The Kashmir Files (2022)

DVD CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  163 Minutes

Rated: 15

Genre: Drama

Director: Vivek Agnihotri

Starring: Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumaar, Pallavi Joshi, Chinmay Mandlekar, Prakash Belawadi, Puneet Issar, Bhasha Sumbli

IMDB Rank: 8.6 /10

Part 1 Time:  77 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  86 Minutes

Where does the first part end? The Pandit family leaves Kashmir valley in the back of a truck with other Hindu families. The bodies of Kaul and his son hang from trees.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “That’s Mr. Kaul and his son!” states Sharda (Bhasha Sumbi). As the truck drives on.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “The onces who are being called victims were actually the privileged Pandits of Kashmir,” Journalist Vishnu Ram (Atul Srivastava) states on a newscast. The refugee Hindus watch the newscaster provide an update.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Jarring, the atrocities shown are upsetting to watch as anyone identifying as Hindu will be assassinated. It is surprising that a catastrophic event such as this has not been well known to the world (until now).

Which part is better? This heavily criticized film depicts the events leading up to genocide and exodus of Hindus from the area known as Kashmir during 1989-1990, an event known as the Kashmiri separatism. This genocide is has been debated by scholars, with some claiming there was no genocide. Nevertheless, the film demonstrates the brutality of genocide, with many graphic and violent scenes. Part two is given the advantage as Krishna (Darshan Kumaar) explores the viewpoints from both sides of the conflict and delivers a speech which brings forth a better understanding of the ongoing Insurgency in Kashmir.

Academy Awards:None

Other Awards: 2023 Filmfare Awards- Best Director (Nominated), Best Actor (Nominated- Anupam Kher), Best Film (Nominated), Best Support Actor (Nominated- Mithun Chakraborty), Best Supporting Actor (Nominated- Darshan Kumaar), Best Screenplay (Nominated), Best Editing (Nominated)