The picturesque landscapes of Kashmir are once again becoming the preferred backdrop for Bollywood and South Indian film productions, with more than 200 filmmakers seeking permission to shoot in the valley in 2024. In 2023, Kashmir emerged as a focal point for the film industry, hosting the shooting of 102 films and web series. Notable productions included Kartik Aryan’s “Chandu Champion,” John Ibrahim’s “Veda,” Shahrukh Khan’s “Danki,” Aamir Khan’s “Laal Singh Chaddha,” and Ranbir Singh and Alia Bhatt’s “Rocky and Rani’s Prem Kahani.”
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the film policy implemented by the government has played a pivotal role in attracting filmmakers to Kashmir. Over the past two years, around 700 producers applied for shooting permissions, with 300 receiving the green light. The policy introduced a Film Development Fund (FDF) to distribute subsidies and established a single-window mechanism to streamline the shooting process, facilitating hassle-free applications for filmmakers.
Kashmir’s cinematic legacy dates back to the era before the 1990s, with iconic films like “Bobby,” “Kashmir Ki Kali,” “Aap Ki Kasam,” and “Junglee” being shot against its breathtaking backdrop. Despite facing setbacks due to terrorism, efforts are underway to revive the region’s film infrastructure, particularly in tourist hotspots like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Dal Lake. Pertinently, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha earlier emphasized the significance of the film policy in revitalizing Jammu and Kashmir’s cinematic heritage. The policy aims to foster innovation and competitiveness in the industry, leveraging the region’s natural beauty and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors to meet the demands of the evolving film landscape.
