Emraan Hashmi’s ‘Ground Zero’ Premieres In Srinagar, The First In 38 Years
Landmark red carpet screening brings cinema back to conflict-torn region.
Jehangir Irroni is a filmmaker and creative director with over 18 years of experience in directing ad films, corporate videos, web series, and television shows. As assistant vice president - Videos at IncNut Digital, Jehangir is involved in producing and directing videos and infomercials.
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In a historic moment for Kashmir, Emraan Hashmi’s film ‘Ground Zero’ became the first to host a red carpet screening in Srinagar after a 38-year gap, bringing cinema back to the conflict-affected region.
The special screening honored Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers and officers, highlighting the film’s focus on security operations in Kashmir. Hashmi shared images from the event on Instagram, calling it “#Groundzero touchdown.. landmark day.” In the posted images, Emraan can be seen with director Tejas Deoskar at what appears to be the screening event in Srinagar, along with aerial-view shots of the scenic mountains and villages of the region.
The screening’s importance is significant as Kashmir, particularly Srinagar, has been without formal movie premieres for decades due to security concerns and political unrest. Regular cinema halls in the region closed in the early 1990s following militant threats. By choosing to honor BSF personnel at this screening, the filmmakers have acknowledged the crucial role security forces play in the region’s stability.
The film delves into the challenges faced by security forces in Kashmir. Earlier posts describe it as “the untold story of a mission that changed Kashmir forever” with the tagline “Ab Prahaar Hoga” (Now it’s time to strike). It focuses on counter-terrorism operations, with Hashmi portraying a soldier involved in a critical mission. The trailer, released earlier this month, positions the narrative around security operations against “a faceless enemy in shadows.”
Directed by Tejas Deoskar, ‘Ground Zero’ features Sai Tamhankar and Zahan Kapoor alongside Hashmi. The film is produced by Excel Entertainment, Dreamzkraft Entertainment, and Talisman Films, with AA Films handling distribution. For Emraan Hashmi, this film continues his transition from romantic leads to more character-driven roles. The 45-year-old actor began his career with ‘Footpath’ (2003) and gained popularity with films like ‘Murder’ (2004).
‘Ground Zero’ marks a larger cultural revival in Kashmir. In recent years, the government has worked to bring cinema back to the region, with some multiplexes opening after decades. The Border Security Force (BSF) has been officially tagged in promotional materials, suggesting their involvement in the project, adding authenticity to the film’s portrayal of security operations.
‘Ground Zero’ releases in theaters on April 25, 2024.
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