The acclaimed Kashmiri short film “Tasrufdar: Djinns of Kashmir,” which has already garnered international recognition with its world premiere in London, is slated for its premiere in Srinagar later this month. Filmmaker Kapil Mattoo expressed his hope that the screening will serve as a catalyst for an honest dialogue among Kashmiris concerning memories, loss, and reconciliation, themes deeply rooted in the events of 1990.
Describing the film, which is directed and written in the Kashmiri language, as “more than a film,” Mattoo articulated that “Tasrufdar” represents an emotional journey aimed at bringing to the surface feelings that have remained suppressed for over three decades. He further elaborated, stating, “It is an emotion for me. It is more than a film. I think it is a necessary conversation between two Kashmiris.”
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Mattoo highlighted the enduring emotional impact on Kashmiris displaced from the Valley, even as many have successfully rebuilt their lives elsewhere over the past 35 years. He observed that regardless of their current residences in places like London, Jammu, or Delhi, the emotional wounds persist. “Whether someone lives in London, Jammu or Delhi, people may have moved on with life, but those emotions are still buried deep inside. We need to vent them out and unblock them,” Mattoo conveyed.
Mattoo conveyed his particular anticipation for the Srinagar premiere. The film had its initial international debut at the UK Asian Film Festival 2028 edition in London, where it was met with a highly positive reception. He is now eagerly awaiting the premiere at INOX Srinagar, which is planned for July, with specific dates to be announced imminently. He extended an invitation to all Kashmiris to attend and experience the film. “I want to watch ‘Tasrufdar’ in Kashmir together with Kashmiris—all Kashmiris, including Kashmiri Muslims, Kashmiri Pandits and Sikhs. I want to see how they respond to the film because it is our story. It is everyone’s story. That is the essence of the film, and I am very excited about it,” he stated.
The filmmaker also noted that the film had previously traveled internationally and had initiated discussions in Boston. He characterized his stories as often having open endings, reflecting the unresolved nature of the situation in Kashmir itself. According to Mattoo, audiences connected with this ambiguity. He emphasized that the project does not aim to provide definitive answers to the complex events surrounding the 1990 exodus. Instead, it is designed to encourage individuals to share their own experiences and perspectives. “My characters speak about what they have gone through and how it affected them. Everyone has been impacted in one way or another over the last three decades. If the story triggers those emotions, people irrespective of religion will connect with it because we have all lived through history in our own way,” Mattoo explained.
He further articulated that the film belongs to everyone, representing a collective memory, grief, and emotion. Mattoo believes that such narratives can serve as the genesis of conversations among Kashmiris themselves. The film, written, directed, and produced by Mattoo under Mattoo Mania Productions in collaboration with Walnut Creative Ideas Pvt Ltd and Safdar Arts, draws upon Kashmiri folklore and the mystical concept of ‘Tasrufdar’ (jinns) to weave a deeply human narrative of friendship, memory, and reconciliation. The story centers on Mir, a middle-aged Kashmiri Muslim, who is haunted by the spirit of Shamboo Nath, a Kashmiri Pandit and his late father’s childhood friend. Their separation occurred nearly 35 years prior due to the upheaval of 1990. The spirit, waiting between two chinar trees, seeks answers about the night that irrevocably altered both their lives, leading to a poignant exploration of loss, memory, and healing.
The narrative intricately blends Kashmiri folklore with the timeless ‘vakhs’ of the mystic poetess Lal Ded, delving into themes of empathy, coexistence, and the region’s shared cultural heritage. Mattoo underscored that the film was conceived and created entirely by individuals from Kashmir. “It is written in Kashmiri and completely made by Kashmiris. The actors, technicians, music, background score and songs—all are from Kashmir. It is truly a Kashmiri film,” he asserted. The cast includes Ashwath Bhat, Bashir Lone, Shafia Maqbool, Aurooba Javed, and Mir Sarwar, who also serves as associate producer under Safdar Arts. The cinematography is credited to Syed Ali, with Umar Nisar as assistant director and data manager, and Mir Momin as line producer. Following its premiere at a film festival in London, where it garnered critical acclaim, the Srinagar screening is anticipated to be the film’s first public exhibition within Kashmir.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.