Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid labels The Kashmir Files 'propaganda' and 'vulgar' at IFFI 2022; Anupam Kher and Darshan Kumaar strongly react

The Kashmir Files was labelled "propaganda" and "vulgar" by Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid, the chair of the jury for the 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Lapid stated in his statement at the IFFI 2022 closing ceremony that he was disturbed and horrified to see the movie being shown there.

Lapid declared that the film The Kashmir Files disturbed and startled them all. They thought it was a vulgar and propaganda-filled movie that didn't belong in an art competition at such a well-known film festival. Since the festival's spirit allows for the critical talk important for both art and life, he feels comfortable openly telling this.

In response to Lapid's comments, Anupam Kher tweeted that no matter how high the falsehood is, it is always small in comparison to the truth. In his tweet, he included movie stills.

The Kashmir Files actor Darshan Kumaar also responded to Lapid's remarks; he plays one of the major roles in the film. Darshan stated in a statement to ANI that everyone has their perspective on everything they see and hear. But no one can deny that The Kashmir Files is a movie that shows how the suffering of the Kashmiri Pandits, who are still trying to get justice for the brutal terrorist attacks, was shown truly. As a result, this movie is not vulgar but rather based on reality.

The Kashmir Files, which debuted in theatres on March 11, was exhibited on November 22 as a part of the IFFI's Indian Panorama Section.

The movie, which was written, directed, and made by Zee Studios, recounts the evacuation of Kashmiri Hindus from Kashmir when militants, with support from Pakistan, killed members of the community. Among the cast are Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumar, Mithun Chakraborty, and Anupam Kher.

On November 22, Kher went to the 53rd IFFI to see a special screening of the movie. On November 20, the nine-day film festival got underway.