- Open letter to Shehla Rashid from a Kashmiri Hindu
- Kashmiri Pandits are real Kashmiris. Video
- The Soldier reviews ‘Haider’ again
- A Soldier reviews ‘Haider’ movie
I am an ex-armyman. I was stationed in Kashmir in mid-nineties. This was the same period when hordes of militants from across the border infiltrated in Kashmir to spread terror. Lashkar-e-Taiba, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and scores of other terrorist groups were having a free-for-all rampage in Kashmir. They would infiltrate from Pakistan, recruit cadre, take them to Pakistan for training, bring them back and perform heinous acts of terror.
This was the same period when half a million Kashmiri Hindus and Sikhs were massacred and forced to flee the valley.
This was the same period when Kashmir burnt under fundamentalism. It was next to impossible to differentiate between a peaceful nationalist and a killing-machine.
Whenever a cricket match would happen between India and Pakistan, Pakistani flags would wave across the valley as if we were sitting in heart of Pakistan. Any minority voice who dared to wave the Indian flag would be silenced immediately by militants.
It was during such a reign of terror, that Indian Army had to douse the fire in Kashmir with their own blood.
If someone suffered most severe human-rights violation in history of mankind, it was the Indian Army in Kashmir. We left our families in different parts of India and survived under harshest of conditions. For days we would sleep over guns in harsh climate and remotest locations just to keep tab on infiltrating militants. Anyone of us could be bombed away in a sudden attack of fundamentalism. Innumerable among us lost our lives. I lost my hand like so many others who lost their limbs or eyes. To die in a bomb blast was considered lucky. Because if you chanced to be captured by the militants, you would be slowly and mercilessly tortured to death. Militants and their supporters took pride in this gruesome ‘halal’ ritual.
Remember Saurabh Kalia? He is definitely not as popular as Vishal Bharadwaj or Shahid Kapoor. Because he was not a film star who made money by exploiting national interests. He was a humble Indian soldier who gave his life for motherland. He was captured by fundamentalists along with 5 more soldiers. They were taken across Line of Control and tortured as a religious ritual.
Pakistan army tortured their prisoners by burning their bodies with cigarettes, piercing ear-drums with hot rods, puncturing eyes before removing them, breaking most of the teeth and bones, fracturing the skull, cutting the lips, chipping the nose, chopping off limbs and private organs of these soldiers besides inflicting all sorts of physical and mental tortures and finally shooting them dead after twenty-two days, as evidenced by the bullet wound to the temple.
This made the killers “Ghazi” – who as per these fundamentalists gets highest number of most beautiful virgins in Heaven. All you need to do to be a Ghazi is to celebrate killing of a non-believer.
These five soldiers were after all the worst of creatures in world in eyes of jihadis. They were Indians, soldiers and idol-worshippers. What could be greater sin!
I was lucky because I could have been in Saurav’s place. Had I not lost my hand, instead of Saurav Kalia, I would have been ‘halal’ed to make someone Ghazi.
This was the same period when Indian Army made greatest sacrifice to save India and humanity from reign of death and blood.
And it is the same period around which the film “Haider” by Vishal Bharadwaj, Shahid Kapoor and anti-India jihadi writer Basharat Peer has been made and adored by “critics”.
No struggle for liberation in Kashmir
Everyone on ground knows that there is no struggle for liberation of Kashmiris in Kashmir. If that had been so, why native Kashmiri Pandits would have been massacred?
You need to spend just a few days in the valley to understand the true nature of struggle that lies hidden under this garb of Kashmiriyat.
It is simply a ploy to extend the reaches of Islamic fundamentalism. The same fundamentalism of Al-Qaeda and ISIS that is shaking the entire world.
Kashmiri militants are brainwashed to believe that they will go to Paradise only after India is conquered by an army of Jihadis. Listen to speeches of Masood Azhar, founder of Jaish-e-Muhammad. He talks of Ghazwa-e-Hind prophecy where Prophet made conquest of India a precondition for opening doors of Heaven.
In name of religion, the same poison is spread in minds of Kashmiri youth to make them militants.
Go and ask opinion of any Kashmiri liberation member. No one will say that idol-worshipper can also be a good human blessed by Allah. On contrary, they believe that idol-worshippers are worst of creatures. The real hatred is against non-Muslims because as per them, their version of Islam is the only acceptable religion. All non-Muslims must convert to Islam or deserve hatred. This is exactly the same ideology that ISIS and Al-Qaeda follow.
The war against terror is a war against this fanatic mindset. None other than the Indian Army has sacrificed more to fight this war. We fought not only with arms but with love and service. The flood relief efforts in Kashmir in recent past is a clear example of the same.
Enemy within and outside
Yet Indian Army continues to face bullets from enemies and abuses from family. Today, on one side Pakistan is targeting Indian Army and minority locations in Kashmir with bullets. And around the same time, our own country-men create a film like “Haider” that paints Indian Army a villain.
On one hand, flags of ISIS are waved in Kashmir, and at same time, “critics” laud anti-nationalism of Haider as marvel of art.
Such co-incidences give ample evidence that somehow our enemies and certain elements from within our country consistently orchestrate great timing and coordination among each other that it is hard to believe that it was just a mere coincidence.
In Army, we are trained to observe such remarkable coincidences, understand what goes behind, and yet silently sacrifice ourselves for the mission of nation.
Haider shook me to core
I have myself faced irrepairable loss in saving motherland from anti-national militants. And my fellow armymen have made much larger sacrifices for the same cause. Thus the film Haider shook me to core.
It made me question for the first time – Whom are we fighting for? Whom are we defending? The same people who could make this film because of Army’s protection collude with an anti-national Jihadi writer to make a villain of Indian Army?
Is this the reward of our sacrifices that we continue to make? Are commercial gains and so-called artistic expression more important than motherland and humanity?
What if we had not fought terrorism by tooth and nail in nineties? What if we had not arrested the spread of terror to other parts of country through our own lives?
With friends like this, who needs enemies?
This is not a film-critics review. This is a review from perspective of an armyman, a lover of humanity and a son of India. A true secular who refuses to believe that God hates idol-worshippers so much that they will go to Hell. And aspires to fight against ideology that directly or indirectly nurtures such fundamentalist elements.
This is not rhetoric in jingoism
Unlike Haider, which is an experiment in fundamentalism, don’t consider the article to be a rhetoric in jingoism.
Yes, I love my country. I love my country more than I love anything else in life. I love my country not because I was born here or I am a native of this nation. It is not because I love the design of the map of India. It is because its timeless cultural and philosophical heritage that is built on core foundations of tolerance, acceptance and justice. So jingoism has no place for a nationalist and son of soil.
My nationalism does not make me aspire to conquer the whole world. It inspires me to enlighten the whole world. It inspires me to promote brotherhood across the globe and strive for “One World, One Family.” It inspires me to make India lighthouse of the world. I joined Indian Army not to conquer the world, but nurture and protect Peace that defines foundation of India.
I am not a movie-watcher. My mission never allowed me the luxury to fit movies or serials in my priority-list. But I made an exception for Haider.
Summary Review of Haider
While I will provide details later, let me state upfront – I find “Haider” to be a shameless commercialization of anti-nationalism.
No its not a rhetoric. This is the most “polite” way in which I can summarize the review of this film.
The more “practical” review summary is already being demonstrated by my Indian Army by appropriate retaliation to Pakistani misadventure of cross-border firing. Salutes to my Army for this. Am proud to lose my arm for you. And regret that I could not gift my life for you.
