Mumbai: To mark the 30th anniversary of the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley, filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra held a special screening of his upcoming movie Shikara: The Untold Story Of Kashmiri Pandits for Kashmiri Pandits in Delhi on Sunday.
The special screening of about 30 minutes was attended by over 30 Kashmiri Pandit refugees from Jagti migrant camp in Jammu, out of which some have even worked on the film. In fact, it was also the first time that Vidhu Vinod watched the film on the big screen.
Welcoming the guest for the screening, he said: "I am a filmmaker. I am not too good when it comes to speaking... That's why I decided to show you. You all came from Jammu especially for this I am thankful to everyone. This film is about you and for you. Making this film is a way to thank you all."
Produced in association with Fox Star Studios, Shikara is touted as a "story of resilience in the face of insurmountable odds. It's also the story of a love that remains unextinguished through 30 years of exile. A timeless love story in the worst of times".
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Shikara addresses the issue of ethnic cleansing and riots that took place in 1989 in Kashmir. The film chronicles the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from Kashmir on the night of January 19, 1990, through the story of Shiv Kumar Dhar (essayed by Aadil Khan) and Shanti Dhar (essayed by Sadia). It also shows the layers of blooming romance in the conflict-ridden state of Kashmir.
At the event, the director extended his gratitude to the Kashmiri Pandits through a short clip, navigating the journey of making the film.
"We want to say thank you to all for everything, for patience, for strength, courage for reliving it all and trusting us to tell your story. Thousands of you made the film. Thank you," read the message in the clip.
READ | Shikara motion poster weaves a tale of Kashmiri Pandits
The filmmaker got emotional while talking about the film on several instances He also admitted that making the movie was "very difficult."
"It took me 11 years to make the film. I wouldn't have made it without you all. Sometimes, I used to get tired but you gave me the motivation to carry on. I am getting emotional because this is not just a film, but our life's story," he shared.
The film Shikara is slated to release on February 7, 2020.
With inputs from IANS.
