Ground Zero Premieres in Kashmir: Locals Celebrate Cinema Revival, Hope for Kashmiri Stories

The city of Srinagar witnessed a historic moment as the Bollywood action thriller Ground Zero, starring Emraan Hashmi, held its red carpet premiere at the Inox theatre, marking the first such event in Kashmir in 38 years. This milestone event underscored the Valley’s growing prominence as a cinematic hub and celebrated the region’s cultural resurgence. Directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar and produced by Excel Entertainment’s Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, Ground Zero is a gripping action thriller inspired by true events. The film follows BSF Commandant Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, played by Hashmi, as he spearheads a high-stakes mission to apprehend the mastermind behind the 2001 Parliament and Akshardham Temple attacks. Featuring Sai Tamhankar and Zoya Hussain, the movie blends intense action with a patriotic narrative, resonating deeply with audiences. The premiere, dedicated to the Border Security Force , honoured the real-life heroes of the story, with BSF soldiers attending as special guests. Emraan Hashmi, who filmed in Kashmir for a month, called the event a “proud moment” for both Bollywood and the region. “Bringing Ground Zero to Srinagar for its premiere feels like a homecoming. This is a step toward showcasing Kashmir’s beauty and stories on a global stage,” he shared with local media. The star-studded event saw the presence of Hashmi, Tamhankar, Deoskar, producers Akhtar and Sidhwani, alongside Dolly Sidhwani, Shibani Dandekar, and co-producer Arhan Bagati. The red carpet buzzed with excitement, amplified by the film’s powerful jukebox, featuring patriotic anthems and soulful tracks by Jubin Nautiyal and Tanishk Bagchi, released just days prior. Kashmir’s locals embraced the moment with pride. “Having a Bollywood premiere here feels like a dream,” said Ayesha Mir, a Srinagar resident and film enthusiast. “It’s not just about a movie; it’s about Kashmir being recognized as more than a backdrop.” The event highlighted the Valley’s potential as a filming and screening destination, encouraging filmmakers to explore its untapped opportunities. Set for a nationwide release on April 25, 2025, Ground Zero promises to deliver a thrilling cinematic experience while shining a spotlight on Kashmir’s cultural revival. The Srinagar premiere stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in uniting communities and celebrating resilience.