The Detailed Review of Haider
A. This is perhaps the first anti-Indian film that has been produced in India by Indians. Just as the film producers chose to showcase Army as criminals, I would prefer to call the film-maker and its sympathizers Jaichands.
B.The film has been written by Basharat Peer – a Kashmiri separatist based out of New York. Basharat Peer is well acclaimed for his hatred of India. He lived, studied and made career from what India gave him. But in influence of fanaticism, fundamentalism and perhaps some money, he chose to hate India. He openly claims that he holds an Indian Passport only due to compulsion.
Of course it is a pity that Vishal Bhardwaj and Shahid Kapoor and the rest of the gang who eat their bread from India chose to select a vocal anti-national to write their plot.
No, Basharat Peer is not a professional film writer. On contrary, this is his first such project.
In garb of producing Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the film team has done what Jaichand or Mir Zafar did, all for petty commercial gains.
C. The film has a clear anti-India tone. The protagonist is son of a doctor who also is a member of militant gang of Kashmiri separatists. The wife and brother of the doctor report presence of terrorists in home to military. Military catches the doctor and kills all the militants. The hero “Haider” is supposed to take revenge for this.
In entire film, all dialogues and all characters make one clear assumption – that anything and anyone who supports India is a bad guy. Anything and anyone who hates India or Indian Army or is a militant is a good guy.
The greatest crime of bad guys is that they believe in Indian democracy or chose to support Indian Army instead of militants.
D. Indian Army is shown to be tyrants. They torture even innocents brutally. In one scene, they castrate a young man during torture even though they knew he was innocent. The fact remains that despite all allegations, no evidence has been found of Indian Army torturing any innocent.
E. In one scene, Army asks all militants to shout “Jai Hind”. The father of Haider refuses to shout so, and hence is punished. In anger, he asks his companion to inform his son that he must take revenge for all this. Thus a “hero” is born from Haider whose only agenda in life is to kill those who love India. This continues without remorse till end of the film.
There is no mention of the fact that thousands or even lakhs of militants had infiltrated India during the same period. Only an anti-national can complain about use of “Jai Hind” to segregate militants from ordinary citizens. I can understand Basharat Peer to have hatred against “Jai Hind”. But why Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bharadwaj?
For humble soldiers like me, “Jai Hind” is the only call for which we live and die. This alone is our mantra, our kalma, our slogan.
F. In last scene, after all killing and destruction, the hero heads towards Pakistan.
G. In the interim, there is an incoherent monologue by Haider on how India cheated Kashmiris and has illegally occupied Kashmir. He raises slogan among public who shout back that they want independence from India. This anti-India speech is supposedly a high-point of the film.
H. Kashmiri women have been portrayed as lose characters. Haider’s mother starts sleeping with her brother-in-law immediately after she gets her husband arrested by military for hiding militants. And immediately after death of her husband is confirmed, she marries. Further, she has questionable feelings for her son which is exemplified by unnecessary kiss scenes.
I.Another Kashmiri woman, Haider’s girlfriend is shown to have utter disdain for her religion. She refuses to touch Quran for vow and instead decides to sleep with Haider despite objections from her brother and father. She is confused between her love for Haider and love for India. And that confusion leads to problems for Haider.
J. These are the only two women in the film. Basharat Peer has played a very smart move here. It is evident that he has insulted Islam as well as denigrated Kashmiri women apart from insulting India. His real goal is not the benefit of Kashmiris. He seems to be inspired by Pakistan instead. That is why the hero finally leaves for Pakistan. Any Muslim who has slightest soft-corner for India is shown as negative.
K. In fact there is another set of characters who mimic Salman Khan – an Indian actor. They are shown to be friends of Haider who turn traitors and try to kill him under orders of police. But Haider kills them instead.
L. The father of Haider’s girlfriend is shown to be a spineless policeman who knows India is wrong in illegally capturing Kashmir and yet works against “Kashmiri freedom fighters”. He is the one who gives illegal orders to kill Haider in encounter.
M. There is a repeated use of word “Chutzpah”. It serves two purposes. First it fulfills the fetish of film crew to speak out an abusive word indirectly. Secondly, it is supposed to rhyme with AFSPA – Armed Forces Special Powers Act – that gives special powers to Army in Kashmir to fight terrorists. In one scene, Haider is seen mocking AFSPA along with his friends by mentioning it along side Chutzpah. It is used to ridicule India’s ‘illegal’ control over Kashmir.
The director ignores the fact that Chutzpah is a Hebrew word that is pronounced as “Hutspah” or “Khutspah” and not with “CH” as director’s fetish propelled him.
The irony is that AFSPA alone is the reason why the makers of Haider could make the film today!
N. Even apart from the obvious focus on anti-Indianism, there is nothing that the movie offers apart from long yawns and drags. There are scenes and situations where one is confused whether to laugh or take seriously. For example, two comedians who mimic Salman Khan suddenly turn villains. Some elderly grave-diggers near Pakistan border suddenly start singing and dancing out of context. They are revealed to be militants later.
O.There is a song “Bismil” where idol of “Satan” has been put on gates of Martand Temple in Anantnag and the hero sings and dances like devil. It is an obvious reference to the oldest Sun temple of world being a haven of Satan. After the song, hero attempts to kill his uncle. Several Hindu organizations have protested against this insulting depiction of a revered temple. The fact is that this temple represents the original “Kashmiriyat” that is being crushed under militancy and hatred.
P. The hero refers to Anantnag as Islamabad repeatedly when an army-man asks his destination. This is an obvious reference to affection for capital of Pakistan and refusal to speak the original Hindu/ Kashmiri name of the town in Kashmir.
The film makes no mention of the fact that the name Kashmir comes from Rishi Kashyap – one of the most revered Sapta Rishis as per Hinduism. The name Anantnag comes from Ananta of Naga tribe, who also happened to be son of Rishi Kashyap. Both these words predate “Islamabad” and the demands for separation of Kashmir by thousands of years. Kashmir has been the most important center of Shaiva philosophy – one of the most important components of Hinduism – way before even religion was born.
Q. The movie claims to highlight the ‘Kashmir cause’ but the makers restricted themselves to Indian Kashmir only completely forgetting the Pakistan and Chinese Occupied Kashmir and rights of Kashmiris therein. Perhaps because it was again the Indian Army alone that allowed these snakes to shoot the movie in its area which was not possible in China or Pakistan. And in the end, the snakes bit the hands that fed them. Makers of Haider left no stone unturned to demonize Indian Army but not a single word has been uttered against the rogue Pakistani Army or Chinese PLA.
R. Soft corner for separatists but not even a single mention of ethnic cleansing of half a million Kashmiri Hindus from valley in 1989 in whole movie. Clear attempt of fueling false sense of victim-hood among the already radicalized separatists but deliberately hiding the real Kashmiri issues. It is clearly the Pakistani line on Kashmir that the makers of Haider have toed. The movie complains that army would inspect, threaten and torture Kashmiris. But movie offers no solution to how else the army should have dealt with those who hide militants in home, hate India, are ashamed to say ‘Jai Hind’ and has every other member in family as a militant or receiving terror-training in Pakistan. When thousands of militants have infiltrated the border, Pakistani flags are waved en-masse during Indo-Pak match, and half a million non-Muslims are killed or forced to flee, what else can army do to stop terror from killing more innocent lives? It does not matter whether it is Kashmir or Kanyakumari. If any person or group supports terrorists, or has family members indulged in terrorism, or are ashamed to say “Jai Hind”, then they deserve most thorough scrutiny and punishments. This is necessary to contain terrorism. This is not human rights violation. This is protection of human rights of innocent millions.
