“Kashmir’s storytelling potential goes beyond scenic beauty”

Suhail Khan 

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Srinagar, Sep 8: Pankaj Tripathi and Divyenndu, the actor duo who rose to fame as the formidable Kaleen Bhaiya and the volatile Munna Tripathi in the hit web series Mirzapur, on Tuesday said Jammu and Kashmir is poised to become a significant hub for regional cinema, with its rich storytelling traditions, young talent and growing digital ecosystem offering “tremendous scope” for the film industry.

Speaking on the second day of the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) at SKICC Srinagar, the actors as per Kashmir Convener said they were thoroughly impressed by their visit to the Valley, from the local cuisine to the warmth of the people.

“We liked it very much. We had Kashmiri food, met people here and felt a sense of belonging. It was wonderful. We would like more of our films to come here,” they said.

 

On being asked about the future of cinema in the region, the actors said Kashmir’s potential extends far beyond its picturesque locales. “There is a lot of future ahead. There will be theatres, OTT platforms and many other opportunities. There is tremendous scope,” they said, adding that the local youth could significantly benefit from the evolving film ecosystem.

Interacting with students and aspiring filmmakers attending the festival, the duo said events like IFFJK and masterclasses provide invaluable learning opportunities. “We have seen how films are made. In a four-day festival, if there are masterclasses, that is a very good thing. There will be a lot to listen to and learn,” they said.

When asked about the possibility of shooting a film in Kashmir, the actors said the region offers a wealth of stories waiting to be told. “I like Dal Lake. Kashmir has beautiful, rooted stories,” they said, adding that filmmakers should explore narratives around its people, food, culture and everyday life beyond its famed landscapes.

“Kashmir is one of the most beautiful parts of the country. If infrastructure is further developed, it would be wonderful to come here and tell stories about Kashmir,” they said.

The actors also reflected on Kashmir’s long-standing association with the film industry, noting that while filmmakers have historically visited the Valley for song sequences and outdoor shoots, the time has come for deeper, more meaningful storytelling. “Kashmir has had a connection with cinema for a long time. People used to come here for songs and shoots. But there are so many other things, the people, food and culture. Why not talk about them?” they said.

Tripathi and Divyenndu are in Srinagar as part of the ongoing International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir, which has brought together filmmakers, actors, technicians, students and cinema enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.