Shahid Kapoor’s Haider will be released in Srinagar for 1st time after Salman Khan-Kareena Kapoor’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan’s massive response

Shahid Kapoor's Haider will be released in Srinagar for 1st time after Salman Khan-Kareena Kapoor's Bajrangi Bhaijaan’s massive response

As a lifestyle expert with a deep appreciation for cinema, I must say that it’s heartening to witness the long-awaited arrival of Vishal Bhardwaj’s masterpiece, Haider, in Kashmir’s theaters. Having had the privilege of experiencing this powerful adaptation of Hamlet, I can attest to its global impact and the poignant resonance it holds for audiences across cultures.


Vishal Bhardwaj’s film adaptation of Hamlet, titled Haider, which powerfully portrayed the tumultuous situation in Kashmir, generated a significant response worldwide, amassing 79 crores at the box office. Surprisingly, the movie was never shown in Kashmir during its initial release. Yet, the wait is over for local spectators as Haider will finally be screened in Kashmiri theaters. This showing comes after the massive reception of Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor’s film Bajrangi Bhaijaan.

Vikas Dhar, proprietor of Inox Srinagar, shared with Bollywood Hungama that the audience in this region tend to favor films set in Kashmir or romantic narratives. He noted that the movie Bajrangi Bhaijaan, starring Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor, is exceptionally well-liked and often requested, as it resonates deeply with viewers. In his words, “The film Bajrangi Bhaijaan is what everyone asks for here; it’s a favorite among many.

Vikas mentioned that when Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) was shown, it got a favorable reaction. Even though the initial part of the movie takes place in Himachal Pradesh, numerous scenes were actually shot in Kashmir, which made it even more attractive to local viewers.

He mentioned that other films frequently requested by audiences include Jab We Met (2007), 3 Idiots (2009), and Student Of The Year (2012), although none have matched the high demand for Rockstar and Laila Majnu. He expressed interest in seeing if the demand continues, noting that if it does, they’ll respond accordingly. Dhar also excitedly shared the idea of conducting a social media poll to let people vote for the next film they want to see.

In response to public excitement, Vikas Dhar unveiled Bajrangi Bhaijaan on September 6. On the following September 8, he organized a poll on Inox Srinagar’s social media platform. He posed a question to the audience, asking them to select one movie for the next showing from four options: Kabir Singh, Haider, Student Of The Year, and Jab Tak Hai Jaan. A clear majority preferred Haider in the poll.

Due to special arrangements, the film “Haider,” starring Shahid Kapoor, Tabu, Shraddha Kapoor, and Kay Kay Menon, will have a unique premiere in Kashmir on September 20. This movie, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, will be screened daily at 2:30 pm, and tickets are available for only Rs. 99.

On August 2, Laila Majnu (2018) debuted at Inox Srinagar, Kashmir’s only cinema complex, receiving an extraordinary response that was unmatched before. This overwhelming welcome sparked a nationwide desire to see the movie on the big screen, causing a re-release on August 9. For the past year, Vikas Dhar has been inundated with requests for both Laila Majnu and Rockstar (2011).

After the successful debut of Rockstar, filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, who was in Srinagar for a tourism conference, learned from Vikas about the significant local interest in Laila Majnu. Inspired by the enthusiasm, Ali helped arrange for the movie’s re-release. Moreover, Vikas mentioned that there is an increasing request for other films that have been absent from Kashmir’s cinema scene since the 1990s to 2022. He stated, “Now I am being asked to bring numerous other films that people here haven’t had a chance to watch since cinemas were closed between the 1990s and 2022.

Following my journey back to my tumultuous homeland, I find myself once again in the shoes of Haider Meer, brilliantly played by Shahid Kapoor. My return is triggered by the mysterious disappearance of my father. Upon arrival, I’m shocked to discover that my mother, portrayed by Tabu, has wed my uncle – a powerful separatist leader. As I grapple with personal deception and the tumultuous political climate, I embark on a transformative journey seeking revenge and self-understanding.

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2024-09-18 11:07