Helly Shah hails Kaya Palat premiere as a key moment for Kashmiri cinema

On November 15, 2024, the premiere of Kaya Palat in Srinagar marked a pivotal moment in the region's cultural history. The film, a powerful narrative of love, struggle, and revenge, was screened at INOX Srinagar, highlighting the resurgence of cinema in Kashmir after years of political unrest.

For years, political unrest kept Kashmir's theatres silent. However, the premiere of Kaya Palat signalled a positive shift, with the film's team proudly showcasing their work in a region now welcoming the return of Bollywood and global cinema.

The event, attended by notable figures including Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister of J&K, and MLA Lal Chowk Mr. Ahsan Pardesi, was a celebration of both cinema and Kashmiri culture. The evening also saw popular TV actress Helly Shah making her mark, alongside renowned filmmakers Rahhat Shah Kazmi and Tariq Khan. Their presence underlined the importance of the event in bridging artistic communities.

Helly Shah, the lead actress of Kaya Palat, shared her thoughts on the significance of the premiere. "Cinema has the power to heal, connect, and inspire," she said. "To see Kashmir reclaim its space in cinema fills us with pride. We hope this is just the beginning of a new era for filmmaking in the valley."

Director Shoib Nikash Shah, along with actors Mir Sarwar, Swaroopa Ghosh, Rajeev Rana, and Azmat Khawaja, joined the film's production team and Kashmiri media figures on the red carpet. Produced by Rahhat Kazmi Film Studios, Tariq Khan Films, Tera Entertainment, Zeba Sajid Films, and Alphaa Productions, Kaya Palat is expected to resonate with audiences far beyond Kashmir when it debuts on global OTT platforms.