depth as the binaries drawn try to oversimplify a rather complex issue''".<ref>{{Cite news|date=10 March 2022|title=Review: 'The Kashmir Files' Makes a Compelling Case For Kashmiri Pandits|url=https://www.thequint.com/amp/story/entertainment/movie-reviews/the-kashmir-files-review-vivek-agnihotri-anupam-kher-mithun-chakraborty|url-status=live|access-date=11 March 2022|website=[[The Quint]] }}</ref>
 
Renuka Vyavahare of ''[[Times of India]]'' gave the film a rating of 3 stars (out of 5) and wrote, ‘''‘[[Vidhu Vinod Chopra]]’s romantic drama [[Shikara (film)|Shikara]] got flak for not being the untold story of [[Kashmiri Pandits]] as it was pitched to the audience. It however, got you closer to their culture, pain and state of hopelessness. Vivek Agnihotri doesn’t dodge the bullet. He gets the politics and militancy to the forefront. The trauma of being torn away from your home looms in the background''’’.<ref>{{Cite news|date=10 March 2022|title=The Kashmir Files Movie Review: The Kashmir Files is an unfiltered, disturbing plea to be heard|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/the-kashmir-files/movie-review/90110494.cms|url-status=live|access-date=11 March 2022|website=[[Times of India]] }}</ref>
 
Rohit Bhatnagar of ''[[The Free Press Journal]]'' gavea mixed review, rating the film a 2.5 out of 5, describing the effort as commendable but the screenplay and acting to be sloppy, and wrote that it "''fails to translate the grief on the big canvas''".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhatnagar |first=Rohit |date=11 March 2022 |title=The Kashmir Files review: A preachy tale of facts that lacks attention |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/the-kashmir-files-review-a-preachy-tale-of-facts-that-lacks-attention |access-date=2022-03-12 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en}}</ref>
 
[[Shubhra Gupta]] of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' panned the film by giving it 1.5 stars (out of 5) and wrote, ‘‘''The film may not be interested in nuance but what stays with us are the flashes of genuine pain we see in the person of Pushkar Nath, played by Anupam Kher in a credible, moving turn''’’.<ref>{{Cite news|date=12 March 2022|title=The Kashmir Files movie review: Anupam Kher is the emotional core of this overwrought film|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/the-kashmir-files-anupam-kher-emotional-core-vivek-ranjan-agnihotri-7816266/|url-status=live|access-date=12 March 2022|website=[[The Indian Express]] }}</ref>


== Litigation ==
== Litigation ==
The film was the subject of a [[public interest litigation]] (PIL) filed by an [[Uttar Pradesh]] resident, and a lawsuit filed by the widow of an [[Indian Armed Forces]] squadron leader who had died during the Kashmir Insurgency about one scene involving her husband.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Keshri |first=Shweta |date=11 March 2022 |title=Vivek Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files releases today all over India |work=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/vivek-agnihotri-s-the-kashmir-files-releases-today-all-over-india-1924274-2022-03-11}}</ref> The PIL had sought a stay on its release on grounds that it would depict Muslims as killing the Kashmiri Pandits, presenting what it described as a one sided view that would hurt the sentiments of Muslims and could trigger [[Violence against Muslims in India|violence against Muslims]] by inflaming the Hindu community.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Vidya |date=8 March 2022 |title=Plea against The Kashmir Files dismissed by Bombay High Court |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/plea-against-the-kashmir-files-dismissed-by-bombay-high-court-1922316-2022-03-08 |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=India Today}}</ref> The PIL was dismissed by a [[Bombay High Court]] bench consisting of Chief Justice [[Dipankar Datta]] and Justice MS Karnii on 8 March, on grounds that the filer should have challenged the certificate issued by the [[Central Board of Film Certification]] (CBFC).<ref name=":1" />
A [[public interest litigation]] (PIL) was filed by an Uttar Pradesh resident<ref name="IT releases today">{{Cite news |last=Keshri |first=Shweta |date=11 March 2022 |title=Vivek Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files releases today all over India |work=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/vivek-agnihotri-s-the-kashmir-files-releases-today-all-over-india-1924274-2022-03-11}}</ref> which sought a stay on the film's release on grounds that the film may portray the Muslims as killers of the Kashmiri Pandits, presenting what it described as a one sided view that would hurt the sentiments of Muslims and could trigger [[Violence against Muslims in India|violence against Muslims]].<ref name="IT plea dismissed">{{Cite web |last=Vidya |date=8 March 2022 |title=Plea against The Kashmir Files dismissed by Bombay High Court |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/plea-against-the-kashmir-files-dismissed-by-bombay-high-court-1922316-2022-03-08 |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=India Today}}</ref> The PIL was dismissed by a Bombay High Court on technical grounds.<ref name="IT plea dismissed" />


Concurrently, the second lawsuit was filed after the widow had seen the film in a special premiere on 4 March who had objected to scenes depicting her husband. The widow stated that she had initially raised her objections at the premiere but the makers ignored her which is why she filed the lawsuit. The widow's lawsuit also said that the film portrayed a false depiction of events and sought a stay on its release. The lawsuit received a favourable judgement and the film's release was stayed by a court order on 10 March, a day before its scheduled release. The order was a permanent prohibitory injunction, which reiterated the plaintiff's claim that the film's depiction of her deceased husband was "''entirely unrelated and non-identical to the actual facts''" and required deletion or amendment of certain scenes before it could be released.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=Dipali |first=Patel |date=10 March 2022 |title=Court stays release of Vivek Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/court-stays-release-of-vivek-agnihotri-s-the-kashmir-files-1923950-2022-03-10 |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=India Today}}</ref>
A lawsuit was filed by the widow of an Indian Armed Forces squadron leader who died during the Kashmir Insurgency. The widow's lawsuit said that the film portrayed a false depiction of events vis-a-vis the husband and sought a stay on its release. Accordingly, the court restrained the makers from showing relevant scenes.<ref name="IT court stays">{{Cite web |last=Dipali |first=Patel |date=10 March 2022 |title=Court stays release of Vivek Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/court-stays-release-of-vivek-agnihotri-s-the-kashmir-files-1923950-2022-03-10 |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=India Today}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 21:59, 14 March 2022


The Kashmir Files
The Kashmir Files
Theatrical release poster
Directed byVivek Agnihotri
Produced by
Written byVivek Agnihotri
Saurabh M. Pandey
Starring
Music byScore:
Rohit Sharma
Songs:
Swapnil Bandodkar
CinematographyUdaysingh Mohite
Edited byShankh Rajadhyaksha
Production
company
Zee Studios
Abhishek Agarwal Arts
Distributed byZee Studios
Release date
  • 11 March 2022 (2022-03-11)
Running time
170 minutes[2]
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Box officeest. ₹27.15 crore[3]

The Kashmir Files is a 2022 Indian Hindi-language drama film[2] written and directed by Vivek Agnihotri. Produced by Zee Studios,[4] the film is based on the genocide of Kashmiri Hindus during the Kashmir Insurgency.[5] It stars Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar, Mithun Chakraborty and Pallavi Joshi.[6] The film has received mixed reviews,[10] the positive ones praised the cast's performance, particularly that of Anupam Kher.[14]

It was initially set to release theatrically worldwide on 26 January 2022, coinciding with India's Republic Day,[15] but was postponed due to the Omicron variant spread,[16] and finally theatrically released on 11 March 2022.[17] The film was declared tax-free in the states of Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tripura, and became a box office success, within three days of its release, setting several box office records for a small budget Hindi film.[18][19]

Plot

The movie revolves around the journey of a young student Krishna, who goes from being influenced by Prof. Radhika Menon to finally learning about the genocide of Kashmiri Hindus.

Cast

Production

On 14 August 2019, Agnihotri announced the film with its first look poster saying, "the film will be an honest investigation into one of the biggest human tragedies". Director Vivek Agnihotri completed the script, stationed at an undisclosed location in the Himalayas. The subject of the film was the genocide of Kashmiri Pandits that took place between the late 80s and early 90s.[20][21] As a part of production, Vivek Agnihotri claimed to have interviewed more than 700 emigrants from the genocide and recorded their stories over a period of two years [22] Actor Anupam Kher joined the cast as the lead actor of the film in May 2020. The first schedule of the film was called off due the coronavirus outbreak.[23] Yograj Singh was removed for his speeches at the 2020–2021 Indian farmers' protest,[24] and Puneet Issar was brought in as replacement.[25] A line producer, Sarahna died during the production by committing suicide.[26]

Critical reception

Kher's performance in The Kashmir Files was generally praised by the film critics.[12][27][13]

