Voices from Bollywood and beyond condemn propaganda film ‘Article 370’

The impending release of “Article 370” has sparked uproar, both within the Indian film industry and internationally, due to its propaganda nature aimed at justifying the illegal and unilateral abrogation of Article 370 from the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir by the Modi-led Indian regime in August 2019.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the film distorts events and manipulates facts to fit a particular narrative, with some suggesting it serves as a political tool ahead of general elections in India, scheduled just months after the film’s release on February 23.

This is not the first time Bollywood has faced criticism for its portrayal of Kashmir and its people. Previous controversial films like “The Kashmir Files” have drawn similar criticism for propagating an anti-Muslim agenda.

The broader concern looms large, with critics asserting that such cinematic narratives contribute to real-life discrimination and violence against Muslims, both in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir and across India.

As the debate rages on, questions about the responsibility of filmmakers and the role of cinema in shaping public opinion continue to linger, casting a shadow over the release of “Article 370” and similar ventures in the future.