Is cinema India’s new political battleground? Modi-backed Article 370 film stirs Kashmiri outrage

Critics warn the government is increasingly “endorsing cinema for political gain”, while some from Kashmir accuse authorities of “normalising” false narratives.

“I have heard that a film on Article 370 is going to be released this week … It is a good thing as it will help people in getting the correct information,” Modi told a crowd of supporters during a visit to Jammu in Kashmir on February 20, ahead of the show’s opening on February 23.

Dhar’s latest silver screen offering has critics again branding him “pro-government” and “agenda-driven”.

The film’s title refers to an article of India’s constitution that granted special autonomous status to the region of Jammu and Kashmir. The plot focuses on an intelligence agent selected by the prime minister’s office, played by actress Yami Gautam, who is Dhar’s wife in real life. Tasked with tackling terrorism in Kashmir, the agent finds her efforts stymied by Article 370.

The Indian government revoked Article 370 in 2019, with one of its main justifications being that it would bring an end to terrorism and violence in the region.

While Modi and right-wing supporters of his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have endorsed the film, critics, especially those from Kashmir, have called it “propaganda” and a “distortion” of historical facts.

Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, an author and political analyst, told This Week in Asia that such films served to reinforce the existing support base of the BJP and are aimed at bolstering their narrative.

“It’s unfortunate that the BJP leadership is endorsing cinema for political gain, something that hasn’t been seen before. It demonstrates their willingness to exploit any narrative available,” Mukhopadhyay said.

“Films like these whitewash the unsavoury