Srinagar: In a historic cinematic event, Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi attended the red carpet premiere of his upcoming film ‘Ground Zero’ at the Inox theatre in Srinagar on April 18, 2025. This premiere marks a significant milestone as it is the first Bollywood film to premiere in the region in 38 years, symbolizing a revival of cinema in the Valley.
Hashmi expressed his delight at returning to Srinagar, where they filmed ‘Ground Zero’ for about 30 days. "I am very happy to be back in Srinagar. The weather is fabulous, much better than Mumbai," he said, resonating with the audience that gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion. He emphasized the importance of the premiere for the people of Kashmir, stating, "After years, a red carpet premiere like this has happened here. I request other filmmakers to follow suit and bring their movies to Kashmir."
The screening attracted filmmakers, actors, and dignitaries, all of whom celebrated the occasion’s cultural significance. Hashmi praised the warmth and hospitality of the Kashmiri people, saying, "They are good, respectable, and hospitable. I have always wanted to come here again and again."
Delving into the film’s narrative, Hashmi shared that ‘Ground Zero’ is deeply connected to the land and its stories. "Yeh yaha ki kahani hai, yaha se judi hui kahani hai (This is a story of this land, a story connected to Kashmir)," he noted, highlighting the emotional ties the film has with the Valley. The film is set against the backdrop of the 2001 Parliament attack and follows a Border Security Force (BSF) officer’s pursuit of the mastermind behind that attack, Terrorist Ghazi Baba, culminating in one of India’s largest anti-terror operations.
Notably, the film portrays the story of a BSF mission and marks Hashmi’s first portrayal of a security force officer. He plays the role of BSF Commandant Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, who spearheads a critical operation to eliminate terrorist threats in the region. Sai Tamhankar plays the officer's wife, adding depth to the storyline.
The premiere was attended by co-producers Arhan Bagati, Abhishek Kumar, and Nishikant Roy; actors Sai Tamhankar; director Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar; as well as producers Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar. The event drew notable figures from the film industry, including actors, directors, and other dignitaries, who highlighted the cultural and emotional significance of the occasion.
Hashmi emphasized that hosting a premiere in Srinagar after a long gap sends a powerful message to encourage other filmmakers to consider Kashmir as a locale for film shoots and screenings. "This is a positive step for the people of Kashmir. I hope more films are shot here," he said, advocating for greater opportunities for local artists.
In a special screening hosted for BSF personnel, Hashmi shared his excitement about taking on the role of a military officer, describing it as a challenging and humbling experience. "Preparing to play an army officer, a BSF Commandant, was one of the most challenging and humbling experiences of my career. These men operate in the roughest terrains, under constant threat, and still maintain an unwavering sense of duty," he remarked.
The film is inspired by true events and depicts a significant mission commanded by BSF officer Narendra Nath Dubey, who played a pivotal role in eliminating terrorist leader Ghazi Baba. The narrative is not just about entertainment but serves as a source of awareness about national security issues, according to Hashmi. "It's a mission that played a crucial role in safeguarding the nation. The story deserves to be told, and more importantly, it deserves to be seen," he stated.
As anticipation builds for its release, ‘Ground Zero’ is set to hit theatres nationwide on April 25, 2025. The film promises an intense, emotional, and action-packed cinematic experience grounded in the real-life challenges of combating terrorism in Kashmir.
With the premiere successfully celebrated, the producers have set high expectations for the film, hoping to capture the attention of audiences across the country. As Hashmi concluded, "It is a big day that the red carpet premiere event is held in Srinagar after 38 years." The film’s release is seen as a significant cultural moment, not just for the film industry but for the people of Kashmir, who have long awaited such a celebration of their stories on the big screen.
