The Kashmir Files director Vivek Agnihotri on Tuesday posted a cryptic tweet after Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid criticised the film on stage and called it a vulgar propaganda.
Speaking at the ongoing 53rd International Film Festival of India, the jury head termed the film as a vulgar propaganda. He further went on to add that the IFFI Jury was disturbed and shocked to see the National Film Award winning The Kashmir Files, a propaganda, vulgar movie in the competition section of a prestigious festival – organised by the Govt of India.
This has not gone well with the film’s director Vivek who took to his Twitter handle to express his dissent. He tweeted, “GM (good morning). Truth is the most dangerous thing. It can make people lie. #CreativeConsciousness”
Similarly, the film’s lead actor Anupam Kher termed this statement ‘pre-planned’.
Similarly, actor Ranvir Shorey tweeted, “The singling out of a film and the language used to describe it is completely unbecoming of a film jury or critic. It reeks of politics. Cinema has always been the harbinger of truth & change, not an agent to stifle or snuff it. Shameful display of political opportunism at #IFFI.”
On the other hand, Ashoke Pandit demanded an apology and wrote, “Dear @ianuragthakur ji. I as a #KashmiriPandit and who is a victim of genocide seek a serious action against Mr. #NadavLapid Jury head of IFFI 2022 for calling the depiction of our tragedy as vulgar. He has added salt to our wounds and hence should be made to tender a apology.”
On Monday night, while speaking at the festival, Nadav Lapid addressed The Kashmir Files in particular and said, “That felt like a propaganda, vulgar movie, inappropriate for an artistic competitive section of such a prestigious film festival. I feel totally comfortable to openly share these feelings here with you on this stage. In the spirit of this festival, can surely also accept a critical discussion, which is essential for art and life.”