Panaji/IBNS: The jury of the 53rd International Film Festival in Goa Monday slammed the controversial movie ‘The Kashmir Files’ and called it “vulgar and propagandistic” content that revolves around the killings and exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990 from Kashmir Valley.
Speaking to the media, Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid, who headed the jury, said “all of them” were “disturbed and shocked” that the film was screened at the festival.
“All of us were disturbed and shocked by the content of the film Kashmir Files. It felt to us like a propaganda, vulgar movie inappropriate for the artistic competitive section of such a prestigious film festival. I feel totally comfortable to share openly these feelings here with you on stage. Since the spirit of having a festival is to accept also a critical discussion which is essential for art and for life,” Lapid said in his address.
The Kashmir Files hit the silver screen this year amid positive reviews and audience feedback.
Directed by Vivek Agnihotri, the movie is apparently based on the true event of the exodus of Kashmir Pandits from the erstwhile northern state in 1990.
The film starring Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty and Pallavi Joshi was featured in the “Panorama” section of the festival.
It has been praised by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and has been declared tax-free in most BJP-ruled states.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have praised the movie as well.
