The Kashmir Files Controversy: Vivek Agnihotri Reacts to Nadav Lapid’s Fascist Features Remark

Vivek Agnihotri reacted to Nadav Lapid’s remark that The Kashmir Files had fascist options.

The Kashmir Files Unreported: Vivek Agnihotri Announces Docu-Series Amid IFFI Row

Bollywood director Vivek Agnihotri on Wednesday reacted to the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) jury head Nadav Lapid’s remark that The Kashmir Files had fascist options. Taking to Twitter, Vivek wrote, “What is common between these? “India is a FASCIST country” “Modi is FASCIST” “BJP is fascist” “Hindu right-wing is FASCIST” “Abrogation of Art 370 a FASCIST decision” “Kashmir is occupied by FASCIST Indian regime” “#TheKashmirFiles is a fascist film.”

Speaking to an Israeli information web site, Ynet, over the cellphone, Lapid mentioned, “It’s crazy, what’s going on here. It’s a government festival and it’s the biggest in India. It’s a film that the Indian government, even if it didn’t actually make it, at least pushed it in an unusual way. It basically justifies the Indian policy in Kashmir, and it has fascist features,” he mentioned, based on a tough translation of the interview in Hebrew. A video from the pageant went viral through which Lapid was seen making controversial remarks about ‘The Kashmir Files’ on the 53rd International Film pageant’s closing ceremony.

“All of us were disturbed and shocked by the 15th film, The Kashmir Files. That felt like a propaganda, vulgar movie, inappropriate for an artistic competitive section of such a prestigious film festival. I feel totally comfortable to openly share these feelings here with you on this stage. In the spirit of this festival, can surely also accept a critical discussion, which is essential for art and life,” he mentioned in his speech.
Post that, many Bollywood celebs together with Anupam Kher, Vivek Agnihotri, and Darshan Kumaar reacted to Lapid’s remark.

Reacting to the remark, Vivek issued a video through which he mentioned, “I challenge all these urban naxals and the legendary filmmaker who came from Israel that if they can prove any single shot, event or dialogue is not completely true, then I will quit filmmaking. Who are these people who stand up against India every time? These are the same people who never allowed Moplah’s and Kashmir’s truth to come out. These are the same people who were selling burning pyres for just some dollars, and now when I announced my next film ‘The Vaccine War’ they are standing against it also, but I am not afraid, to do whatever you want to do but I will fight.”

The Kashmir Files was launched earlier this yr in theatres and it informed the story of the Hindu exodus within the Nineteen Nineties and focused killings of the Kashmiri Pandits. The film went on to develop into one of many highest-grossing Bollywood motion pictures of 2022 and Anupam Kher obtained approval for his efficiency.

Published Date: December 1, 2022 1:29 PM IST

Updated Date: December 1, 2022 1:38 PM IST