The Kashmir Pulse

NEW DELHI — Pursuant to the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India has notified the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, in supersession of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983. They have been comprehensively overhauled in order to improve and contemporize the entire process of certification of films for public exhibition.

Background

The Indian film industry is one of the biggest and most globalised industries in the world producing more than 3,000 films annually in more than 40 languages.

Prime Minister has envisioned that India truly possesses immense potential to become the content hub of the world with rich heritage and cultural diversity being India’s strengths.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting, carrying forward the vision PM, also recognised the Indian Cinema being a significant contributor to India's soft power, promoting Indian culture, society, and values globally.

The empowerment of the Indian film industry with transparency, ease of doing business and protection from the menace of privacy, would go a long way in the growth of the content creation ecosystem in India, and would also help safeguard the interests of all artists and artisans working in the film sector.

With this vision, the historic amendment of the Cinematograph Act was brought in after 40 years in 2023 and is now being fully empowered with the overhauled Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.

Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024

These new rules aim to streamline and modernize the film certification process for the digital age, keeping pace with emerging technologies and advancement in the film sector.

Ministry & CBFC have undertaken extensive consultations with filmmakers, cinema owners, disability rights organizations, NGOs, film industry bodies, the general public and other stakeholders, ensuring an all-embracing, all-encompassing and all-inclusive approach.

The key aspects of improvements incorporated in the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 include:

1. Comprehensive revision of the Rules has been done to fully align it with the adoption of online certification processes, which will ensure enhanced transparency, efficiency & ease of doing business for the film industry.

2. Reduction in timelines for the processing of film certification and adopting complete digital processes for eliminating all transactional time.

3. Movies/feature films to have accessibility features for certification to make it inclusive for disabled persons, as stipulated in the guidelines issued in this regard from time to time.

4. Introduction of age-based categories of certification by further sub-dividing the existing UA category into three age-based categories, viz. seven years (UA 7+), thirteen years (UA 13+), and sixteen years (UA 16+), instead of 12 years. These age-based markers would be only recommendatory, meant for the parents or guardians to consider whether their children should view such a film.

The age-based certification system with UA markers is to be implemented to ensure young viewers are exposed to age-appropriate content. It will play a crucial role in balancing the need to protect vulnerable audiences, such as children, with the principles of freedom of expression and consumer choice.

5. Greater representation of women in the CBFC Board & CBFC’s Advisory Panels, where it is stipulated that one-third of the members in the Board shall be women and preferably half shall be women.

6. System for priority screening of films for enhancing transparency and eliminating all discretions. Provision for priority screening for expediting the screening of film screening for certification, in case of any urgency felt by film-maker(s) due to their prior commitments of release of the film in line with ease of doing business.

7. Removal of the restriction on the validity of certificates for only 10 years for perpetual validity of certificates of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

8. Recertification of the edited film for television broadcast, as only Unrestricted Public Exhibition category films can be shown on television.

The principle rules were first notified by the Government in 1983 and have been amended from time to time. However, acknowledging the significant advancement in film technology, audience demographics, and content distribution methods for the last 40 years, the new set of rules with overhaul changes are being introduced to better cater to the ever evolving need of our film industry.

The government had last year amended the Cinematograph Act, 1952 after a period of almost 40 years to comprehensively address the issues relating to film certification. Notifying the new Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 compliments that journey of making the certification process simpler, more contemporary and in line with best global practices.

SRINAGAR — The withdrawal of support from the PDP-led coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir by the BJP was part of the great game plan aimed at the removal of special status, reveals the recently released Bollywood movie titled Article 370.

The movie that hit the theatres across the country on February 23 this year is directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale and produced by Uri fame Aditya Dhar.

The film showcases the perturbed Kashmir situation post the killing of militancy poster boy Burhan Wani on July 8, 2016, revealing how meticulously the Central government planned the abrogation of Article 370 while addressing all the legal hurdles involved in the entire process.

The film, though via the changed names of the main characters, shows PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti as Parveena Andrabi and NC patriarch Dr Farooq Abdullah as Abdali.

One of the main plots of the movie reveals how under the compulsive circumstances the BJP-led Central government had to join hands with the Peoples Democratic Party and why in June 2018, the BJP had to withdraw support from the coalition government.

The movie depicts that the withdrawal of the support from the PDP was part of the greater game plan to remove the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and pave the way for the imposition of Governor’s rule.

