Bollywood’s new film Ground Zero, starring Emraan Hashmi, has sparked conversation for its attempt to approach the Kashmir conflict with empathy, though critics argue it stops short of addressing deeper realities.
Directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar, the film follows BSF officer Narendra Dubey, played by Hashmi, on a mission to track down militant leader Ghazi Baba following the 2001 Parliament attacks. Unlike many mainstream Hindi films, Ground Zero makes an effort to portray Kashmiris not as enemies, but as victims of circumstance — a move praised by some for its humanist touch.
The film avoids showing military excesses or addressing the painful realities of forced disappearances and the lives of ‘half-widows’ in the region. However, it introduces characters like Hussain, a young Kashmiri boy manipulated into violence for money, whom Dubey attempts to rehabilitate. This subplot, while well-intentioned, has drawn criticism for simplifying complex socio-political issues.
A line from the film — “Sirf Kashmir ki zameen humari hai ke yahan ke log bhi?” — highlights the film’s recognition of the divide between claiming territory and winning hearts. Yet, despite these moments, the movie eventually resorts to a violent climax, raising questions about whether it succeeds in its antiwar message.
Hashmi, who recently played a similarly empathetic role in Tiger 3, earns praise for taking on projects that show a more compassionate side amid an industry often leaning towards hawkish narratives. However, Ground Zero falls into familiar Bollywood traps — patriotic songs and bloodshed-heavy finales — that blunt its intended message.
While it deserves credit for its effort, many believe Ground Zero misses a chance to offer genuine reflection on war and peace in one of India’s most sensitive regions.
