Pranav Birje | Senior Correspondent
Imagine this: a new era is about to dawn for Kashmiri cinema, and you’re invited to be part of this cinematic revolution. Yes, the buzz is real, and it’s all centered around the upcoming release of Kaya Palat, a film starring the beloved TV actress Helly Shah and internationally-renowned director Rahhat Shah Kazmi. The excitement is palpable – from a trailer that promises intrigue and action to songs that stay with you long after they end. But beyond the mesmerizing visuals and powerful performances lies a story that’s quietly rewriting history by reviving Kashmir’s long-lost film industry.
Did you know Kashmir was once Bollywood’s favorite hub? The paradise of shikaras, serene valleys, and vibrant culture was the heart of Indian cinema, and Kaya Palat is now set to restore that heritage. Intrigued yet? You won’t read about this elsewhere; it’s been a well-guarded secret until now. But let’s take you deeper into the heart of this film, a tale that might just mark the return of Kashmiri cinema in a way few had imagined.
If you think Kashmir’s cinematic silence was merely a pause, think again. The 1989 insurgency marked a heartbreaking chapter for the region, with cinemas shuttered and screens gone dark. Bollywood films stopped screening, and piracy became the norm. You’d have to wait until 2006 to see a Kashmiri feature film—Akh Daleel Loolech (or Love Story) by Aarshad Mushtaq. A bold digital feature, it portrayed the struggles of the Kashmiri people against a rich historical backdrop. In Kaya Palat, you’ll even see Akh Daleel Loolech’s lead, Mir Sarwar, once again, as he steps into a new role in this trailblazing story about a woman fighting the mafias.
And here’s a fun twist: Rahhat Shah Kazmi isn’t new to Kashmir’s cinematic history. In 2014, his film Identity Card: Ek Lifeline grabbed international attention, winning awards at the American International Film Festival and leaving audiences worldwide captivated. So you can imagine the significance of his role in reviving Kashmiri cinema now, as he brings Kaya Palat to life with a message of resilience, hope, and creative renewal.
Since Article 370 was abrogated, the scene has shifted dramatically, with the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir inviting prominent filmmakers like Rahhat Shah Kazmi and Madhur Bhandarkar to explore Kashmir’s cinematic potential. This year’s J&K Film Conclave was a massive leap toward revitalizing the industry, complete with a single-window portal to simplify film permissions, subsidies for filmmakers, and a platform for young Kashmiri talent. It’s not just a renaissance; it’s a rebirth.
Ready for the best part? Kaya Palat will premiere in Kashmiri theaters before the rest of the country gets to see it. Imagine being in one of those theaters, witnessing the spark that could reignite an entire industry. Rahhat Shah Kazmi and his team have poured their heart and soul into this moment, and the film’s release will undoubtedly mark a monumental chapter in Kashmiri cinema’s history.
Directed by Shoib Nikash Shah and produced by Rahhat Kazmi Film Studios, Tariq Khan Films, Tera Entertainment, in collaboration with Zeba Sajid Films and Alphaa Productions, Kaya Palat is slated to release on November 15, 2024 (Friday).
And don’t miss the chance to lose yourself in its first song, Ishq Ishq, sung by Javed Ali – it’s a melody you won’t forget: