A file photo of protesters clashing with security personnel in Kashmir.
By Tehelka Web Desk
The teaser of the upcoming Bollywood film Chauhaan, starring Ajay Devgn, has sparked criticism in Kashmir over its depiction of pellet gun victims, with political leaders, activists and survivors describing the portrayal as insensitive and hurtful.
The teaser features a young protester being hit in the eyes by pellet shots, while Ajay Devgn’s voiceover refers to the injuries as causing “limited damage”. The scene has drawn strong reactions because of the widespread use of pellet shotguns by security forces during protests in Kashmir, particularly in 2016.
According to official figures, more than 10,000 people were injured by pellet guns in Kashmir between 2010 and 2016. During the 2016 unrest alone, around 6,000 people were hit over a four-month period, including 782 who suffered eye injuries. Many victims lost vision in one or both eyes.
The ruling National Conference criticised the teaser, alleging that it trivialises the suffering of pellet victims and revives painful memories of a traumatic period in Kashmir. The party also argued that the content could inflame tensions and urged the filmmakers to withdraw the teaser.
Civil society members also expressed concern over the film’s portrayal of violence. They said Kashmir has endured decades of conflict, militancy, curfews and civilian suffering, and argued that filmmakers should focus on stories of resilience and recovery rather than repeatedly depicting the region through the lens of violence.
