Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during the first Jammu and Kashmir International Film Festival on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar on Monday, September 7, 2026 | Photo credit: IMRAN NISSAR
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) watched the film ‘Mirzapur’ at Kashmir Valley’s only functional multiplex INOX in Shivpora area of Srinagar along with its cast during the ongoing International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) under the banner ‘Rang-e-Cinema’.
Mr. Abdullah is joined by the film’s star cast, including Pankaj Tripathi, who plays the popular character Kaleen Bhaiya, and Divyendu, who played the role of Munna Bhaiya in the popular TV series Mirzapur. In a rare scene from Kashmir, Mr Abdullah sat with film buffs of the Valley and watched the film.
“The presence of leading artistes and directors in J&K will further strengthen the region’s connection with cinema and will help create a vibrant film ecosystem in J&K,” Mr. Abdullah said on the second day of the ongoing four-day film festival.
Mr. Abdullah highlighted the role of the film’s actors and appreciated their contribution to Indian cinema.
“This is a good start. It gives an opportunity to outsiders to observe Kashmiriyat and local culture. It will also motivate filmmakers to make more films. There is great talent here,” Mr. Tripathi said.
Mr. Divyendu asked local filmmakers to come forward and make films. “Local people need to watch these films. We all need to promote them,” Mr Divyendu said.
Around 15 cinemas closed in Kashmir in the 1990s. There have been several attempts to popularize film culture in the past, but they have failed. However, the first INOX multiplex in 2022 became the first such functional cinema after a gap of 23 years. Around 135 films from 41 countries will be screened during the film festival, including at INOX in Srinagar.
Published – September 9, 2026 05:44 EST.