Vivek Agnihotri’s 'The Kashmir Files' opened to a massive opening in the box office when it was released last week. Helmed by Anupam Kher, the film highlights the atrocities against Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s when they were killed, persecuted and forced to leave their homes overnight.
The film which outlines the brutalities endured by the Kashmiri Pandits has received a massive push from the Centre and states, with many making it tax free. It also got the prime minister’s nod when the makers met him last week.
PM Modi meets makers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier met the makers of the movie in Delhi and appreciated the film which is based on the genocide of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s. Film director Vivek Agnihotri, his wife Pallavi Joshi and producer Abhishek met the PM. The movie was released on March 11 and has been receiving an unprecedented response from the audience.
Tax breaks
The Haryana government has directed cinema halls and multiplexes to not charge state GST from patrons booking tickets of 'The Kashmir Files'. Theatres and multiplexes have also been directed not to increase the ticket prices as well as not make any changes to the seating capacity. The order will be in effect for six months from its date of issue.
Gujarat has also made the film tax-free in the state. The decision was made by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Goa's caretaker Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that film will be made tax free in the state and will continue to be screened across the state with maximum possible shows. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje urged the state to give tax exemption to the film. “The Kashmir Files, based on the past situations and true events of Jammu and Kashmir, has been made tax-free in many states, including Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat. My request to the state government is to make this film tax-free in Rajasthan too," she tweeted.
The film has been exempted from paying tax in Uttar Pradesh by an order issued by the Chief Minister's Office. Madhya Pradesh has also announced tax cuts. Bihar BJP MLA Sanjay Saraogi demanded the movie be made tax-free in the state. He raised the demand inside the House, while it was in session.
Maharashtra BJP MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha urged the state government to exempt the movie from the entertainment tax. At the state Assembly, Lodha said that many states have made the film tax-free and the move is being appreciated by the audience.
Tripura has also announced tax cuts to encourage more people to watch the film. Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb appealed to the people to watch the movie. In the Lok Sabha, the BJP demanded that the movie be exempted from the entertainment tax. Participating in the debate on the Jammu and Kashmir Budget in Lok Sabha, BJP member Jamyang Tsering Namgyal said the film is exposing the bitter truth and hence it should be exempted from entertainment tax. Janata Dal (United) member Sunil Kumar Pintu, too, demanded that the movie be made tax-free, saying the movie reveals the plight of Kashmiri Pandits. Karnataka also exempted the film from entertainment tax.
PM Modi meets makers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier met the makers of the movie in Delhi and appreciated the movie which is based on the genocide of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s. Film director Vivek Agnihotri, his wife Pallavi Joshi and producer Abhishek met the PM. The movie was released on March 11 and has been receiving an unprecedented response from the audience.
