Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged Bollywood filmmakers to present the Valley's changing reality instead of focusing only on violence and conflict. Speaking at the curtain-raiser event of the first Jammu and Kashmir International Film Festival, he said the region has transformed over the years and deserves better representation on screen. Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali also shared his thoughts, highlighting the importance of promoting local talent and Kashmiri stories.

Omar Abdullah Urges Bollywood To Change Kashmir's Image

Addressing the press after the event, Omar Abdullah stated that filmmakers need to think of different stories than the previous ones, which revolve around violence. He mentioned, "My complaint is that whenever films are shot here, they mostly show bad situations. They show shikaras flying away, explosions in houseboats, or gunfights. Kashmir's story has changed, and we want people to bring this new story before the world."

'Not Every Bollywood Film Is Propaganda': Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah

The chief minister also claimed that some film directors distort the reality of Kashmir for political gains or even to make their films commercially successful. However, he was quick to add that he did not think all of the film industry does this.

Moreover, some of the directors film in Kashmir and then portray it as some other place in their movies. He further pointed out that some filmmakers shoot in Kashmir but later present the location as another place in their films.

 

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Government Wants To Encourage Better Cinema

The chief minister said the upcoming film festival in Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) in September 2026 will aim at promoting meaningful films rather than propaganda. He further went on to say that the government is trying to make it easier for filmmakers to work in the Union territory. The festival scheduled in September is likely to support these initiatives.

Imtiaz Ali Shares His Vision To Show New Kashmir

Director Imtiaz Ali, who recently impressed audiences with the film Main Wapas Aaunga, welcomed the initiative and said he would encourage people from Kashmir to participate in filmmaking. He said cinema can create a mutually beneficial relationship between filmmakers and local communities.

Imtiaz also stressed the need to develop local cinema so that Kashmiri characters, culture, and stories receive the representation they deserve on the big screen.

 

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Imtiaz Ali Directed Famous Films

Imtiaz Ali is well known for making cinematic masterpieces that define new standards of modern-day love, self-discovery, and complicated human emotions through his masterpieces such as Jab We Met, Rockstar, Tamasha, and Love Aaj Kal. The unique qualities that Imtiaz Ali adds to his films include the transformation of characters, spiritual musical experiences, and travel destinations that depict the spirit of longing and freedom.


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