In general this movie has one agenda – to portray the following as villains:
- Muslims who love India
- Women who love India
- Hindus who love India
- Armymen who love India
- Kashmiris who love India
Conclusion
No I don’t call for ban on the film. The era of information control through bans is far over.
What I call for is to use this film as a lever to educate our fellow Indians and world about Kashmir. How militants destroy peace in Kashmir, how Pakistan destroys peace in Kashmir, how filmmakers mock true Kashmiris, true Muslims and true Hindus, how paid journalists like Basharat Peer bring bad name for Kashmir as well as India despite being Kashmiri. And how Indian Army has made greatest sacrifices in history of humanity to protect peace in Kashmir.
It is time to create national awakening on Kashmir issue, fight Pakistan and Kashmiri separatists in most ruthless manner to bring peace in valley and India. Indian Army is doing a fabulous job on the border. Lets do within the border and internationally to support their sacrifices.
Many critics and “experts” have claimed that “Haider” is a bold masterpiece. One reason why many frustrated minds are calling it masterpiece is obvious – despite their predictions, a so-called right-wing party came to power with absolute majority in recent elections. This is despite their top-of-the-mouth out-of-the-court pronouncement of judgement that the incumbent Prime Minister is a mass-murderer. Somehow public could not be conned by these fake allegations. And the massive victory frustrated them to core. So they will leave no option to proclaim any junk as masterpiece so far it is against the proclaimed stand of incumbent party. In case of Kashmir, it is also clear that this stand of zero-tolerance for militancy in Kashmir is also voice of people.
As far as it being a “bold” movie, I fully agree. It is indeed a bold experiment. Almost as bold as Pakistan’s recent bold experiment of cross-border firing in Kashmir. Or their “chutzpah” in 1947, 1965, 1971 and 1998 that eventually bankrupted the rogue country.
And I agree that such boldness be better countered with even more boldness.
Please note that I am not against Pakistanis or Kashmiris who are fed up with violence. My love for nation makes every peace-lover in the world my best friend. But for sake of this peace, my love for nation calls for total annihilation of those forces or voices that promote militancy in any manner whatsoever.
As far as liberation of Kashmir is concerned, all this talks about plebicite or Nehru’s promise in 1948 is completely irrelevant. It was a blunder that few weak voices were allowed to partition the country whose borders have been decided since ages by nature and which nurtures the oldest civilization and culture of world uninterrupted till date.
No more partition can be tolerated. Period. If majority in Kashmir want separation, then the same rule should apply to every house, every lane, every mohalla of India. Tomorrow I may claim that 6 people of my home want to be independent country – we form full majority – hence grant us freedom. This is foolish talk.
Kashmir was always integral part of India. And shall remain so. The entire drama of separatism in Kashmir is a ploy to annexe a major part of India for fundamentalism – in lines of ISIS and Al Qaeda. The whole world is seeing results of rise of this fundamentalism. It is time we join together to crush it.
If a few silly films like Haider come up to rake up and further the cause of fundamentalists, we must use them as well to further the agenda of peace, tolerance and integral India.
My humble appeal would be to not waste your time and money watching such anti-national “pseudo-intellectual purgation”. Better donate it for Indian Army or PM Relief Fund to help Kashmiris suffering from floods and ignite the cause of nation.
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This article is dedicated to Indian Army which has scripted the most befitting review of “Haider” and all such anti-national antics through its valor in Kashmir. My salutes to these heroes of nation.
Jai Hind. Vande Mataram
For second review of “Haider” by the Soldier, please read http://agniveer.com/the-soldier-reviews-haider-again/This article is also available in Hindi here
I salute the bravery of the Indian Army.
Remember how Kosovo was born.Illegal immigrants from Albania settled there and after a few generations they claimed it a an Islamic state in Europe.The same is happening in Chechnia.
Same scenario in Nigeria by Boko Haram.,in the northern part of Uganda, in Ivory Coast( Cote d’Ivoire).
ISIs in Iraq and Syria against Christian and other muslim minorities.
In the south of Thailand, in Cambodia, in Philippines,in western China in Assam inflitrators from Bangla Desh, in West Bengal illegal immigrants from Bangla Desh.
Such is the world scene where islam is being forced through the throat of people.
Illegal immigrants from Afghanistan and Indonesia trying to settle in Australia..Islamists from north africa trying to cross to Italy , Spain and other countries.Italy is an example where the challenge in the not too near future will be against the Vatican seat.Where muslims will want to have a mosque next to the Holy See.
The question is why illegal muslim immigrants not go to Saudi Arabia, Iran, or othe countries but chose Europe and Australia and now some Bhudhist countries.
Will Saudi Arabia allow a temple, a Gurudwara or a Church to be built on its soil?
Coming to Kashmir it is clear that the liar Sartaj Ali wants to calm the ISI, short of ISIS, and the Pak army.He is the middleman between the civilian gov in Pk and the Army.
India must insist on the right of return of pundits and sikhs to Kashmir, the return of their property as well.
Ifmuslim Kasmiri Indian can roam freely and settle anywhere in India, then too can any Indian have the right to settle in Kasmir.
Kashmir is not the property of Islam or any prophet.It is part of India and must and shall remain so.
Now the question of Haider.If this film had been against any islamic state , theatres would have been set ablaze, riots would have caused havoc by now, all sorts of bans and fatwa would have been in place.
A very apt observation indeed. Had the film shown the Kashmiri separatist Muslims in bad light, the makers of this film would have landed themselves in a soup?
no time to be rhetoric.. state your opinion…
Why is it that when a hindu asserts himself, his beliefs, it is rhetoric? However, if it were a Christian, or Muslim, it is freedom of speech and expression. By the way, that freedom of speech and expression could never be extended to Christian religion and Islam. God forbid if anybody says anything less than flattering.
Personally, i would recommend for the government to try these chumps for sedition. It should be pretty much an open and shut case. Would love to see ’em in prison.
The movies has been cleared by the Censor Board and I think it has been promoted on all the other social and TV forums. Now a days the movies are evaluated in terms of the money they collect in their premier instead of their content and message. It is shocking what Agneevir has presented….
Box office collection and censor board for that matter (FYI, lot of Akhtars, Bhatts and Azmis on that “board”) has nothing to do with the fact that Vishal is a dirt bag.
Islamic fundamentalism is rising day by day and time has came to ruthlessly eradicate it from face of earth. No more terrorism, no more forced conversions and death threats. We cannot let this foolish religion prosper out of its childish beliefs. Indian subcontinent was the home for the oldest Vedic civilization. And this subcontinent is being partitioned because of some superstitious revelations of so called prophet.
I strongly condemn all anti-national people involved in the making of this movie and heartily congratulate Indian army for re-establishing peace at the value of their own sacrifices in Kashmir valley.
And yes *JAI HIND*.
ranaiyade
Sir, I m solely writing from a viewer’s perspective. Many friends of mine also watched it and we have discussed at length on the content. The film does depict army oppression the way it shows policien brutalities in many movies. However, it does also show symbolically, militants digging their own grave and the fact that strife and violence are never the solution (which is clear message when haider doesn’t kill his traitor uncle despite getting chance in the end). It also shows opportunism of terrorists who instigate and use Haider for their own purpose. Perhaps since you knew about writer Bashir and his malintentions, you could read somethings in between lines. However, for a common person, the movie is pure cinematic portrayal of Shakespearian story in Indian context. The Sun temple relation will also not be understood by any. Rather, the song displayed Haider’s parents story clearly.
