Srinagar: In a historic moment for Kashmir’s cinematic landscape, Bollywood returned to the Valley with the premiere of ‘Ground Zero’ at Inox in the Shivpora area of Srinagar on April 18, 2025. The action thriller, starring Emraan Hashmi, marks the first red carpet premiere of a Hindi film in Kashmir after a 38-year hiatus. The event was characterized by its significance and symbolism, as it highlights the potential for a vibrant film industry in the region.
Actor Emraan Hashmi, who arrived in Srinagar ahead of the premiere, described the occasion as “important and symbolic.” He expressed his happiness to be back in the city, stating, “I feel happy to come back to Srinagar. It feels very nice. The weather is good here, it is better than Mumbai.” His comments reflect a growing sentiment among artists and filmmakers about the untapped potential of Kashmir as a filming location.
Directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar and produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment, ‘Ground Zero’ chronicles the story of Border Security Force (BSF) officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey. The film focuses on Dubey’s operation to track down Ghazi Baba, the mastermind behind the 2001 terrorist attacks on the Parliament and the Akshardham temple in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar. Hashmi noted that the film is based on real events, emphasizing the importance of the narrative, which revolves around a mission that was planned in 2001 and accomplished in 2003.
In a post on social media, Hashmi highlighted the significance of the premiere, stating, “#Groundzero touchdown landmark day: first red carpet movie screening after 38 years in #Srinagar, this is a special movie screening to honour BSF soldiers and their officers.” This dedication to the BSF is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve in challenging environments.
The premiere was attended by the film’s lead cast, including Hashmi and Sai Tamhankar, along with the director and producers. The presence of BSF jawans, who walked the red carpet alongside the film’s team, added an element of respect and recognition to the event. This special screening was not just a film premiere; it was a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers.
During the event, Hashmi spoke about the local talent involved in the film, stating, “There is a lot of talent here. A number of local actors were hired for the film. Their contribution to the film was important.” This approach not only supports local artists but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration within the film industry.
Hashmi’s character in ‘Ground Zero’ represents a significant departure from his usual roles. He acknowledged the challenge of portraying a BSF officer compared to his past characters, saying, “It is based on a true life event and the story revolves around a BSF mission.” This commitment to authenticity reflects a broader trend in cinema toward more realistic portrayals of military and security personnel.
Director Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar elaborated on the film’s foundation in real events, emphasizing Dubey’s eight years of service in Kashmir and his critical role in counter-terrorism efforts. “During that time, Ghazi Baba’s name was everywhere. He was also the mastermind behind the 2001 Parliament attack. He became a very dangerous terrorist. Dubey ji played a major role in tracking and eliminating him,” Deoskar explained. This historical context adds depth to the film, connecting it to significant events in India’s recent past.
Hashmi’s admiration for Kashmir was palpable during the premiere. He remarked on the warmth and hospitality of the people, stating, “People are lovely, warm, and hospitable. I want other directors and producers to shoot in Kashmir and release their movies here.” This sentiment echoes a desire among many in the film industry to return to Kashmir, a region that has historically been a popular filming location before the onset of conflict.
With the film set to release nationwide on April 25, 2025, ‘Ground Zero’ is poised to make a significant impact not only at the box office but also in reshaping perceptions of Kashmir as a viable location for future film projects. The successful premiere could pave the way for more Bollywood productions to be filmed in the region, revitalizing its cinematic heritage.
The premiere of ‘Ground Zero’ stands as a landmark moment for Kashmir’s film industry, potentially opening doors for more Bollywood productions to be screened and shot in the region. As the film industry looks towards the future, the return of Bollywood to Kashmir could signal a new era of creativity and storytelling in a region rich with culture and history.
