Kashmir back in frame

Pahalgam, Nov 3: Film reels are rolling again in Kashmir.

Over six months after the deadly attack in Baisaran, Pahalgam, on April 22, film shooting has returned to the Valley, rekindling hopes of tourism revival and the region’s film industry.

A South Indian (Tollywood) film is currently being shot in the scenic Aru Valley, about 15 km from the main Pahalgam, where the Lidder River roars through pine forests and golden autumn pastures.

The return of the film crew has brought cheer to locals, many of whom gathered to watch the shooting.

“After the Pahalgam attack, most film crews had canceled their shooting schedules in Kashmir. Now, as we begin this new project here, we hope more film crews will return to Kashmir,” said Umer Yousuf, also known as S K Sam, a Kashmiri casting director with Casting Kashmir.

He is working on the project with Ahmihasto Film Productions along with his colleague, Danish Khan.

Umer said the team had been filming in Aru for the past 12 days.

“After the Baisaran incident, everyone in Kashmir suffered, but we didn’t lose hope. We convinced the marketing teams to come back and shoot,” he said.

Umer said that the revival of film activity had provided a much-needed boost to the local economy. “Hoteliers, restaurant owners, ponywallas, taxi operators, and adventure service providers are all happy. We had no work after the April 22 attack, but we didn’t give up. The government supported us, and the security arrangements have been good,” Umer said, adding that more shoots were planned in the coming months.

Director Vimal Krishna said the film is a Telugu-language comedy centered on an overthinking protagonist.

“The movie is character-driven and demanded a beautiful location, and I thought, why not Kashmir?” Krishna said. “We came here in July to assess the situation and found the place perfectly safe for shooting. After Pahalgam, we’ll move to Srinagar. Unfortunate incidents happen everywhere, but that shouldn’t stop filmmakers or tourists from coming here. I urge everyone to keep visiting and supporting local people.”

Malayalam actor Merit Philips, who plays a Kashmiri girl in the movie, said she feels completely safe and welcomed in the Valley.

“There is nothing to fear. We’ve been taken care of very well. I love this place. The people are hospitable and warm. Everyone should come and enjoy Kashmir,” she said, dressed in a traditional Kashmiri Tila Pheran (cloak).

Another actor, Rag Mohar, who plays a Telugu tourist falling in love with a Kashmiri girl, praised the working environment in Kashmir.

“The atmosphere here is very good, and we’re enjoying our time shooting,” he said.

Locals say the resumption of film shooting is an encouraging step towards economic recovery, but expressed cautious optimism about the return of film crews.

“Even though it’s too early, at least the start has been made,” said Muhammad Yousuf, a local shopkeeper in Pahalgam. “We hope this attracts more filmmakers and tourists back to the Valley.”

Following the April 22 Baisaran attack, several tourist destinations, including Pahalgam, remained closed to visitors for more than three months due to security concerns.