The Kashmir Files Controversy: Anupam Kher Terms Nadav Lapid's Comment 'Shameful'

MUMBAI: The Kashmir Files, a film by Vivek Agnihotri, became embroiled in a fresh controversy on Monday night. The jury chair, Nadav Lapid, referred to the movie as "vulgar" and "inappropriate" at the India International Film Festival (IFFI) in Goa's closing ceremony. He also referred to the movie as "propaganda" and claimed that the purpose of an event like IFFI is to engage in a discussion about this kind of art and culture.

He claimed that while 14 of the films nominated by the jury for a festival section had a "cinematic merit," the 15th, The Kashmir Files, was propaganda. "The Kashmir Files," the fifteenth movie, worried and shocked all of us, he claimed. We thought that picture was vulgar, propagandist, and out of place in the artistic competition area of such a famous film festival.

He declared, "I feel completely at ease discussing these feelings with you here on this platform. Since a critical conversation is necessary for both art and life (sic), the festival's ethos can undoubtedly accommodate it.

With regard to the movie, which went on to become one of the most popular Hindi films of the year, Lapid's remark has now sparked significant controversy. The Kashmir Files chronicles the 1990s evacuation of the Kashmir Pandit community from the valley, starring Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumar, and Darsheel Safari among others.

Anupam Kher also releases a new video in which he refutes Nadav Lapid's claim that The Kashmir Files is "vulgar propaganda": He discusses how generations have been influenced by the flight of the Kashmiri Pandit community from the valley in his brief film.

Nadav Lapid's criticism of The Kashmir Files was acknowledged by Naor Gilon, who apologised: The Israeli ambassador to India stated in a string of tweets sent out on Tuesday morning that he is working to contain the harm done to his country as a result of the filmmaker's remarks at IFFI Goa on Monday, November 29.

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