Even before its theatrical release, Emraan Hashmi’s upcoming film Ground Zero has already etched its name into history. On April 18, the film held a red carpet screening in Srinagar, making it the first movie in 38 years to do so. This is a landmark moment not just for the film, but for Kashmir’s cultural and cinematic revival.
🎬 A Historic Milestone for Kashmir
The last time Srinagar hosted such a high-profile film event was before 1989, when militancy and political unrest forced the closure of cinema halls across the region. Ground Zero’s red carpet screening marks a powerful symbol of change, normalcy, and cultural resurgence in the Valley.
🗣 Emraan Hashmi on Ground Zero and Kashmir
In an emotional conversation with NDTV, Emraan reflected on the significance of the event:
“Even now, there is a kind of perception about 1989… This is one of those small steps in removing that perception.”
On filming in Srinagar, he shared:
“It was such a smooth sailing shoot… Wonderful people, no issues. Safety and norms were all in place. It brings in that air of normalcy.”
He further urged:
“I wish more theatres would erupt here in Srinagar. I would invite more film crews to come and screen their films here. It’s going to help the country.”
🎥 About Ground Zero
- Release Date: April 25, 2025
- Inspired by: True events
- Directed by: Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar
- Produced by: Ritesh Sidhwani & Farhan Akhtar (Excel Entertainment)
- Cast:
- Emraan Hashmi
- Sai Tamhankar
- Zoya Hussain
- Mukesh Tiwari
- Deepak Parmesh
- Lalit Prabhakar
- Rockey Raina
- Rahul Vohra
The film promises to be a gritty, emotionally driven drama rooted in conflict, resilience, and human stories set against the backdrop of Kashmir.
💡 Why This Matters
- A film premiere in Srinagar after nearly four decades is a cultural win.
- It shines a light on Kashmir’s cinematic potential and the region’s changing narrative.
- Ground Zero could pave the way for more mainstream films to be shot and screened in the Valley.
