Bollywood film on Kashmir stirs anger over pellet gun portrayal

Film under fire for trivialising pellet gun wounds

An upcoming Bollywood film set against the backdrop of the Kashmir conflict has sparked outrage among survivors of pellet gun injuries. The controversy centres on a scene in which a character describes pellet gun wounds as causing 'limited damage'.

Victims and activists say the line trivialises the severe, often permanent harm inflicted by pellet guns. These weapons, used by security forces for crowd control in the Kashmir Valley, have caused thousands of injuries, many resulting in blindness, brain damage, and death.

Victims speak out

Several survivors have taken to social media to express their anger. One victim, who lost an eye to a pellet gun injury, called the film's portrayal 'a slap in the face' to those who have suffered. Another said the movie's language 'erases the pain of an entire generation'.

Support groups have also condemned the film. They argue that the Bollywood industry has a history of mishandling sensitive political topics, often prioritising drama over accuracy. This latest instance, they say, shows a disregard for the real human cost of the conflict.

Bollywood's track record under scrutiny

This is not the first time a Bollywood film on Kashmir has courted controversy. Previous movies have been accused of either glorifying militancy or painting an overly simplistic picture of the region's complex politics. Critics say the industry often fails to consult with local communities or experts.

The film's producers have not yet issued a statement. However, sources close to the production indicate that the 'limited damage' line was intended to reflect a specific character's perspective, not the film's overall message. This explanation has done little to calm the anger.

Demands for change

Activists are now demanding that the filmmakers remove the offending line and issue a public apology. Some have also called for a more thorough vetting process for films dealing with real-life tragedies. They argue that cinema has a responsibility to portray suffering with dignity.

Meanwhile, the Central Board of Film Certification is reportedly reviewing the film. It is unclear whether the board will suggest cuts or modifications before the movie's scheduled release. Officials have not confirmed any timeline for a decision.

What happens next

The controversy is likely to intensify as the film's release date approaches. Protests have been planned in several cities, and the hashtag #LimitedDamage has been trending on Indian social media. Whether the filmmakers will revise the content or face a backlash at the box office remains to be seen.