I do not approve of what you said for the female characters in the movie. Tabu was a neglected wife to some extent by a duty-bound doctor hence got attracted to his brother. These are human behaviours, how much ever unacceptable to society and this is not the first Indian movie dealing in them.
To conclude, I will reiterate, the educated lot of India will never support or see this movie as a support to separatists. To us PoK and CoK are still Indian parts and we have not lost an inch of trust in our military and its intentions. BELIEVE ME!
@Swapnil
Firstly, this article is a soldier’s perspective which has got to be different from a civilian’s, and which in case of this movie ought to matter more since Indian Army is depicted in movie. Forget about expressing gratefulness, film portrays anyone who sides with army as a bad guy. Try thinking from a soldier’s perspective here, this is what he’s getting in return for all the sacrifices and for putting his duty above his life .
Protagonist is a separatist, against AFSPA throughout the film. General audience are most likely to remember things said by the main character [ “AFSPA = chutspah” ]. Now remove AFSPA from Kashmir and terrorists from both across the border and within will have free reign. Giving special powers to IndianArmy in Kashmir region is not a choice, and certainly was not during the turbulent time of 90s with insurgents coming in heavy numbers from across the border. It would have been impossible for IndianArmy to deal with this situation where you cant easily tell a peaceful civilian from a militant, without having teeth.
This is what is wrong with the film. It poses to be benign by including some dialogues that makes it appear as if it is telling both sides of the story, but in actual, the film is just a voice of terrorist anti-national separatists against IndianArmy. And praising the film for its screenplay or something and not speaking against the kind depiction of IndianArmy in the film will be an INSULT to their patriotism, discipline and sacrifices.
Can we please also have an Human perspective?
People serving in Indian armed forces are human. Their efforts, sacrifices come from their love for Motherland and its people. And the same people are busy applauding a film for its art[?!!], ignoring the film’s attitude towards armed forces. You think this will act as a morale booster for our selfless soldiers ?
You Sir … are a moron
Hahaha.. Nicely put.. :-P.. He is, by all means, a moron….
Human perspective will evolve only if armed infiltration from across the border stops.
You want Human perspective Fritz? What about the human rights of our Soldiers? What about the human rights of Saurabh Kalia and his team?
That comment of yours tells me a lot about how delusional you are and many other youths of India today.
This movie is an outright ISI agenda being pushed down our throats.
How about the human rights of those kashmiris who are killed because of Indian Army brutalities, Like not all Kashmiris are separatists or pro pakis not all Indian Army are sober. I am aware of Indian soldiers killing and raping innocent kashmiris.
@Xlist
You mean those innocent Kashmiris burning and attacking police stations? Those who were harbouring terrorists in their homes and lied? Those who themselves plotted to kill as many Cops/ soldiers? What do you think was going to come out of it Einstein?
There are some cases where there was collateral damage, but in almost all such cases, it happened when someone in their family was involved and it is unfortunate.
By the way, a lot of lies and propaganda is fed to sheep like you…
You mean this is an inhuman perspective or do you mean the perspective of Jihadists who according to you are humans?
I completely agree with your view point. While watching the movie I never felt for a second that it is an anti Indian or anti Indian army movie. I liked the story, screenplay, cinematography , acting. After getting some view point from my friend I read this article and came to know that the set used for the song Bismil was a temple. For me a cinema is a cinema , you may agree with its logic, you may disagree but please don’t create conclusion on this and bias others.
I understand your opinion correct from your prospective, but like mother makes non-brinjal liking kid to eat brinjal hidden in Pizza; same way these filmmakers promoting fundamentalists and you eating n accepting and not realising what u r doing.
Sir, you couldn’t have said it in a more befitting manner…
Every word, every sentence, every paragraph is full of your love for Our country, India(Hindustan).
It is sad that educated actors like shahid kapoor say yes to a movie like this, but the truth is, in today’s scenario they say yes to anything & everything. By the end of the day, what matters to them is the money which has Mahatma Gandhi on it and not Jinnah…
Not just Indians, the entire world needs to know the acts of Valor our Indian Armed Forces possess.
JaiHind…
Shahid Kapoor did this film for free.!
He has a share in profits dumb ass!
And he also did it with such revenue model because he is a flop actor now
yes flop because dick heads like you dont recognize talent and think that sonam kapoor is a wonderful actor isnt? or have you ever done anything outstanding in your life ever than just speaking out shit here?
Obviously the Ghost of the 9 year old raped by Profit Moremad, who started the Global Genocide program cannot bear to hear her fellow death cult members being maligned, or pointed out to…despite the blood trail,
He did it because his movies are going flop.
I completely agree to your view point sir….. Very sad that an Indian choses to do something like that… Anyhow we are proud Indians and are equally proud of Indian Army… Jai Hind
People associated with the movie are wonderful artists and thus the result is a interesting piece of cinema. Having said that we can disconnect the story and the the most obvious message it conveys. The movie fails to bring to light the harsh conditions experienced by the hindus and sikhs after their mass exodus from the valley.
The Movie has shown you reality that’s why you are bugged.
You fu*ker. Do you deny all the innocent killings and rapes you bast**rd ?
Some have happened due to some stupid people in the army. And that can’t be denied. But what about the half a million Kashmiri Pandits that escaped a mass cleansing in the name of religion? Are you denying it?
Movies only shows harm was done on both sides, it was a great loss and shame for humanity what happened in Kashmir. Movie tries to shows that no solution ever comes out of violence and it produces huge shame and bloodbath for everyone. If you still can’t see it the I am sorry that you are one of those people who are the reason this bloodbath is still happening in Kashmir.
and
@Agniveer
Sir I fully agree with your view and have greatest respect for India and Indian army this movie shows more of violence done by this side then other which makes it seem like Indian army is villein but truth is at this point this is not time to compare who is right and wrong but main outcome is some innocent people are suffering on both sides, which will only increase by more violence. Out goal should be to make peace in valley of flowers. I understand Indian army did best in that circumstances, sometimes violence is inevitable. But now is time for both sides to get over this whole thing and instead of being hindus,muslims,indian,pakistani just try and be humans.
— nutral views of a Indian
PS : i am do not completely support or reject movie I accept that it was little biased against indian army
It is quite unfortunate that some people are unable to see the truth. Director like Vishal Bharadwaj are today able to make a movie only because Army took some very stringent measures to filter out the extremist from the Kashmiri citizen.
Namaste brother,
First of all things, nowhere has the original author used profanity to address people of any place, so please mind your tongue. There are many of us in India who love Kashmir and Kashmiris and would do and have done our bits to help in hours of need. Your language brings disgrace to humanity. There are better ways of expressing your concerns.
Thank you.
(Namaste means “I respect the light within you” in case you didn’t know.)
Did it look like he knew civilisation, let alone being civilised himself?
Problem is, we Hindus and Indians are too damn polite to scum (that’s right) like him. They need to be told off in the least, and deserve much worse. They don’t even check facts and spew propaganda ad-nauseum, ad-infinitum. About time, Indian government pass a law regarding revoking citizenship of such crass lot, and seize all their properties etc. Make law such that they cross over to Pak/ B’desh in Indian army…
With all due respect, please get out of India. No need to sit here and suffer all the misery. So which side of the border would your eminent shittiness would like to cross over to? Bangladesh or Pakistan?
You speak as if there’s no law and order problem anywhere in the world you dickhead. You have legal systems for that. Burning police property and attacking cops will only get you shot and deservedly so. Problem is people like you toe extremist line, than working within a system.
There are always two sides to any story…..A movie need not necessarily depict the right side always….and every individual has their own interpretation….extrapolating the movie to be a anti-nationalist is not something I tend to agree with…..People can interpret and criticize…….Accepting that is a choice we make…..As much as it might have troubled you to see Haider, its important to understand that its only a point of view…….Your example of kashmiri women being portrayed as lose characters is a huge extrapolation…..Its a simple logic to see her as someone who lost her husband and took a stand to be with someone else….trying to map that to projection of kashmiri women as bad is far from common sense and logic…..Your experiences and past will drive your interpretation of the movie….as someone neutral to this or as an Indian, I still think its a movie to watch….going by your logic, I should be termed as anti-nationalist for watching this movie and that I hate India….which is not the case……I am happy to see your point of view on the movie and the story writer but your judgement is also biased….I dont think a country or nation is bad, its the people who drive that across…..and the majority somehow always rule the logic for us…..there are always that minority which are different and haider can be a projection of that minority of Indian Army….and minority of that individual who choose to not kill in-spite of having a chance to……I am a proud Indian and will always salute the Indian Army and also enjoy the movie Haider for its point of view….
People like you, live in a cozy apartment, stay close to your family and friends, party over the weekends, watch such silly movies, hold an opinion about a topic you know nothing about and then tell a retired army officer that his opinion is biased – the same officer who spent his life in abstinence of these luxuries so that morons like you can enjoy them. He is the same guy who lost his hand serving us and all we can do is enjoy the ‘art’ in a movie which criticizes men like him. My father served in infantry for 25 years and I know what my family has been through in times of war.
His opinion might be biased, but he has been there and seen the truth. Your opinion is cooked out of your self-righteous rants that smell of lack of knowledge and ignorance.
Salute bro.
Befitting Answer.
@Anyonymous – Dude! EVERYBODY has an opinion in life on ANYTHING….if there a regulation matrix to decide who gets to pass an opinion on what and if their past is a parameter to decide it, then I am not even qualified….But neither you nor anyone else is entitled to tell someone else what they can can or cannot have an opinion on…….just like you have yours, I have mine….
and last but not the least, ur prediction on what I do (People like you, live in a cozy apartment, stay close to your family and friends, party over the weekends, watch such silly movies, hold an opinion about a topic you know nothing about) is far from reality and shows categorization of people based on limited availability of data….now, I can probably say the same about you that you are passing an opinion on something you have no clue about!!! Well, you have had your opinion on me and I have my opinion on the movie…and I have nothing against the Army or the Officer…..For me, its just a movie and cannot be categorized as Anti-nationalist in my view….however, you can hold your view just like I held mine….
Aptly said bro! Respect\m/
Superb Reply Buddy !!!
I too was in Army and am very much aware of the actual situation in Kashmir. It is very easy for ppl to sit in their drawing room and post their foolish comments without knowing anything about the reality. Just ask this ppl to come out of their luxurious Flats and spend a month in Kashmir with the Indian Army and then comment…
Those people who r supporting this movie are either insane or abusing democracy.
If someone screens this kind of anti-nationalist movie in pakistan or any other country they will behead u straight away.
It is trageic that India became too democratic to allow anti-nationals to distribute sweets if india loses to pakistan, burn indian flag, shout slogans against india and screen this kind of menaingless movies.
This is a disgusting anti-nationalist movie well diguised as a story based on Hamlet.Shame on the hero and other actors.Go and act in pakistan u will get award of ur life.
I am clueless watching the kissing scene between him and his mother. retard? pervert? what he is trying to show?
So you are making your point that we are too democratic by comparing us to Pakistan? Way to go man! You are free to disagree and criticize the perspective portrayed in the film, but this over the top aggression only makes me think of you as a fundamentalists like the ones that can be found in anti-India jihadi rallies in Pakistan. You sir, are no different to me.
What is going to be your reaction if you are thrown out of your home or are forced to lead a life devoid of dignity only because you do conform to the faith of the majority. Think about it . It is really hard for many of you to understand the life some people have to lead devoid of the simple things which you so easily take for granted.
It’s called Oedipus complex, well entrenched in Shakespeare’s text. You might want to google it!
The tragedy is not that Indians are accommodating or adaptive in fact that these characteristics are considered weak is. You cannot be accommodating and accepting unless you’re sure of yourself and your world view. The burning Islamic World is a perfect anti-thesis to the Indian’s adaptable nature which is really due to lack of options! Imagine the valley if Pandits & Sikhs had retaliated…
Have you totally lost it ??
None of the scene is antinational !!
This is what is happening indian army have not been shown wrong ! Why people of kashmir and voice of kashmir is antinational !! Movie is just a story of a son whose father never had a choice other than helping one of his own ! He payed for that by his house and life to death !! Its a movie which showed what happens with people like haider and where they go to find support for revenge weather someone is indian or pakistaani !! Revenge is revenge for all !! Movie sends a clear message no revenge shall conquer the humanity !! Same message which mission kashmir gave !! Thats it. !! Kissing scene ??? Excuse me ?? Touching sons lips covered with blood seems kissing scene and even if it was so whole of it will be on kashmiri woman ??claps for you soldier what an interpretation? Get a life !! And movie was on indian kashmiris thats what is happening and thats what they showed !! This is the truth !! Only 10% of it !! Even if its the truth what anyone could do about it ??? Things wont change !! Common kashmiri and a common soldier have many things in common !!! Politics is on !!! And dear soldier things will change when people will be treated as one of your own rather than saying please say jai hind !! They say it when it comes from their heart and no one heard it !! And why should they say it when you tell them too every time ?????Because of few junks who picked up weapon you are blaming whole of the community as anti national!! You talking of majority , majority will die for their motherland thats why it is holding up from so long !! Now get over with it !! If i come to your garden everyday and ask for id card and tell you to drink milk right now in front of me !! A day will come when your son will refuse to me or you too !! You will be irritated / bored but i wont hate my country for few retarted like you !! This land is as much as mine as yours !!
JAI HIND !!
Please learn how to speak properly first instead of abusing someone who’s sacrificed so much for his country.
Regarding “jai hind”..
What’s that shit comparison dude 😀 😀
Its true people say it when they feel from heart and that’s exactly why it is used as an instrument to separate militants who tend to hide in innocent people. It is being used an instrument to get a job done. A job bcz of which you are sleeping peacefully here. Writer have clearly said it and anyone with a bit of common sense can get it.
Indian army is not there in Kashmir to preach indainism. Unlike it is being done elsewhere by some radical muslims. They are there to protect the people, for whichthey have to do whatever it takes.
so you think if a militant says jai hind that means hes not … its an instrument ??? 🙂 🙂 !!! you wont get my point there !!!!
what ever it is truth will remain the same ,,, a movie on truth and everyone is complaining specially those who never knew that it really happened and whats wrong in it ,, they are the circumstances , indian army is doing their job and job is well done and whole world knows it !!! but lots of sacrifices are also made by the people of kashmir , you cant just see one side of the coin!!!
on the comments of the soldier above he misinterpreted everything and its clear now !!! what ever he has written clearly shows his way of seeing things as an army men !!! there are many majors and jawans who will strongly disagree to this because they know circumstances have made sufferings for people and army both there !!! blaming army and saying army is the reason by kashmiris is just an example of ignorance , wise people dont do that !!
Aziz – from your words I could sense the utter insecurity you have about your identity both as an individual and as a part of your religion you follow (the most violent in the world).
Its sad that instead of trying to see the viewpoint which Aziz is trying to give, people are busy picking on his language and religion.
That tells more about you guys than him.
Its quite clear that excesses happen and even the army recognises it and doesn’t tolerate it. The movie ‘Shaurya’ depicts it quite well.
Of course the way Aziz addresses the author should have been better.
I particularly appreciate his view that “Hardships that Army faces for the country’s security are shared by the local Kashmiris too”.
A movie/documentary/news piece that substantiates the above would have served us much better than “Haider”.
The movie is a great cinematic experience but falters more than once in putting a viewpoint on such a sensitive matter.
Insecure ??? Really you think so ??? violent religion where does that come from???
you have issues with my language and the way Mr.soldier has addressed the whole issue is correct???
haider shows negative face of indian Army ???? bro its Indian Army !!! “Army” that is supposed to be the way they showed in the movie !!! whats the big deal??? army had to investigate so it did it …. no big deal !!! anyways none of you know a thing and cant understand what i was trying to say !!! its people ,,, people who are living there !!!!
you just named a religion violent !!! this is your personal ideology keep it i dont need it !!!
Aziz
I have read some of the comments here. Most of the readers are getting swayed by the fact that this article is written by an Indian ex-soldier so it must be the gospel truth. Unfortunately majority of Indians (including the author of this article) find symbolism and jingoism more appealing. Who wants to face the reality? Not much point in trying to have a rational debate with a mob. Most of them will start abusing you, your religion, your ideology and what not once they run out of valid arguments.. So chose your debates wisely.
Have a nice day.
PS: I have not yet seen the movie but it’s at the top of my list.
Listen up guys. Going through the content of the movie, what do you think the Indian army should have done when Haider’s father DID keep militants in his house? Why is the Indian army shown as a villain for that? Is it not clear that he was abetting a crime? Isn’t the movie’s core plot based on a flawed argument? The army had to do its job, you keep a militant at your home, you’re obviously going to be put under scrutiny.
Brother Roger, please watch the movie first. If you have even a farthest relative of yours serving the army and you have listened to their stories, you will know how this movie has mocked the Indian army and the writer’s intentions. You will come to know why the writer chose to use the term ‘Chutzpah’, mocking various things.
Jai Hind
I really love my country and I’m proud of the Indian Army. But the author’s views about the movie cannot be more wrong. Firstly it is an adaptation of Hamlet. It is not attacking the Indian army. Its just portraying the reality, the suffering of common man. Haider’s dad was not a millitant. He was neutral. I think you should watch the movie again with an open mind. It’s just a story and Kashmiri women have not been portrayed as immoral. I think you should read Hamlet to understand this…
Brilliant Masterpiece Agniveer Ji
Very true but painful reality has been lived and narrated by wounded Indian Solder. Only a true nationalist can feel the pain of Indian Army and give words to it.
This article must be distributed in each and every India house, must be published in each news paper and must be read by all politicians including PM.
Shame on those Bollywood idiots who earn money and fame by making such anti national film.
May Indian population soon give up mental slavery of Bollywood and realise their brainwashing they are enjoying in the name of entertainment.
Long live Indian Army.
I salute the Indian army. Yes, this is how I exactly felt after watching the movie. That it puts our army in bad light. I have had friends who served in Kashmir and the stories of fundamentalism are hair-raising. Our country gives so much to Kashmir – education, jobs, food supply – yet betrayal, is for some, in the blood. Ask fundamentalists in the rest of the country if they’d like to migrate to a Taliban or IS controlled land, and that’s when they remember India is their home. Because our secular motherland offers freedom & opportunity like no other. Jai Hind!
It just moved hearts! The only point missed in the brave article is “haider” is nott Indian’s point of view on Indian Army but just a point of view of a boy, who lost is father for what so ever unknown cause. His anger on the alien society which does not give him answers, Anger on his own mother,for that case. To view it as something against Indian Army is just nott being able to look into directors point of view.
I salute the Solider but a film made on some other point with just a mention of Indian Army in it should not be viewed as the one made against it!
Indian Army: nothing motivates me and billions of TRUE Indians more than you and your selfless services to the nation! You r our true role models and we love you all! it’s a fashion here in India to portray heroes as villains and vice-versa! so just give these movies like Haider a damn! Salute to the Indian Army and salute to u sir!
“I’m also an Indian, I’m also a patriot, I also love my nation. So I won’t do anything which is anti-national. But what is anti-human, I will definitely comment on it,”
Haider is not a documentary on Kashimir’s history. You can’t show the complete history in 3hrs. The writer of this film Basharat Peer is from Kasmir itself. Vishal Bhardwaj doesn’t combine random thoughts and facts together and make a movie. They give importance to minor details like the dressing and the language used by the characters. I am sure he must have visited the valley and spoken to both the army and the victims before even starting the film. They must have picked the incidents that touched their hearts.
In a war or in a situation like Kashmir’s, army does commit mistakes. On a day to day basis solder’s life is at stake and they have the toughest job on the planet. Both sides much have watched their friends and brothers die in front of their own eyes. After the first bullet, everyone acts in self defense and are reacting to the situation.
Members serving in Indian army might have committed some unintentional/intentional human rights violation. Do India Army support intentional violations of human rights? A big NO! No one wants to torture/kill an innocent civilian.
Instead of saying that the movie is anti-India. The director has conveyed his version of truth, I think we should have a constructive debate about the situation in Kashmir and take all the required steps to prevent violations.
If you ask me if I personally like the climax, I want my own version of the climax! Like everyone else I have my own opinion. I think the movie ended with the correct message!
‘Inteqam se sirf Inteqam paida hota hai. Jab tak hum apne inteqam se azaad nahi hote, azadi bhi hume azad nahi kar sakti.’
Vishal bharadwaj must be really pleased with his ” work ‘, hope you also get a taste of your own medicine, that is Jihadi s stick up your Ar@#$e,
By the way, almost entire Bollywood is full of antinational traitors, at the forefront is the Bhatt family, born from a muzzie mother.
And of Shahid kapoor is one too, coz his mum is one.I stopped watching Hindi films long long ago, because i realised it is full of shit, That is best way to go, do not contribute in anyway to fund these traitors livelihood.Nowadays Hollywood also makes politically correct crap.
Just watch the MORON Ben Affleck s spat with Bill Maher/Sam Harris on Fox channel, you will get the idea, how insane the world has become nowadays, Day is called Night and viceversa.
