The Kashmir Files: ZEE5 becomes first OTT platform to release Bollywood film with sign language interpretation

The OTT giant, ZEE5 has now set an International Book of Records and has become the first OTT platform to release a Bollywood film with Indian Sign Language (ISL) interpretation, making it accessible for hearing impaired people. The ISL interpretation for ‘The Kashmir Files’ was done by ISH news, a news and awareness channel for the 18 million deaf people in India.

After its record-breaking performance at the box office, The Kashmir Files is now set to premiere on ZEE5 on May 13 in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Indian sign language. The streamer had organised a special screening in sign language to mark the occasion, which saw a turnaround of 500 people with hearing impairment. The event was also attended by the director of the film, Vivek Agnihotri along with his wife and actor, Pallavi Joshi and actor, Darshan Kumaar.

Check out the trailer of the film with Indian sign language interpretation.

Directed by Vivek Agnihotri, the film stars Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi and Darshan Kumaar in pivotal roles.  

Speaking about the initiative, Manish Kalra, chief business officer, ZEE5 India, said that they noticed that a significant share of our audiences are left uncatered due to the absence of inclusive features and they felt The Kashmir Files is a story depicting a part of India’s history which should be made accessible for everyone to watch. "We are happy to have organised a special screening for the specially-abled viewers as we welcome our new audiences on ZEE5; in line with our vision to create an inclusive ecosystem and democratise content consumption across the globe,” he said in his statement.

Director Agnihotri added that he is glad that his film has reached out to and resonated with so many people across the world and now with this move, the film can be accessed not only in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada but also in Indian Sign Language. "This is a story which must be told, and I am glad that ZEE5 is helping us do that with their reach and network,” he said.

Actor Darshan Kumaar who plays an important role in the film said he believes everyone should know the heart-wrenching story of 'pain, suffering and struggle'. "I believe everyone should know about this story as it’s a reminder to the people of the world to stand united and fight against brutal acts of terrorism. It gives us a message to live in harmony and make this world a better place to live in. As this movie is very close to my heart, I am extremely happy that The Kashmir Files has reached our specially-abled audiences and I hope to receive a lot of love from them,” he said. 

The Kashmir Files broke records at the box office by becoming the first post-pandemic Hindi movie to cross the Rs 300-crore mark. With its digital debut on ZEE5, the movie will be accessible to audiences across the globe in multiple languages and Indian Sign Language as well. The Kashmir Files is set to premiere on May 13 on ZEE5.