Everyone thinks they know Kashmir. Two teenagers are about to change all, that is what the trailer introduces us to in its gripping visuals. No Fathers in Kashmir is a that is a unique mix of the fight for truth and compassion while being tender, heart-warming and about universal human emotions directed by Oscar® nominated filmmakers and two-time national award winning writer & director, Ashvin Kumar. Even till today, the certificate is yet to be granted by CBFC and is still pending ‘approval’ despite the FCAT granting the order to pass the UA certificate to the film which is due for release on 5th April.

Present at the launch gracing his presence was one of our sharpest, most outspoken directors, Mr. Mahesh Bhatt who said, “A staggering, heart wrenching film. Ashvin has the guts to embrace all that darkness and then having done that bring us so much ‘light.’ In these dark times of hate, here’s a love story from the blood soaked valley of Kashmir which has the audacity to hope”

The film tells the tale of Noor and Majid played by newcomers Zara Webb and Shivam Raina respectively. The two are on a journey to find their respective fathers who have gone missing in the valley. The film raises several imperative questions, about compassion and empathy of those in the valley and its many realities.

Director Ashvin Kumar’s No Fathers in Kashmir gets hard fought for UA certificate

Lead star of the film, Soni Razdan said, “I have a personal liking towards Kashmir because I’m a half Kashmiri. When I read this script and Ashvin first sent me the script I found it very interesting because here was a film that showed the reality. There have been many films on Kashmir but this one isn’t peppered by drama, love stories and other things. It’s what truly is representative of how the situation is in the valley. And that’s what drew me to the film”.

The film marks the acting debut of the filmmaker Ashvin Kumar along with other actors Anshuman Jha, Soni Razdan and Kulbhushan Kharbanda. Ashvin has also written and produced the film, along with executive Producer Varoon Vesuna.

Almost over a month ago, director Ashvin Kumar had to screen his film No Fathers in Kashmir for the second time to find the right justice for his film’s certification for FCAT, the APEX body which governs the final matters of certification of films in India. What started as a regular filing for a censor, in July 2018 has been a long 8 months, 6 screenings and 7 hearings long process for the makers and its actors to wait for their film to find justice. Something that rarely happens was subjected to this film where delay upon delay were given for the certification and eventually leading to a ban on the film. After challenging the CBFC decision to give the film A, which the makers found unjustified basis the content of their movie, they moved to FCAT first in November with a hearing in December and later in January.

FCAT has now after a month of its second screening given its final order on the film asking for a few changes including some cuts and disclaimers. However most importantly the FCAT has vindicated the filmmakers stands that this is a U/A film by giving it a U/A certification order. However the decision currently remains upon the submission to CBFC to give the final certificate to the makers which they’re positive the board will willingly pass and share. The root cause of the issue was the delay the film got which was against the very rules of the CBFC who refused to see the film and upon seeing the film delayed the verdict until giving it an A certification in October despite the film not promoting nudity, hatred, violence, gore or similar A worthy subjects.

The film stars Soni Razdan, Anshuman Jha and Kulbushan Kharbanda and traces the love story of two young 16 year olds who are in search for their fathers who have gone missing in the valley.