What was it that people found was cruel by the Army… Army is doing it’s job like any other country’s Army will do… I liked it when the Major said : That none of my Jawan’s life is to be wasted for a terrorist”… And why should it be… And govt. pays for whichever house is gutted in an encounter…
Actually we are talking about an ideal situation here… If Army knows that the person is innocent , they will never torture him… Why to waste time… But things are easier said than done… In an insurgency, there is chaos everywhere… In Kashmir , almost everyone supported millitants… Army men were shot with Snipers from the houses… People used o throw boiling oil from their windows on an Army jawan guarding the road… So there is always a trust deficit… And believe me Indian Army has been much patient… never did they use the Gunships as used by Srilanka , Pakistan, England in Ireland and anywhere else where there have been insurgencies… And the torture camps were necessary because u need info from hardened militants who have Kalashnikovs in their hands… How else , do u think, they will give info… If u don’t catch or kill them , they will in turn kill many other innocents… It’s very complex… We can’t judge it from a 2 hour movie that dosn’t even show the full picture of each party involved…
And what’s wrong if the Army has has torture camps and I find it absolutely find it ok to have one… Because they are dealing with Hardcore terrorists with training from Pakistan… And yeah sometimes innocents get caught in it unfortunately… But then no one in the world is 100 % flawless let alone the armed forces… And to be frank, this story is written by Basharat Peer, a Kashmiri writer… do you expect him to show the Army perspective… Probably you have to wait for a film based on an Army mans story to get the other perspective… We need to listen to both accounts before coming to a conclusion… If u read books, U can read “A lost Rebellion” by Manish Joshi or ” My frozen Turbulence in Kashmir” by Jagmohan to get the true and unbiased picture of Kashmir… A 2 hour adaptation won’t do justice to explain the whole Kashmir issue…
And I am saying that yes Army has tortured terrorists there and they had torture camps… Everyone knows that… PAPA 2 ( shown as MAMA 2 ) in the movie was a torture camp and terrorists wee tortured there the way it has been shown in the movie… And yes sometimes innocents got caught in the crossfire… Everything is true… But what am saying is that is only one side of the story… Indian Army had no choice… What could they have done… Now that situation is better, all these camps have been closed…
The terrorists are not angels nor do they get a 100 virgins… The army has to be bad to get good for the citizens it protects. They have to use torture to get the info as these are hardened terrorists who will be ready to kill at the word go… So each person had to do his job to save another person and protect himself. I would support the army in whatever they do. And let us watch the movie for whatever is worth no one is demeaning the army here. I don’t think it was ever that way but if that gets us into a discussion the director has achieved his goal… Just like Israelis have to be ruthless else there would not be a map of Israel today..
And the thousands of movies that have been created to demonise Israel, i only have been proud for the Israeli Armed forces and Mossad. In fact if ever i was born again would like to be born in Israel. For the balls the Israelis have. See Raid On Entebbe and to be frank no bloody army anywhere in the world can achieve what they did and they are in my opinion the best armed forces there is… And there ever will be..
So one movie can never change the love one has for the armed forces especially when they are professionals and do their job with efficiency and dedication.
The first 2-3 paras was written by my friend from J&K
http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-one-haider-is-not-enough-2023666
HE IS ALSO RETIRED INDIAN ARMY SOLDIER , PLEASE READ
I found it reasonable and very close the reality and with proper reasoning.
I would like to say people suffered too much in Kashmir and please don’t go whether Muslim or Kashmiri-Pandit. Everyone suffered and has been suffering till today. Every single indian loves another india no matter he is muslim or hindu, Kashmiri or non-kashmiri.
Also what Army did in near 90s was very much required for the sake of integrity of india and some innocent suffered also that’s the truth.
I really hope and pray to GOD, Bhagwaan and Allah that peace, joy and development in the valley which is really very beautiful and heaven of the earth
you say ” In one scene, Army asks all militants to shout “Jai Hind”. The father of Haider refuses to shout so, and hence is punished. In anger, he asks his companion to inform his son that he must take revenge for all this. Thus a “hero” is born from Haider whose only agenda in life is to kill those who love India. This continues without remorse till end of the film.” .. he actually asked his companion to tell haider to take his badla by shooting his brother in between his eyes.. he never said go take badla and kill all indians.. in fact haider is used by militants for their own gain .
have you seen the movie completely ?
again later you say “Soft corner for separatists but not even a single mention of ethnic cleansing of half a million Kashmiri Hindus from valley in 1989 in whole movie”..
Ashutosh Rana does mention it while giving an interview… This is called storytelling …and this is what it was ..a story and not a documentary or an article in a newspaper .. so why should it shoulder the responsibility of being fair and correct. !!!!!!!!!!
he did not notice that Haider actually choses the option of forgiving over revenge .. its Vishal Bhardwaj’s movie and he can do anything he wants with it … for example why does this site (Agniveer) only have Hinduism as a section and not all religions…why so biased there? what about the feelings of other religions.. I know you wont publish this comment !
Well I am.a kashmiri pandit. I want to tell you something. when movie was being short in Kashmir University.. Whole film crew tried to raise Indian Flag there, which started a discontent among students..They brought down the flag, burnt that. They also beat the hell out of whole support crew and tried to attack even shahid kapoor and bhardwaj.. they still continued to shoot the movie…
Alas Shame on them…
What a bunch of crap. Something like this would definitely have been in the news. You have no evidence for it. In fact, I AM A KASHMIRI RESIDENT. Let me tell you the truth. We hate India. Bugger off.
See that line above? It’s a lie. Anyone on the internet can lie. We don’t even know if the author of this article is an Ex-Army man. I can claim to be a descendent of Bhagat Singh or a descendent of Abraham Lincoln and nobody will know whether I really am.
Hey Anon !
Why you hate India? Are you not Indian like you are kashmiri?
How will you justify that whatever said above is not true?
Then go back to where you and your religion came from. Get your virgins for free. 🙂
Your religion occupies the land, kills millions of people and then says the true residents to get out.
Bugger off!
Friends….
Lite lo. If you love the art, cinematography or direction portrayed in Haider… Appreciate it and learn it. If you feel offended for the mockery made against Indian army, then do something instead of vomiting shitty comments over here. Yesterday I visited my neighbor whose son’s diwali vacation was canceled because of cease fire Fu**ing violation. I spend some time with them so that they don’t feel lonely on diwali.
Instead of saying big words… Express your gratitude by your action
Jai Hind
I agree with only one line from this article:
“Kashmir was always integral part of India. And shall remain so.”
Please see this as a movie and not a documentary on Kashmir. I salute the Army for their sacrifice and bravery, BUT they are also human and make humane mistakes and some blunders. Only because a movie is made in India it need not be a pro-India movie, it could be pro- truth, why cant we take some criticism?
Anyway some comments by this guy is hilarious though:
1. “Kashmiri women have been portrayed as lose characters.” – what was this Army guy smoking?
2. “decides to sleep with Haider despite objections from her brother and father. ” — x-Army and then x- Khap panchayat??
3. “In fact there is another set of characters who mimic Salman Khan – an Indian actor.” — does that make you anti-national….you must be smoking the same stuff as Salman
at least, someone sees this. It is amazing how so many people are not seeing all these stupid points
@sajib baruah
1. There are no other women characters apart from these two in the whole movie. It conveys a wrong message not to you perhaps, but may feel distasteful for Kashmiri people.
2.Orignal text: ” .. and instead decides to sleep with Haider despite objections from her brother and father. She is confused between her love for Haider and love for India. ”
Here the author is not showing authoritative tendency of trying to control a woman’s decisions as wrongly shown by your misquoting. But instead, that she’s confused between her love for Haider [a potential militant] and her love for her country India, and goes for Haider despite objections from her family. Get it ?
3. Original text: “Any Muslim who has slightest soft-corner for India is shown as someone against Islam.
In fact there is another set of characters who mimic Salman Khan – an Indian actor. They are shown to be friends of Haider who turn traitors and try to kill him under orders of police. But Haider kills them instead. ”
Another misquoting by you. To Mimic Salman Khan is not understood to be anti-national bro ! Now read the text without selective misquoting and you’ll find that no one’s smoking anything, unless you’re smoking something yourself !