According to the news agency KNO, the movie also highlights how the Central government meticulously addressed the legal loopholes involved in the process and ensured that the mission was kept absolute secret.

It also showcases Prime Minister Modi giving slip to the press and going to meet the President in a lone white car with no security and no bulletproof vehicles to get the order pertaining to the removal of Article 370 signed.

Pertinently, on August 5, 2019, the President of India utilized the authority vested in Article 370 to issue an order that superseded the existing 1954 Presidential Order, effectively nullifying the autonomy provisions granted to the state.

Simultaneously, the Home Minister presented a Reorganisation Bill in the Indian Parliament, proposing the division of the state into two union territories. These territories would be administered by a Lieutenant Governor and governed by a unicameral legislature.

The resolution aimed at revoking the temporary special status under Article 370 and the bill for the state's reorganisation were deliberated upon and approved by the Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of Parliament, on 5 August 2019. The following day, on 6 August, the Lok Sabha, India's lower house of Parliament, discussed and endorsed the reorganisation bill and the resolution recommending the revocation.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir continues to be the hotspot for Bollywood and south Indian film industry as 102 films and web series have been shot here during the year 2023.

With this, in the last two years, more than 300 films and web series have been shot in Jammu and Kashmir, which earned applause for featuring the beautiful locations of Kashmir.

As per the figures, a total of 102 Bollywood and Tollywood films and web series have been granted permission to shoot in Jammu and Kashmir in 2023.

To name a few, Shahrukh Khan-starrer Dunki, Yami Gautam's Article 370, and John Abraham’s Vedaa are some of the prominent Bollywood movies that were shot in Kashmir last year.

Earlier in 2022, as many as 200 films and web series were permitted by the government to shoot in Kashmir.

Officials said the valley has succeeded in attracting filmmakers as a lot of them have applied for permission to shoot in Kashmir.

“The film policy proved to be a catalyst to attract filmmakers to choose Kashmir as the destination for shooting their films. A lot of filmmakers have got permission to shoot films and web series in Kashmir during the last two years,” they said.

Officials also said the government has unveiled some of the new destinations in order to promote them as prime film destinations.

In 2021, the government launched its maiden film policy to attract filmmakers to Jammu and Kashmir. The government also created a Film Development Fund (FDF) in the Information Department for the fiscal year 2022-23 for the disbursement of subsidies envisaged in the J&K Film Policy 2021.

A single-window mechanism has been started by the Jammu and Kashmir Film Development Council to facilitate hassle-free shooting. Filmmakers are applying online at jkfilm.jk.gov.in.

Since the unveiling of the film policy, a lot of directors have applied to shoot their films in Jammu and Kashmir. The administration has offered filmmakers a subsidy to shoot in the union territory.

SRINAGAR — Renowned Bollywood actor, Akshay Kumar has taken a step from the silver screen to the thrilling world of sports by announcing his ownership of the Srinagar cricket team in the prestigious ISPL T10 league.

Kumar's move to enter the sports domain has sparked immense excitement among fans, marking a significant moment in his multifaceted career.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new venture, Akshay Kumar, as per the news agency KNO, shared his eagerness to be a part of the pulsating cricket scene in Jammu & Kashmir.

Through his ownership, he aims to provide a platform for budding talents in the region, giving them a chance to showcase their skills on a grand stage.

In a post on Instagram, Kumar extended an invitation to aspiring players, offering them the opportunity of a lifetime to compete under his ownership in the upcoming ISPL T10 league.

“From cinema to the stadium! Proud to announce that I will be coming to @ispl_t10 as a Team Owner of Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir). A chance to play in my team awaits. Register Now: Link in bio,” Kumar posted on his Instagram.

As the news of Akshay Kumar's ownership of Srinagar cricket team in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) T10 league was met, locals erupted with excitement, seeing this as a golden opportunity to spotlight the city on a grand cricketing stage.

“Akshay Kumar choosing Srinagar for his team is a testament to our City's potential, as this is a chance to showcase our love for cricket and the incredible talent we have here,” said Zahid, a local from Sonawar Srinagar.

“This fantastic news will put Srinagar on the cricketing map, showcasing not just our talent but our hospitality and love for the sport as well,” said Salman from Bemina.

Similarly, the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) will be India's first-ever T10 Tennis ball cricket tournament, which will be played inside a stadium.

A total of six teams — Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Srinagar — will compete for the top honours.

The tournament will host 19 matches which will be played only in Mumbai. ISPL has announced its inaugural season, which is set to begin on March 2, 2024. ISPL T10 will close on December 20, 2023 on ispl-t10.com.

NEW DELHI — After the recent controversy surrounding ‘The Kerala Story’, another film titled ’72 Hoorain’ directed by Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan is poised to spark further debates. However, as soon as the teaser was released, netizens called it another propaganda project to defame Muslims and Islam.

“72 Hoorain” has recently unveiled its first look, leading to a significant controversy on Twitter with many blaming the makers for disturbing communal harmony in India.

The teaser of the movie showcases images of figures including Osama Bin Laden, Ajmal Kasab, and a mixed-up photo of Yakub Memon. This depiction strongly suggests that the film revolves around Muslims and cashes on Islamophobia.

The trailer further highlights Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed, both of whom have been recognized as 'terrorists' by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The trailer of the Bollywood film was shared on Twitter by the co-director of the film Ashoke Pandit who’s a Kashmiri Pandit.

“As promised, presenting to you the first look of our film #72Hoorain. I am sure you will like it. What if you end up dying a brutal death instead of meeting 72 virgins, as assured by terrorist mentors? Presenting the first look of my upcoming film “72 Hoorain”. The film is slated to release on 7 July 2023,” he said in a tweet.

The film “72 Hoorain” is directed by Sanjay Puran Singh, a National Award winner, and produced by Gulab Singh Tanwar. The movie stars Aamir Bashir and Pawan Malhotra in lead roles. It has been announced that the film will be released in theatres on July 7, 2023.

The director of the film while releasing the trailer said, “These people inject poison in their minds and make common people suicide bombers. We must remember that the attackers are from families like ours who are victims of perverted beliefs and brainwashing by terrorist leaders and lead them on the path of destruction.”

This is the third Hindi film to claim that it focuses on the subject of “Islamic extremism”, following the releases of “The Kashmir Files” and “The Kerala Story.”

These films have been promoted by the BJP and have been made tax-free in various states. However, they have also sparked controversy and led to attacks on Muslims in several parts of India.

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SRINAGAR — After a hiatus of over three decades, the Indian film industry Bollywood is making strides towards Kashmir to shoot scenes in a bid to generate an aura of uniqueness and affinity with an otherwise largely disgruntled audience.

Kashmir, known for its beauty all across, once used to be an easy-to-go destination for many Bollywood directors for a large part of the second half of the twentieth century given its proximity to industry hub Mumbai and nonetheless because of its unparalleled and enchanting beauty. However, the industry people almost stopped visiting here due to the onset of insurgency which also resulted in the shutting of cinemas setup in the length and breadth of the valley.

It nevertheless was last year that incumbent Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha launched a new film policy at a star-studded event in the presence of actor Amir Khan and filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani at SKICC, to give a new lease of hope and attract the industry people back towards Kashmir.

The film policy, Sinha opined, is aimed to transform Jammu Kashmir into the most preferred destination for the entertainment industry, reviving its halcyon days of being a cinematographer's delight and bringing back the golden era of film shooting in the region besides maximizing the potential of promising local talent and creating livelihood opportunities for many.

"I invite filmmakers from across the world to come to Jammu and Kashmir and capture its pristine beauty through their lens. And, also avail the host of fiscal incentives, world-class facilities offered by the Jammu and Kashmir Government," Sinha said on the occasion.

Subsequently, Sinha inaugurated the first multiplex in the valley, which of late has been driving many people to revive their interest in the Bollywood industry.

Seemingly taking a cue from the green light from the UT administration, Karan Johar-directed "Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani" crew has landed in world famous ski resort Gulmarg to shoot one of the movie’s songs.

The song, as learned by the news agency GNS, will be a tribute to the late filmmaker Yash Chopra. Ranveer and Alia will recreate the looks of Sridevi and Rishi Kapoor from the film Chandini, directed by ace director Yash Chopra in the late 1980s. Alia will be seen donning chiffon sarees while Ranveer, for a change, will be seen in formal attire.

It is believed that Karan Johar wanted to film the song in Switzerland, but after Alia Bhatt’s personal reasons, he moved it to Kashmir as the filmmaker believes that snow has the same feel in Kashmir as it has in Switzerland.

It has been learned that several Bollywood directors are mulling over and rather are already in talks with the administration to seek a go-ahead to shoot scenes of their movies at different places in the Valley.

"Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani" is expected to bring the audience back to watch Bollywood, which otherwise has been going through a lean phase, except for a silver line in the form of the recently released Shahrukh Khan-starrer 'Pathaan'.

