Before Tanaav, these films highlighted the Kashmir issue
The Kashmir Files, Haider, Tahaan and Roja are other films based on Kashmir
Before watching Tanaav, check out these other classics that deal with the Kashmir issue
The Arbaaz Khan and Rajat Kapoor-starrer Tanaav is all set to premiere on SonyLIV on November 11. A remake of the Israeli television hit Fauda, this web series deals with the insurgency issue in Kashmir. The Kashmir issue is a popular subject, and has been portrayed on screen, with filmmakers choosing to show their different points of view. Some have become cult classics, such as Roja and Haider, while others have remained underrated, like Tahaan and Harud. Here’s a look at some films that have been made on the Kashmir issue.
1/7
The Kashmir Files
The 2022 Vivek Agnihotri-directed film is a fictional tale set around the Kashmir insurgency of 1985, against the Kashmiri pandits of the valley. The period drama depicts the events that led up to the conflict, and the impact that it created on the locals and the infrastructure of the Valley. The film stars Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar and Pallavi Joshi in lead roles, and revolves around a college student who takes us back and forth in time while unraveling the secrets about his family’s history in Kashmir. Though mired in controversy, the film was praised for its powerful performances and direction.Where you can watch this: Available to stream on OTTplay and Zee5,
2/7
Haider
Helmed by Vishal Bhardwaj, this 2014 psychological drama is set in the Kashmir of 1995, and revolves around a young man, Haider, who is on a mission to find his missing father. Adapted from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Basharat Peer’s Curfewed Night, it stars Shahid Kapoor, Tabu, Irrfan Khan, Kay Kay Menon and Shraddha Kapoor. It paints a nuanced depiction of the Kashmir conflict by coinciding with the personal and political conflicts of its lead characters. One of Bhardwaj’s finest films, the screenplay also showcases the scenic beauty of the Valley, which makes it a must-watch.Where you can watch this: Available to stream on OTTplay, Apple TV and Zee5,
3/7
Roja
The 1995 Mani Ratnam-directed romantic thriller is a classic of Indian cinema. It is about Roja (Madhoo), a woman from Tamil Nadu, who is on a mission to find her lost husband, who is abducted by Kashmiri militants. Melodious music by A.R. Rahman and effortless performances by its lead characters make it a must-watch that will keep you hooked to your screens. The film touches on the subtle nuances of romance and also depicts the subject of insurgency in depth. It is a cinematic marvel by Mani Ratnam that you must not miss.Where you can watch this: Available to stream on OTTplay, YouTube and Zee5,
4/7
Shikara
The 2020 Vidhu Vinod Chopra-directed romantic-thriller isa love story that is set against the backdrop of the Kashmir insurgency of 1989, which led to many Kashmiri Hindus leaving the Valley. Heavily inspired by Rahul Pandita’s book Our Moon Has Blood Clots, it stays true to its plotline and is sensitive to the issue without undermining the other community. A sincere and emotional effort by the director, it is one of his most personal ventures that you must watch to relive the lost glory of Kashmir.Where you can watch this: Amazon Prime Video,
5/7
Tahaan
Helmed by Santosh Sivan, it is the story of a child, Tahaan, and his pursuit to find his lost donkey, Tahaan. The boy wanders through the mountains to find his donkey, encountering militancy and terrorism. The director cleverly pieces together different sensitive issues while making use of the young narrator, which makes it a unique watch. It is one of the most sensitive films to be made on the subject of Kashmir’s conflict, as it is from a child’s point of view. Anupam Kher and Rahul Bose make special appearances in the film.Where you can watch this: YouTube and Amazon Prime Video,
6/7
Harud
Aamir Bashir’s 2010 directorial drama focuses on the effects of insurgency on Kashmiri locals. Without focusing much on the history of insurgency, the film deals with the subject of ‘azadi’ and to whom Kashmir belongs. The engrossing tale is about a Kashmiri family struggling to cope with the loss of their son. It takes an interesting turn when the lead, Rafiq, finds his brother’s camera while trying to cross the border, which becomes the further plotline of the film.Where you can watch this: Apple TV,
7/7
Hamid
Helmed by Aijaz Khan, the film is an adaptation of Amin Bhat’s play Phone No. 786, which is set against the background of Kashmir’s conflict. The emotional film tells the tale of a young boy Hamid, who loses his father. In an attempt to make peace with the loss, he finds and converses with Allah on the phone, who turns out to be an army man. The film calls itself a tale of fractured souls, as it focuses on different people and how they deal with their inner conflicts. The film is engrossing and emotional, making it a must-watch.Where you can watch this: Netflix,