The Kashmir Files is a 2022 Indian Hindi-language drama film that presents a storyline about the 1990s exodus of Kashmiri Hindus from Indian-administered Kashmir. The plot follows a Kashmiri Hindu college student, raised by his exiled grandfather, and shielded from the knowledge of the circumstances of his parents' deaths. After his grandfather's death, the student becomes driven to uncover the facts of his family's deaths. The plot alternates between the student's quest in the present time, 2020, and his family's travails of thirty years before. The critical reception of the film was mixed, with the cinematography and acting thought to be compelling. The film has been a commercial success, As of 28 April 2022, the film had grossed ₹340.92 crore (US$43 million) worldwide, becoming the third highest-grossing Hindi film of 2022.
Krishna then embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about
his family's past and the events that led to their death. He starts researching
and collecting evidence, including interviews with survivors and old news
articles. Krishna also learns about the atrocities committed by the militants
and how the Indian government failed to protect the Kashmiri Pandits.
Krishna's investigation leads him to a group of Hindu
nationalists who are also working to bring justice to the Kashmiri Pandits.
They provide him with more evidence, including a video of Farooq Malik Bitta
confessing to his crimes. Krishna decides to use this evidence to bring Bitta
to justice and seeks the help of a lawyer.
As the case proceeds, Krishna and his supporters face opposition from Kashmiri separatists and some members of the Muslim community who deny that a genocide took place. They accuse Krishna and his allies of spreading propaganda and inciting hatred against Muslims. The tension between the two groups escalates, leading to violent clashes.
The climax of the film sees Krishna and his supporters
successfully getting Bitta convicted and punished for his crimes. However, the
victory is bittersweet as it highlights the lack of justice for the thousands
of other Kashmiri Pandits who were displaced, killed, and raped during the
exodus. The film ends with Krishna vowing to continue his fight for justice and
to bring attention to the plight of the Kashmiri Pandits.