NEW DELHI, NOV 29: The primary actor in “The Kashmir Files,” legendary actor Anupam Kher, and the filmmakers Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri and Pallavi Joshi have criticised Israeli director Nadav Lapid for his comments regarding the film.

In a statement, Pallavi said: “It is extremely regrettable that a creative platform was used for a ‘political objective’ to retain an old, inaccurate, and jaded narrative about Kashmir. We were always aware that there are groups that would not like to see the naked truth on the screen.

Added her: “The agony of the Kashmiri Pandit people went unnoticed by the international community for many years. After thirty years, the Indian film industry has finally come to the conclusion that it must accurately and impartially depict India’s story. We are astounded by how the Indian populace mobilised to defend “The Kashmir Files” from the crude and vulgar remarks of a genocide denier.”

She reaffirmed that “The Kashmir Files” is still a “people’s” movie for the public and its supporters.

At the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) closing event in Goa, Pallavi thanked Israeli Ambassador to India Naor Gilon for denouncing Lapid for labelling the film “propaganda and disgusting movie.”

In a subtle jab at the Israeli director, Agnihotri tweeted: “Truth is the most dangerous thing. People may start lying as a result.

The Kashmir Files’ reality is caught in certain people’s throats like a thorn, Kher wrote in a tweet. They can’t swallow it or spit it out, either! A movement has emerged from our movie.

Gilon had before attacked Lapid, saying, “You should be humiliated. The relationship between the nations of India and Israel is very strong, and it will endure the harm you have caused.

I feel guilty as a human and want to apologise to our hosts for the poor way we returned their kindness and friendliness, he said.(PHN)