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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Ground Zero OTT release: Revisiting 5 Hindi films that captured Kashmir's complexity
Emraan Hashmi-starrer Ground Zero is all set to have its full-fledged OTT release this week on Prime Video, that is, June 20, 2025. The film has brought Kashmir, once again, into the spotlight. Over the years, the region, marked by its stunning landscapes and turbulent history, has served as more than just a backdrop for several films in Indian cinema. For many filmmakers, Kashmir has been a character in itself, embodying everything from political turmoil and military conflict to psychological unrest and personal transformation. Stream Emraan Hashmi's Tigers, Why Cheat India, and Good Boy Bad Boy now on OTTplay Premium Here's a look at five Hindi films (available on OTTplay Premium) that have explored the many layers of Kashmir, each offering a distinct take on its beauty, trauma, and complexity. One of the most talked-about films recently, The Kashmir Files, directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, tackled the 1990 exodus of Kashmiri Pandits head-on. The film stirred nationwide conversation and was both critically acclaimed and heavily debated. Anchored by performances from Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, and Mithun Chakraborty, the story unfolds through a deeply emotional and unsettling lens, drawing from real-life testimonies. Its raw portrayal of historical pain made it a landmark in socio-political storytelling in Indian cinema. A high-octane military drama inspired by real events, Uri: The Surgical Strike chronicled India's surgical strikes in retaliation to a terror attack on an army base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film featured a breakout performance by Vicky Kaushal and turned 'How's the josh?' into a national catchphrase. While Uri leaned into the genre of war films with stylised action and patriotic fervour, it also presented Kashmir as a charged zone of geopolitical tension, as seen through the eyes of those on the front lines. Vishal Bhardwaj's Haider remains one of the most critically acclaimed films to emerge from Hindi cinema's relationship with Kashmir. A bold adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet, the film is set during the height of insurgency in the 1990s. With a stellar cast including Shahid Kapoor, Tabu, Kay Kay Menon, and Irrfan Khan, Haider explores the themes of betrayal, identity, and grief. The film also captures the haunting beauty of Kashmir while laying bare the psychological and political scars left by decades of conflict. Though not overtly political, Imtiaz Ali's Highway uses Kashmir as a metaphor for personal healing. Alia Bhatt's character Veera, who is kidnapped and is on the run, finds solace in the valley's snow-covered serenity, far removed from her chaotic past. The film, which explores Stockholm syndrome, ends with Kashmir being where she finds solace with her kidnapper, played by Randeep Hooda, but is also saved by her close ones after being missing for several weeks. Kashmir, in this case, becomes a canvas of peace and rebirth. Its landscapes offer Veera a kind of emotional escape and clarity, highlighting the contrast between inner turmoil and external calm. The film subtly touches on how the region's silence can be both restorative and reflective. Set against the backdrop of a court-martial trial in Kashmir, Shaurya is a layered military drama that examines religious bias, systemic injustice, and ethical grey zones within the armed forces. Directed by Samar Khan, the film stars Rahul Bose, Kay Kay Menon, Javed Jaffrey, and Minissha Lamba. Rather than taking sides, the narrative poses tough moral questions. Kay Kay Menon's performance as a commanding officer with extreme beliefs stands out for its intensity and nuance. In Shaurya, Kashmir is a silent observer and a witness to the complex intersection of personal values and institutional power. Directed by Tejas Prabhaa Vijay Deoskar, Ground Zero stars Emraan Hashmi as a BSF officer stationed in Kashmir. The film, which had a theatrical release earlier this year, shifts focus to the human cost of living in a conflict zone. It looks at trauma, duty and identity from an intimate perspective.
News18
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Top 5 Movies To Watch In The Theatres This Weekend
Last Updated: Emraan Hashmi-starrer Ground Zero is centred around the real-life story of BSF officer Narendra Nath Dubey, who led the operation where terrorist Ghazi Baba was killed in 2003. There's nothing like the magic of watching a great film on the big screen. This weekend the theaters are packed with an exciting lineup of movies. From action-packed blockbusters and chilling horror movies to historical dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies – this weekend's lineup offers something for everyone. Here's a list of the top 5 movies to watch in theatres this weekend: Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh – The Akshay Kumar -starrer historical drama Kesari Chapter 2 follows the story of an Indian barrister who is adamant to reveal the hidden truths of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and fight against British rule. The film also stars R. Madhavan and Ananya Pandey in other prominent roles. Andaz Apna Apna – Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Paresh Rawal starrer 1994 comedy film has recently been re-released in the theatres. The movie saw a decent opening of Rs 25 lakh on its opening day, as per Pinkvilla reports. The movie has managed to secure the sixth spot among top re-releases opening. If you're in the mood to watch pure, heartfelt comedy, Andaz Apna Apna is the way to go. Until Dawn – This American horror movie is named after a video game released in 2015. The story follows a group of friends desperate to escape a time loop, where mysterious foes are killing them. The group is forced to relive the nightmare again and again and the only way to escape is to survive till dawn. Thudarum – This Malayalam thriller film captures the story of a humble taxi driver whose black Ambassador is extremely dear to him. Due to mysterious circumstances, his ambassador goes missing and he goes to extreme lengths to get his car back. Mohanlal and Shobana starred in this revenge thriller, which has been receiving highly positive reviews from audiences and critics. Ground Zero – Emraan Hashmi-starrer Ground Zero is centred around the real-life story of BSF officer Narendra Nath Dubey, who led the operation to kill terrorist Ghazi Baba in 2003. The film also features Sai Tamhankar and Zoya Hussain in other lead roles. First Published:
