Vivek Agnihotri wrote and directed The Kashmir Files, a 2022 Indian Hindi-language tragedy film. The film is based on the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits during the 1990Â Kashmir Insurgency and was produced by Zee Studios. Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar, and Pallavi Joshi feature in the film.
The film was originally scheduled to be released theatrically on January 26, 2022, to coincide with India’s Republic Day, but was delayed owing to the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, and was ultimately released on March 11, 2022. It was a big office blockbuster, despite conflicting reviews from critics. The film’s critics lauded it for drawing attention to the forced migration of Kashmiri Hindus.
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Throughout the film, the storyline alternates between the present day (2021) and flashbacks of 1989–1990.
On one hand, many artists and normal people started openly taking the film’s side, on the other hand, many are still in dilemma whether to support this film or not. But there are one more kind of artist and people who have shown their anger and prejudice against this film openly. One of them is Swara Bhasker, an infamous actress who is also known for her anti-establishment and pro-leftist views.
While doing the popularity of The Kashmir Files, Bollywood star Kangana Ranaut and others on social media chastised Bollywood stars for not commenting about the film or praising its creators.
In one of her latest tweets, actress Swara Bhasker took a dig at Vivek Agnihotri and stated,
If you want someone to congratulate you for the ‘success’ of your efforts.. maybe don’t spend the last five years shitting on their heads.. 💁🏾♀️ #justsaying
— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) March 13, 2022
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Not only that, but she also claimed in another tweet that The Kashmir Files‘ high IMDb rating is a fraud. She started a discussion on how IMDb ratings for Indian movies are frequently misleading.
Thread on IMDB ratings .. https://t.co/KOCfg0OUBt
— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) March 13, 2022
There’s no point in guessing that after this, the actress was the target of vicious trolling. Many people suggested she watch the video to learn more about genocide. Others, however, chastised her for her hypocrisy, sharing pictures of her tweets praising the IMDb rating of her sitcom Rasbhari while criticising the rating of The Kashmir Files.
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As one user put it,
Rasbhari- You cannot fake IMDB ratings
Kashmir Files- IMDB ratings are Fake
If you still don’t believe.. Then check your local theatre, Kashmir Files is going housefull.#TheKashmirFiles pic.twitter.com/EVffKmJVOA
— Shweta Pandey (@iPandeyShweta) March 13, 2022
Another user stated in his tweet,
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Reviews and Ratings do not matter when someone dares to show the uncomfortable and unadulterated truth for the first time.
Lots of respect for the one for this undaunted and audacious spirit.🙏— Bharti 🇮🇳 (@SoulfulBharti) March 13, 2022
One user wrote,
Kindly find some time and see Kashmir Files. Then, ask for proof and evidences of the GENOCIDE IN KASHMIR IN 1990.
You may shoot sequel of Kashmir Files..?
Jai Hind— N P CHAWLA (@chawlanp_chawla) March 13, 2022
One tweet read,
I think u got it all wrong Swara. Ppl are asking why prominent Bollywood stars haven’t said a word of appreciation for getting ppl back in cinemas.
Operative word being “prominent”. You can chill. 😀#TheKashmirFiles— By That Logic™🤔 (@yehkyabaathui) March 13, 2022
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The film has been acclaimed for its dialogues, background research, and performances by the actors (especially Kher’s), but it has also been accused of historical revisionism, BJP propaganda, and attempts to foment anti-Muslim prejudice. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party approved, promoted and granted tax-free status to the film in several states (BJP). And that’s the main reason why it has been criticized.
However, Vivek Agnihotri, the film’s producer, believes that the film depicts the “truth of Kashmir.” Â Its overarching message is that the so-called “exodus” of Kashmiri Pandits is actually a “genocide.”
