Srinagar, March 22, KNT: A large audience gathered at a cinema hall in Srinagar on Sunday for the screening of “Batt Koch,” a Kashmiri-language film that explores the emotional journey of a displaced Kashmiri Pandit family.
The screening, held at INOX Cinema, drew significant public participation, reflecting growing interest in locally produced cinema that narrates Kashmir’s social and cultural stories.
The development is notable as it signals renewed momentum in Kashmir’s film landscape, with local filmmakers bringing region-specific narratives to mainstream audiences.
Akshay Labroo, District Magistrate of Srinagar, attended the event and praised the filmmakers for their work.
“It is our immense good fortune that two young directors from our Kashmir, Siddharth and Ankit, have created a film based right here in Srinagar, titled ‘Batt Koch’. The story centres on the city of Srinagar and a specific family; it is a deeply emotional tale,” Labroo as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust told reporters.
“Today, they have finally arrived at the INOX Cinema in Srinagar to present their story. A massive crowd from our community has gathered here to watch this film. We are all striving to lend our full support to this film,” he added.
The film, “Batt Koch,” directed by Siddharth Koul and Ankit Wali, centres on the life of a displaced Kashmiri Pandit family living in Jammu. It follows an elderly man, Pushkar Nath Koul, who struggles with memory loss and seeks to return to his ancestral home in Mattan, Anantnag, decades after displacement.
The narrative focuses on the long-term emotional impact of displacement, highlighting memory, belonging and identity rather than direct conflict.
The film features veteran actor M. K. Raina in a leading role, along with Kusum Dhar, Kusum Tickoo and Anil Koul Chingari.
Audience members described the film as emotional and relatable, with several viewers appreciating its focus on personal stories and cultural memory. “It connects deeply with our past and emotions,” said a viewer after the screening.
Officials and organizers noted that such films play an important role in preserving cultural narratives and encouraging local storytelling in regional languages.
“Batt Koch” had earlier premiered at the International Film Festival of Srinagar in November 2025 and was subsequently screened in Jammu and Delhi, where it received a positive response.
The film also incorporates original music rooted in Kashmiri folk traditions, contributing to its cultural authenticity.
Background context shows that Kashmir’s film industry has seen renewed efforts in recent years, with filmmakers increasingly exploring local themes and stories for both regional and wider audiences. [KNT]