SRINAGAR — After a gap of three decades, the Bollywood charm of yesteryears made a comeback in Kashmir as for the first since its inauguration, the newly opened Cinema Inox in Srinagar remained jam-packed for two consecutive days where 12 out of 14 shows were houseful. The theatre is screening Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan-starrer Pathaan.

Owner of INOX multiplex Vijay Dhar, while speaking to the news agency KNO, said that 14 shows (7 shows each on Wednesday and Thursday) have been screened. “All the seven shows yesterday were houseful as all the seats remained occupied in the halls,” he said, adding that the Inox remained jam-packed yesterday.

He further said that two shows today recorded less participation due to the Republic Day celebrations, adding that five more shows were houseful like yesterday.

About the jam-packed cinema, he said that the shows remained booked for two consecutive days and that for the first time, Shahrukh Khan is being screened on a big screen in Srinagar, which is an achievement in itself. “Pathaan movie, that is being screened nowadays, is completely a worthwhile picture,” he said.

Pertinently, Kashmir’s first multiplex in Sonwar area of Srinagar was inaugurated by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in September last. With this, cinema halls are back in Kashmir after a gap of three decades.

JAMMU — In a first, the premiere of a Bollywood movie ‘The Kashmir Files’ was held in Jammu, just a week before its theatrical release.

‘The Kashmir Files’, a film based on the displacement of Kashmiri Pandits from the Kashmir Valley in the 1990s, was held in Jammu on Friday evening. The movie will hit the silver screen on March 11.

As per the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), interacting with media after the special screening, Producer, Director Vivek Agnihotri claimed that there is nothing political about the story, adding, ‘The Kashmir Files’ will reveal an untold story of 1990s exodus that forced hundreds of Kashmir Hindus to migrate from the Kashmir valley.

The special screening of The filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri flanked by wife and actress Pallavi Joshi claimed that the film will bring truth and an untold story of the Kashmir Hindus of 1990s exodus to the public.

Addressing a presser here this morning, he said, “The movie will bring out the truth about exodus and displacement of Kashmiri Pandits.”

Agnihotri further claimed that linking the Kashmir solution through the ‘The Kashmir Files’ with politics or political set-up will be wrong because, in a democracy, politics is run by vote banks. “There is no vote bank of Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu and Kashmir, so perhaps it could not be resolved,” he said.

On the film landing into the controversy before its release as some people have knocked the doors of the judiciary objecting to certain scenes, Agnihotri took a dig at these sections of people and said, “Whatever is shown in the film is based on truth.”

He said the slogans raised in Kashmir or whatever was written on the walls in 1990, everything is shown as it is in the film, which actually is bothering many people.

“The project of ‘The Kashmir Files’ started in 2018 and it took four years of hard research,” he said, stating that it is a film, which to date no one has tried to bring to the silver screen. He claimed that the 'genocide' that took place in Kashmir in 1990 is true.

“We have interviewed the people who have been victim to the massacre, spoken to the government officials, police officers, subject experts and also interviewed many sections to script this untold story,” he added.

The Director said after the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019, a campaign for Free Kashmir in America was launched, but after ‘The Kashmir Files’ was screened in the US, for the first time in the Capital Hills, a reception was organised for the entire crew wherein it was “accepted” and “admitted” that it was the biggest tragedy and genocide in the world.

Earlier, the special screening of the movie was organized on Friday evening for exiled Kashmiri Pandits community, who had faced mass migration from Kashmir valley in the early 90’s due to the upspring of militancy.

The makers of ‘The Kashmir Files’ including National award-winning filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri and cast – Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumaar and Bhasha Sumbli hosted a special screening of the exodus drama.

Politicians, Army officers and known Kashmiri Pandits are specially invited for screening of ‘The Kashmir Files’.

Among the invitees, Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh said that the Hindi film ‘The Kashmir Files’ brought back memories of the difficult times in Kashmir.

Talking to reporters after the screening, the Jammu and Kashmir Police chief said, “Some scenes are close to reality. In totality, it is a good film.”

Written and directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, the exodus drama features a stellar cast of actors including Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumaar, Pallavi Joshi and Chinmay Mandlekar.

Produced by Zee Studios and Tej Narayan Agarwal, Abhishek Agarwal, Pallavi Joshi and Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, ‘The Kashmir Files’, written and directed by Vivek Agnihotri, is scheduled to release in theatres on March 11, 2022.