Veteran actor Anupam Kher responded to IFFI (International Film Festival of India) Goa jury head, Nadav Lapid's controversial remarks about Vivek Agnihorti's The Kashmir Files.
What sparked the controversy? On Monday, 28 November, an Israeli filmmaker and IFFI (International Film Festival of India) Goa head Nadav Lapid criticised The Kashmir Files, calling it a "propaganda, vulgar" film.
Lapid stated that the jury was "disturbed and shocked by the movie, The Kashmir Files."
He further added it was "inappropriate for an artistic, competitive section of such a prestigious film festival."
In the end, he wrote, " I feel comfortable to share open disfeelings with you since the spirit of the festival can truly accept critical discussion."
What did Anupam Kher say? Anupam Kher took to Twitter to share a few pictures, which includes stills from The Kashmir Files.
His tweet in Hindi translates as, "No matter how big the lie is, it's always small in comparison to the truth (sic)."
He, however, did not mention Lapid's name in his tweet.
The actor also told ANI after the film fest. "...If holocaust is right, the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits is right too. Seems pre-planned as immediately after that the toolkit gang became active. May God give him wisdom.."
Israel Envoy's Open Letter to Nadav Lapid: A debate has ensued in the wake of Lapid's criticism. Naor Gilon, Israel's ambassador to India, has written an open letter to his fellow countryman and the filmmaker.
He wrote, "I unequivocally condemn such statements. There is no justification. It does show the sensitivity of the Kashmir issue here.”
"The friendship between the people and the states of India and Israel is very strong and will survive the damage you have inflicted," he elaborated.
He further apologised for Lapid's comments, stating, "I feel ashamed and want to apologize to our hosts for the bad manner in which we repaid them for their generosity and friendship."
What is 'The Kashmir Files' About? The Kashmir Files was screened at IFFI on 22 November as a part of the Indian Panorama Section. It was released earlier this year, on 11 March.
The film deals with the exodus and killings of the Kashmiri Pandits in the valley in 1990.
However, several have already criticized the film for it's propagandist tone.
It was also banned in Singapore as the film was not deemed fit for the city-state's film classification standards. It was stated as a, "provocative and one-sided portrayal of Muslims and the depictions of Hindus being persecuted in the on-going conflict in Kashmir.”
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