‘The Kashmir Files’ is getting appreciation from all sides…
It sounds absolutely wonderful. It has given me confidence to do more such works in future. I feel very inspired. I’m glad a story that hasn’t been told for years is finally over. I hope Kashmiri Hindus will get justice.
Did you expect this kind of reaction on the film?
Whenever you are making a film, you always expect it to work at the box-office and the audience appreciates it. However, when we were making ‘The Kashmir Files’, we had only one thing in our mind that this film is going to be a history. This is going to be a reference point. So to answer your question, we really didn’t anticipate that people would give us that much love. We just wanted to bring this story to our audience. The brief I got from Vivek Agnihotri, with whom I co-wrote this story, is pretty clear what he wants.
What was the best compliment you got for the film and from whom?
First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to all those who are watching and appreciating our film. I feel that without them this truth and this idea would never have reached where it is today. As far as compliments are concerned, the best compliment I got for the film was from my mother. She has been supportive throughout my career. He saw the film at our premiere in Mumbai. After the movie, she was suffocated. She immediately went home. The next day, he told me that he did not know that Kashmiri Hindus had suffered so much. He thanked me for making the film. The pride I saw in his eyes that day was the best compliment I have ever received.
How difficult was it to write and make a film like this – both emotional and otherwise?
it was very difficult. When you read about it, listen to it continuously, you get impressed by it. When I was interviewing the victims of this massacre, my mind went numb. After those interviews, I had to take a break. Later I resumed work and continued to write. During our research, the hardest part we realized was what to show in film and how much to show. The story was told a lot, we had to tell the truth.
The film boasts of an ensemble cast. According to you, who was different from the rest by his performance in the film?
Everyone has played their respective characters with utmost sincerity and honesty. When I looked at him, I didn’t see the actor; I saw the characters they were playing. I’m too young to comment on anyone’s performance. However, having said that, one performance I will probably remember for a lifetime would be Anupam Kheri Sir performance. This was also one of my favorite characters in the film. Even Pallavi Joshi ma’am is my all time favorite actress.
What inspired you to write this film?
Every writer craves to write something unique and different, something that speaks to the society at large. I am really grateful that I got the opportunity to be a part of this project. Vivek sir asked me to work on this subject and since then I am associated with this project. It has been my inspiration throughout and I hope to continue to do so in the future.
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. When he is involved in a project, he forgets everything else, his film is his priority. I have learned a lot from him.
There was a lot of controversy regarding this film. Vivek Agnihotri and others also claimed that they had received death threats on social media. How did you guys deal with all this?
Yes, I have heard that Vivek sir has received threats. I think it is unfair that someone is trying to bring out the truth and is being bullied. This is very wrong and I condemn it. This is a film. If you love it, great, if you don’t, it’s 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 revolutionized content. How do you see this change as a writer? What kind of topics inspire you to write?
I think OTT has opened new horizons for artists. And because it’s a digital medium, your competition is with international content. To survive here you have to always be alert and at your creative best and I think that is a good thing.
Do you have a bucket list of filmmakers you want to work with?
I come from non film background. Where I come from, I haven’t seen much cinema in my growing up years. I have learned something from every one of the movies I have seen. Every filmmaker brings something new and unique to the table so I can’t just pick one or two. I want to work with everyone I can to learn and grow as a person.