‘The Kashmir Files’ has been receiving appreciation from all quarters…
It feels absolutely wonderful. It has given me the confidence to do more such works in the future. I feel quite motivated. I am happy that a story that hasn’t been told for years is finally out. I hope the Kashmiri Hindus will get their justice.
Did you anticipate this kind of reaction to the film?
Whenever you are making a film, you always hope that it works at the box-office and the audiences appreciate it. However, when we were making ‘The Kashmir Files’, the only thing we had in our minds was that this film is going to be a history. It is going to be a reference point. So to answer your question, we did not really anticipate that people will give us so much love. We just wanted to bring this story in front of our audiences. This is the brief that I received from Vivek Agnihotri, with whom I have co-written this story and he is very clear with what he wants.
What is the best compliment you received for the film and from whom?
Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who is watching and appreciating our film. I feel without them, this truth and this idea would never have reached where it is today. As far as praises are concerned, the best compliment I received for the film was from my mother. She has been supportive throughout my career. She watched the movie at a premiere we had in Mumbai. After the film, she was choked. She immediately went home. The next day, she told me that she didn’t know that Kashmiri Hindus have suffered so much. She thanked me for making the film. The pride that I saw in her eyes that day was the best compliment that I could ever get.
How difficult was it to write and make a film like this – both emotionally and otherwise?
It was very difficult. When you read about it, listen to it continuously, you get influenced by it. When I was interviewing the victims of this genocide, my mind went numb. I had to take a break after those interviews. Later I resumed work and continued writing. During our research, the most difficult part we felt was what to show in the movie and how much to show. Kahaniya toh bahut boli gayi thi, hume sach batana tha.
The film boasts of an ensemble star cast. Who, according to you, stood out from the rest with their performance in the film?
Everybody has performed their respective characters with utmost sincerity and honesty. When I looked at them, I didn’t see the actor; I saw the characters that they were playing. I am too young to comment on anybody’s performance. However, having said that, the one performance that I will probably remember all my life would be Anupam Kher sir’s performance. It was also one of my favourite characters in the film. Even Pallavi Joshi ma’am is my all-time favourite actor.
What inspired you to write this film?
Every writer craves to write something unique and different, something that will speak to society at large. I am really grateful to have gotten the opportunity to be a part of this project. Vivek sir had asked me to work on this subject and ever since then, I have been attached to this project. It has been my inspiration throughout and I hope it will remain so in the future too.
How would you describe Vivek Agnihotri as a filmmaker?
It is very difficult to match the energy level of someone like Vivek Agnihotri. As a director, he is fearless and passionate when it comes to films. He forgets everything else when he is involved in a project, his film is his only priority. I have learnt a lot from him.
The film attracted a lot of controversy. Vivek Agnihotri and others also claimed that they received death threats on social media. How did you guys deal with all of this?
Yes, I heard that Vivek sir received threats. I feel this is unfair that somebody is trying to bring the truth on the front and he is being threatened. This is very wrong and I condemn this. It is a film. If you love it then great, if you don’t, it is still fine. I am sure it must have been a very difficult time for Vivek sir and his family. I think he would be the best person to tell you how he dealt with it.
OTT has revolutionised content. How do you look at this change as a writer? What kind of subjects inspire you to write?
I feel OTT has opened new horizons for artists. And because it is a digital medium, your competition is with international content. You always have to be alert and on your creative best to survive here and this I think is a good thing.
Do you have a bucket list of filmmakers you want to work with?
I have come from a non-film background. Where I come from, I haven’t watched much cinema during my growing up years. I have just learnt something or the other from each of the films I have watched. Every filmmaker brings something new and unique to the table so I cannot just pick one or two. I want to work with everyone with whom I will be able to learn and grow as an individual.
