Does the Shikara Movie Accurately Portray Kashmiri Pandits’ Sufferings?
Introduction
The release of the movie Shikara raised hopes among many who hoped to see a portrayal of the sufferings of Kashmiri Pandits. However, the film failed to meet these expectations, according to an unbiased critique. The article delves into the reasons for this failure and explores the importance of truth in such narratives.
The Altered Tagline and Its Implications
The shift in the movie's tagline from “Untold story of Kashmiri Pandits” to “A timeless love story in the worst of times” marked a significant divergence from its original promise. This alteration suggests that the film was no longer focused on delivering the truth about Kashmiri Pandits but instead on telling a feel-good story that revolves around love surviving amidst adversity.
A Timeless Love Story
The film's narrative emphasizes the resilience of a couple, Shiv and Aarti, who support each other through the worst of times. Their journey is depicted as an ode to love and harmony, highlighting pivotal moments such as the construction of their home, which signified their shared commitment. Shiv even sacrifices his job to educate children at a refugee camp in the Muthi camp. While this portrayal does evoke a sense of empathy, it also raises questions about the broader narrative of the Kashmiri Pandits' suffering.
The Missed Opportunities
The movie’s portrayal of the tragic events of January 19, 1990, and the subsequent exodus of Kashmiri Pandits is criticized for downplaying the gravity of the situation. The film’s portrayal of the conflict is laden with selective narratives and overlooks crucial aspects such as the roles of various political actors, including the Indian and Pakistani governments, as well as the fundamentalists. The portrayal of militants, such as Lateef, with empathy also receives criticism for softening their characterization.
Exclusion of Suffering
An important aspect of the movie’s critique is its failure to address the full extent of the suffering endured by the Kashmiri Pandits. Events such as the killings, rapes, and atrocities are mentioned but not in their entirety. The emotional and psychological trauma of the refugees is barely touched upon, particularly during and after the exodus. This oversight is a significant shortcoming as it fails to provide a full picture of the atrocities suffered by the community.
Communal Dynamics and Government Inaction
The communal nature of the conflict and the radicalization of Kashmiri Muslims are not adequately represented in the film. The role of the Indian government in addressing the issue is mentioned only superficially, with no detailed depiction of their actions or lack thereof. The film portrays Kashmiri Pandits as unbothered by the government's inaction, which is far from the reality faced by the community. The communal nature of the exodus and the trust issues within the community are barely touched upon, providing a one-dimensional portrayal of the situation.
Conclusion
Despite the movie's emphasis on the importance of love and communal harmony, it ultimately fails to do justice to the true story of the Kashmiri Pandits. The film's omission of critical truths and selective portrayal of events hinders its ability to provide a comprehensive and accurate account of the community's sufferings. The release of such a movie highlights the necessity of accurate and comprehensive storytelling in addressing sensitive historical issues.