April 01, 2026, New Delhi: An independent documentary on the 1947 invasion of Kashmir is facing unexpected hurdles at the certification stage, raising concerns over creative freedom. Kashmir 1947, produced and directed by filmmakers Dr. Amarpreet Kour and Hemant Goswami, is an innovative historical film that recreates the emotions and lived experiences of the era using responsible AI-based visual reconstruction and archival research.

Despite completing compliance and submitting all modifications, the film remains pending clearance with the CBFC, with the filmmakers alleging repeated and unnecessary objections.

Dr. Amarpreet Kour, a Kashmiri herself, said, “This film is my tribute to the soldiers and Kashmiri’s who suffered during 1947. It is a neutral, fact-based documentary with no political agenda. Yet, the Board seems to be reading too much into it and creating avoidable obstacles.

Delhi based, co-director Hemant Goswami was more critical, stating, “The CBFC is behaving not like a certifying authority but like an overreaching enforcer. We are being sent on a repeated ‘wild goose chase’ with demands that have no legal basis. Even for 75-year-old archival material in the public domain, they insist on permissions that are not required under law. Instead of directly refusing, they just stall and create impossible tasks; putting us on a wild goose chase.”

The documentary has already won four awards and has been shortlisted at international festivals in Toronto and London for its creative use of AI, yet its release continues to be delayed. Originally planned for February 14, then March 27, the film now faces further uncertainty.

Filmmakers say the delay is not just about one film, but about creative expression being stalled at the certification stage.

Goswami mentions, We have addressed all the objections CBFC has raised, from time-to-time. We have also accepted that the film be categorised as ‘U/A’ instead of U certification; however now we have reached a roadblack after CBFC wants us to obtain NoC for an open source, copyright free photographs and wants to prevent us from using it creatively. Which is impossible. “Interestingly, this is after we have already displayed a disclosue & disclaimer at the begining and also after giving an affidavit that we would be responsible for all copyright related issues. Stuatory law provides that a photograph or film published more than 60 years is free from copyright. However it looks like that a bunch of officials thin themselfs above the constitution and all laws.” Hemant Goswami humorously adds.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

IMDB LINK FOR KASHMIR 1947
https://m.imdb.com/title/tt40559781/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

TMDB LINK FOR KASHMIR 1947
https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1649576-kashmir-1947

SONGS OF KASHMIR 1947 (Available on all Platforms)
https://open.spotify.com/album/4mYeeCWyykXNIAc04NsYcY?si=zccXu6JnSMqAwW8bHLxiag

POSTERS OF KASHMIR 1947

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GaUx_czwWgnQZzY8cjoc0yvrEjys0Sr0/view?usp=drive_link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GRlARzQxGs5XJnbP1I9J3Seu5qCsDi7S/view?usp=sharing

FILM FESTIVAL AWARD LIST FOR KASHMIR 1947 TILL NOW

Indian Independent Film Festival Award Winner Best Indian Documentary (40 Minutes and More)
Rameshwaram International Film Festival Award Winner Best Documentary Feature Film
TAMIZHAGAM INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Award Winner BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM
Athvikvaruni International Film Festival Award Winner BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM
AltFF Alternative Film Festival, Canada Nominee Feature Films (45 minutes and over)
International Celebration of Cinema, London Selected Best Use of AI Generative Video

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, YOU MAY REACH OUT TO:

Hemant Goswami
E-MAIL: hemant@goswami.email
PHONE: +91-7879808000

Or

Dr. Amarpreet Kour
E-Mail: amarpreetkour@gmail.com

Big Victroy for BJP Chitrapat Kamgar Aghadi Also Demand a notification by CBFC to Cancels Certification of all films featuring Pakistani Artists

In a significant development, BJP Chitrapat Kamgar Aghadi has successfully secured a nationwide ban on Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming film Sardaarji 3, following strong opposition to the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has officially revoked the film’s clearance, ensuring it cannot be released, screened, or promoted anywhere in India.

The whole issue started when BJP film Union submitted a strong protest letter to CBFC on 6th June 25 when Sardarji-3 Producers officially announced their release date.

The office bearer of BJP film Union Sameer Dixit (President), Vivek Jagtap (General Secretary), and Nikita Ghag (Vice President) of BJP Chitrapat Kamgar Aghadi, confirming that their efforts have resultednot only a complete ban on Sardaarji 3 across the country., But upcoming films of any langauge having Pakistani artists will not be screened, Promote in India.

“We took a firm stand, approached CBFC with our demand, and also wrote to Multiplex Chain holder INOX, PVR, CINEPOLIS, and other Exhibitor & Distributor not to showcase film at any cost and all of them are agree with our views. we are proud to say that certification of Sardaarji 3 has been cancelled. The film is officially banned not just in Maharashtra but across India. This is a victory for the nation’s patriotism” declared Sameer Dixit.

The organization had raised strong objections after learning about the inclusion of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, calling it a direct insult to Indian soldiers and their sacrifices. The group submitted formal complaints to CBFC and also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding strict action against the film’s makers and lead actor Diljit Dosanjh.

General Secretary Vivek Jagtap emphasized, “Our soldiers are defending the borders while some in the entertainment industry continue to promote artists from enemy nations. We will not tolerate this. With CBFC canceling the film’s certification, we have ensured that Sardaarji 3 will never reach Indian audiences.”

Vice President Nikita Ghag added, “We carried out awareness campaigns, legal follow-ups, and met cinema authorities across India. Today, our efforts paid off — the movie is banned across the nation. We thank CBFC for understanding the gravity of the situation.”

Sources confirm that the film cannot be exhibited on any platform — including cinema halls, OTT platforms, or film festivals — within Indian territory.

The decision has been hailed as a major victory by nationalist groups and organizations demanding a strict stance against any cross-border cultural collaborations with Pakistan, especially in light of continued border tensions and terrorist incidents.

The producers of Sardaarji 3 and actor Diljit Dosanjh have yet to comment publicly. However, industry experts say the project is now indefinitely stalled, with legal challenges likely if attempts are made to release it outside India.

BJP Chitrapat Kamgar Aghadi has reiterated its commitment to protecting national pride and warned filmmakers to avoid involving artists from hostile nations in Indian projects.

The nationwide ban on Sardaarji 3 marks a significant statement from both CBFC and political groups, reinforcing that national security and public sentiment must take precedence over entertainment.

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