Stutee Ghosh of The Quint rated the film 3.5 out of 5 and found the film to have made a compelling case for Kashmiri Pandits and their "hitherto unaddressed wounds" but wished for more nuance; the cinematography esp. color palette, Anupam Kher's acting, and realist depictions were praised in particular.[11] Monika Rawal Kukreja of Hindustan Times praised Agnihotri's non-mellowed take on the events and showered praises on cast performances.[28] Joginder Tuteja, reviewing for Rediff.com, praised the subtle filmography, middling pace, and individual performances of the cast; noting the film to be a "real chronicle" of 90s' Kashmir, he rated 4 out of 5 stars.[29] Likewise, Jagadish Angadi of Deccan Herald was effusive in his praise — Agnihotri's use of non-linear narratives and strong dialogues, enviable background research, and strong individual performances produced an "intense watch".[30] Avinash Lohana of Pinkvilla scored the film at 3 out of 5 stars, praising the cast performances—particularly that of Kher's—and behind-the-scenes research but criticized the lack of balance.[31]

Amogh Rohmetra, reviewing the film for The Print, gave 3 out of 5 stars to the film.[32] Rohit Bhatnagar of The Free Press Journal found the screenplay as well as individual performances to be sloppy, thus failing to "translate the grief on the big canvas" and make any mark; however, he admired the effort that went behind the film and rated 2.5 out of 5 stars.[33] Shilajit Mitra of The New Indian Express panned the film with a rating of 1 out of 5 stars.[34]

Release and box office

The film has been declared tax-free in Haryana,[35] Madhya Pradesh,[36] Gujarat,[37] Karnataka,[38] and Tripura.[39] The Kashmir Files was released in over 630 screens in India on 11 March 2022.[7] The film earned ₹3.55 crore at the domestic box office on its opening day. On its second day, the film showed a growth of 139.44% and earned ₹8.50 crore, taking its total domestic box office collection to ₹12.05 crore.[40] After the response from the first two days, the screens were increased to 2000 on 13 March 2022.[41] The film earned ₹15.10 crore at the domestic box office on its third day, taking its opening weekend collection to ₹27.15 crore.[40]

The Kashmir Files emerged as a box-office hit within its first two days of release.[42] The film set several box office records for a small budget Hindi film.[18]

Litigation

A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed by an Uttar Pradesh resident[43] which sought a stay on the film's release on grounds that the film may portray the Muslims as killers of the Kashmiri Pandits, presenting what it described as a one sided view that would hurt the sentiments of Muslims and could trigger violence against Muslims.[44] The PIL was dismissed by a Bombay High Court on technical grounds.[44]

A lawsuit was filed by the widow of an Indian Armed Forces squadron leader who died during the Kashmir Insurgency. The widow's lawsuit said that the film portrayed a false depiction of events vis-a-vis the husband and sought a stay on its release. Accordingly, the court restrained the makers from showing relevant scenes.[45]

