Watch video: IFFI jury head calls The Kashmir Files ‘vulgar, propaganda’

The 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) ended on Monday with some drama, as jury chair Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid called Vivek Agnihotri's blockbuster Hindi film "The Kashmir Files" "vulgar and propaganda."

During his address to the audience, Nadav said, "We were, all of us, disturbed and shocked by the 15th film: The Kashmir Files. That felt to us like propaganda, vulgar movie, inappropriate for an artistic competitive section of such a prestigious film festival. I feel totally comfortable to share openly these feelings here with you on stage. Since the spirit of having a festival is to accept also a critical discussion which is essential for art and for life."




Kashmir Files was directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri. The film, which was released in theatres on March 11, is based on the tumultuous times, showing the killings and exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990 from the valley. Although the film received a positive response in India, which translated into box office success, many film critics and viewers criticised it as propaganda.

The Vivek Agnihotri-directed film stars Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty and Pallavi Joshi in lead roles.