Vishal Bhardwaj's Haider, a powerful take on Shakespeare’s Hamlet amidst Kashmir’s unrest, left a lasting impression worldwide, raking in Rs 79 crore at the box office. Despite its triumph, the film never graced screens in Kashmir. But now, Kashmiri audiences can celebrate, as Haider is set to premiere in local theaters, following the massive success of Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan.

Vikas Dhar, the Inox Srinagar owner, shared with Bollywood Hungama that folks in the region lean towards movies set in Kashmir or romantic tales. He mentioned the high popularity of Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor's Bajrangi Bhaijaan, expressing how it is cherished by viewers and often requested due to its special significance. He remarked, "Everyone, however, asks for Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Everyone here loves that film."

Vikas mentioned that when Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) was shown, it got a good reception. Even though the movie's initial part is based in Himachal Pradesh, several scenes were shot in Kashmir, contributing to its allure for the local viewers.

He said that people often ask for movies like Jab We Met (2007), 3 Idiots (2009), and Student Of The Year (2012), but none have reached the level of demand seen for Rockstar and Laila Majnu. He mentioned his curiosity about the ongoing interest and stated that they would act accordingly if it persists. Dhar also enthusiastically proposed the concept of running a social media survey for the audience to choose the next film they wish to watch.

In response to the public's request, Vikas Dhar premiered Bajrangi Bhaijaan on September 6. Following this, on September 8, he organized a poll on Inox Srinagar’s social media page, offering four film options: Kabir Singh, Haider, Student Of The Year, and Jab Tak Hai Jaan. The majority of the votes favored Haider for the next screening.

Following the overwhelming response, Haider, starring Shahid Kapoor, Tabu, Shraddha Kapoor, and Kay Kay Menon, will have an exclusive screening in Kashmir on September 20. Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, the film will be showcased daily at 2:30 pm, with tickets available at a budget-friendly price of Rs. 99.

On August 2, Laila Majnu (2018) had its grand premiere at Inox Srinagar, the only multiplex in Kashmir, and the audience's reaction was beyond expectations. The immense excitement sparked a nationwide desire to experience the movie in cinemas, leading to a re-release on August 9. Vikas Dhar mentioned the consistent requests for Rockstar (2011) and Laila Majnu throughout the previous year.

After the triumph of Rockstar, when Imtiaz Ali was attending a tourism conference in Srinagar, Vikas informed him about the significant local enthusiasm for Laila Majnu. Impressed by the fervent interest, Ali played a role in arranging the re-release of the film. Vikas also mentioned the increasing demand for other movies that have been absent from Kashmir's cinema scene. He said, “Now I am being told to bring many other films that people here haven’t seen since cinema halls were shut between the 1990s and 2022.”

In the narrative of Haider, Shahid Kapoor embodies the character of Haider Meer, who ventures back to his homeland amidst conflict to search for his vanished father. Upon his arrival, Haider discovers that his mother, portrayed by Tabu, has wedded his uncle, a significant separatist figure. Faced with personal deceit and the backdrop of political unrest, Haider sets off on a journey of vengeance and self-realization.