References

  1. ↑ "The Kashmir Files line producer dies by suicide; heartbroken Anupam Kher writes that the news 'shook' him". Times Now. 9 July 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "The Kashmir Files". British Board of Film Classification. 9 March 2022. Retrieved 9 March 2022.
  3. ↑ "The Kashmir Files Box Office". 14 March 2022.
  4. ↑ "Vivek Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files to CLASH with Prabhas-starrer Radhe Shyam on March 11 : Bollywood News". Bollywood Hungama. 8 February 2022. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
  5. ↑ "Vivek Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files to go on floors next month". Cinema Express. 1 January 2020. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  6. ↑ Negi, Shrishti (9 March 2022). "The Kashmir Files Producer Pallavi Joshi: Am I Making the Film for Hindu Rashtra? I'm Just Telling a Story". News18. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "The Kashmir Files box office collection Day 1: Vivek Agnihotri film mints Rs 3.55 crore". The Indian Express. 13 March 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  8. ↑ "The Kashmir Files: Controversies and accolades surrounding the film". Dina Thanthi. 14 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  9. ↑ "Netizens on Twitter reveal that the screening of The Kashmir Files has been stopped in cinema halls". Box Office Worldwide. 12 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  10. ↑ [7][8][9]
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Review: 'The Kashmir Files' Makes a Compelling Case For Kashmiri Pandits". The Quint. 10 March 2022. Retrieved 11 March 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "The Kashmir Files movie review: Anupam Kher is the soul of this gut-wrenching film that's brazen and brutal". Hindustan Times. 10 March 2022. Retrieved 11 March 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "The Kashmir Files Review: Anupam Kher shines in the film that creates an impact but lacks balance". Pinkvilla. 11 March 2022. Retrieved 12 March 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  14. ↑ [11][12][13]
  15. ↑ "Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty's 'The Kashmir Files' to release on Republic Day 2022". The New Indian Express. 19 November 2021. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  16. ↑ "Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri's 'The Kashmir Files' release postponed amid rising COVID-19 cases". Bollywood Hungama. 10 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
  17. ↑ "Vivek Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files to CLASH with Prabhas-starrer Radhe Shyam on March 11". Bollywood Hungama. 8 February 2022. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 The Kashmir Files Is Another Gadar - On Its Way To Create HISTORY, Box Office India, 14 March 2022, retrieved 14 March 2022
  19. ↑ "The Kashmir Records Fantastic Weekend - Set For Extraordinary Run". Box Office India. 14 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  20. ↑ "Vivek Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files to go on floors next month". Cinema Express. 1 January 2020. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  21. ↑ "The Kashmir Files: Vivek Agnihotri announces new film through poster, announces its release on 15 August, 2020". Firstpost. 14 August 2019. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  22. ↑ "Vivek Agnihotri on The Kashmir Files: 'I wanted to make a film about people who did not pick up guns'-Entertainment News , Firstpost". Firstpost. 7 March 2022. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
  23. ↑ "COVID 19 effect: Shooting of 'The Kashmir Files' called off". The Times of India. 17 May 2020. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  24. ↑ "Yograj Singh out of Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files". The Tribune (Chandigarh). 12 December 2020. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  25. ↑ "Puneet Issar Replaces Yograj Singh In 'The Kashmir Files' Post Singh's Derogatory Remark". Mid-Day. 15 December 2020. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  26. ↑ "The Kashmir Files line producer dies by suicide; heartbroken Anupam Kher writes that the news 'shook' him". Times Now. 9 July 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  27. ↑ "'The Kashmir Files' movie review: Anupam Kher is brilliant in this heart-wrenching story". Deccan Herald. 12 March 2022. Retrieved 12 March 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  28. ↑ "The Kashmir Files movie review: Anupam Kher is the soul of this gut-wrenching film that's brazen and brutal". Hindustan Times. 10 March 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  29. ↑ TUTEJA, JOGINDER. "The Kashmir Files Review". Rediff. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  30. ↑ "'The Kashmir Files' movie review: Anupam Kher is brilliant in this heart-wrenching story". Deccan Herald. 12 March 2022. Retrieved 12 March 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  31. ↑ "The Kashmir Files Review: Anupam Kher shines in the film that creates an impact but lacks balance". Pinkvilla. 11 March 2022. Retrieved 12 March 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  32. ↑ "The Kashmir Files tries showing 1990 genocide 'truth' but Vivek Agnihotri gives it death blow". ThePrint. 13 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  33. ↑ Bhatnagar, Rohit (11 March 2022). "The Kashmir Files review: A preachy tale of facts that lacks attention". Free Press Journal. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
  34. ↑ Mitra, Shilajit (12 March 2022). "Movie Review| Kashmir Files, A limp attempt at provocation". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
  35. ↑ "'The Kashmir Files' film declared tax-free in Haryana". Asian News International. 11 March 2022. Retrieved 11 March 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  36. ↑ "'The Kashmir Files' becomes tax-free in Madhya Pradesh". Times of India. 13 March 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  37. ↑ "Anupam Kher starrer 'The Kashmir Files' gets tax-free in Gujarat". Times of India. 13 March 2022. Retrieved 12 March 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  38. ↑ "'The Kashmir Files' to be tax-free in Karnataka". Deccan Herald. 13 March 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  39. ↑ "Tripura govt makes 'The Kashmir Files' tax-free". Deccan Herald. 14 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 "The Kashmir Files Box Office". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
  41. ↑ "The Kashmir Files Box Office: Film's shows increased from 600 to 2000 after stupendous response". Bollywood Hungama. 13 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  42. ↑ "The Kashmir Files Emerges A HIT". Box Office India. 12 March 2022. Retrieved 12 March 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  43. ↑ Keshri, Shweta (11 March 2022). "Vivek Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files releases today all over India". India Today.
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 Vidya (8 March 2022). "Plea against The Kashmir Files dismissed by Bombay High Court". India Today. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  45. ↑ Dipali, Patel (10 March 2022). "Court stays release of Vivek Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files". India Today. Retrieved 10 March 2022.

External links

Template:Vivek Agnihotri

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