It’s just a freaking film. Parts of it are based on real life incidents while the majority of it is based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Grow up.
Misinterpretation to the next level. Instead of focusing on what the story is, he wants to focus on everything else, that could be interpreted otherwise. The best part of the movie was, that writer has awesomely portrayed that nothing is right or wrong, as shakespeare did in his novels.
Quote from the article
I respect the author’s sentiments. However, the arts and media always draw inspiration from opinions that are varied. We shouldn’t hold it against them for highlighting different viewpoints. Haider tried to show the perspective of an innocent Kashmiri caught between the militants and the army.
While I agree that the Indian army has shed it’s own blood, there’s no denying that there have been army atrocities in Kashmir, justified or not. The same situation has been there in Manipur, Assam etc. Officers have even received Ashok Chakra on fake encounters and had it revoked later once the govt figured out the truth. It’s not about Islamic fundamentalism but about violation of human rights. Assam, Manipur etc don’t have Islamic fundamentalism but they also have anti-army views,
No matter what perspective Vishal Bharadwaj was trying to show, I feel bad for every single soldier who dies in ceasefires after watching Indian Army being criticized for using AFSPA in movies like these. I wish people had known little bit about the black ops in USA which keep terrorists away. India is much more generous in providing us the best political liberty possible.
I wish I had donated the 200 bucks to Kashimir rather than watching this film.
with due respect to my army
what about people who die with bullets of army, and jk police for no reason
you really donot have sympathy for them ???
arent they your people too if some protester dies in new delhi from fire of a troop wont you guys come on road and show some , some sorrow ??
We do feel sorry for the people who die anywhere whether it is Kashmir or any part of India.
Everyone has a right to protest but it should be in a correct manner. By throwing stones, bottles or anything which could harm forces is not a away to protest. Such acts will surely be treated harshly. Nobody likes to kill innocent people whether in Kashmir or any part of India.
Our act provoke them to do so.
It is a not a biased opinion…
The Indian Army fights to protect democracy and freedom of speech. As much as many may not agree with the plot of this movie, the filmmakers, and writers (and viewers) are exercising their fundamental rights and should not be castigated for it. This movie should not be seen as critique of its operations in Kashmir, nor diminish the contributions of the men and women of the Army. I hope there are more movies like these. It will help start a much needed dialogue.
Outside of this movie, war is murky – and we talk about it and see it from all perspectives. We talk much about the militant groups and terror activities so that we can learn and adapt. We should also talk about the ‘ugly’ side of any conflict including the allegations of misconduct by Indian troops so they can institute practices to ensure they are not repeated. No Indian – including members of the Armed Forces – should act with total impunity as it goes against what the army fights for. This applies to all armed forces across the world – and is not an ‘India-alone’ issue.
it is not that india gave basharat peer rather it is india is indebted to give whatever is needed for kashmir.
Sir,
While most of my views are talked about here, my only request to you is please read Shakespere’s Hamlet, and then see the movie again.
Ur emotions are quite apt and respectable. However, ur narration of the movie’s events is incorrect. Haider’s father asks him to kill Haider’s uncle and not armymen. Haider doesn’t cause any destruction in the end and he doesn’t head towards Pakistan. In fact, he chooses not to even kill his uncle! The kiss scenes you talked of were because this is an adaptation of Hamlet which depicts Oedipean complex in which a son is attracted to his mother physically and this was not dreamt by the movie’s writers and this is not a reflection of Kashmiri women in general. If a movie shows a Rajasthani woman who is of questionable character, it can’t be interpreted as implying that all Rajasthani women are of such character.
Your narration of the struggles faced by the Indian army has been marred by the factual inaccuracies with respect to the movie as stated by you. I request a rewrite.
To dear nikita who is this soldier with out a name i will show you people who has lost their family and you are talking of one arm !!! This is non sense !!! Nothing more !!!
I do not expect an objective observation from you. I do not expect you to like these lines of thought that the movie tried to propagate. I am, as everybody who has read this article, humbled and indebted to people like you who have sacrificed so that the rest of us may sleep soundly. It therefore worried me when I read the part where you questioned ‘the point’ of doing what the army does, specifically the question, “Whom are we defending?”
Its not the people. Its not the stones. Its not the ‘age old heritage’. What ours, and every other army in the world defends is an idea. An idea that forms the backbone of all characteristics that arise from it. And to me, the idea of India (along with our rich heritage and cultural diversity) encompasses simple thoughts like I being a commoner may disagree with my leaders and still be allowed to do so in a healthy way. Another part of it is that we should, as a people, be able to separate patriotism from propaganda. We should also endeavour to empathise towards all possible points of view. These things form a part of the collective idea that heroes like you defend. It is in this way that I beseech you to watch the movie in a different light, and understand that your efforts are bearing fruit.
Granted, the curse of extremism needs extreme responses at times. But for the sake of understanding the injustice done to Kashmiri pundits and Sikhs, we cannot condone events like Kunanposhpora.
In conclusion, our army has a larger burden that the one it fights, for the simple reason that it endeavours to protect a society that is striving to be sentient, unlike the other. Haider is a movie that has been made towards that end, and I really hope more people may be able to see it that way, a way by which you and countless others have succeeded.
And I am deeply sorry if this may cause you distress. My intention was to do anything but.
I stand by my country and its defense forces but what is happening in Kashmir is not right. AFSPA is a draconian law and it must be repealed asap. What is our long term strategy? To keep Kashmir as a Garrison state? Even the best of the armies have the tendency of human rights violation so it would be not prudent to think that our army cant do it. We always say Kashmir is our integral part and we all are equal. Then please explain it to me where in our country do we use live ammunition for crowd control. When few ppl in West Bengal died of police firing then a 35 year old government was replaced but why dont we talk about protesters being killed by bullet injury in Kashmir. Can you imagine something like this anywhere in India? Also it has become a fad of calling those who question army as Anti- National and ‘Intellectuals’. Every year many policemen die while doing their duty. Journalists die while they are doing their duty. We have even lost a Prime Minister while doing her duty. Have we stopped questioning our police or our PMs. Everybdy is accountable to the constitution of this country and with no exception not even our Jawans.
The movie showed Indian Army as villains and the terrorists and the people aiding them as heroes. If the movie was supposed to portray the truth, then it should show both sides of the story. Why was massacre of kashmiri pandits not shown? Why did they not show how thousands of hindus are being killed there? and you are talking about human rights? Try to be in their shoes. Sitting in you comfy room and commenting on such posts is easy. The Irony is, people who are being criticized, don’t even have the time and resources to watch this movie. My friend is posted to kashmir and he says, he and his fellow army men don’t have time for such luxuries. Watching a movie and writing comments on it is not their priority – their priority is sacrificing their life for people like you who watch such movies and comment shit about them on such portals.
The movie showed Indian Army as villains and the terrorists and the people aiding them as heroes. If the movie was supposed to portray the truth, then it should show both sides of the story. Why was massacre of kashmiri pandits not shown? Why did they not show how thousands of hindus are being killed there? and you are talking about human rights? Try to be in their shoes. Sitting in your warm room and commenting on such posts is easy. The Irony is, people who are being criticized, don’t even have the time and resources to watch this movie. My friend is posted to kashmir and he says, he and his fellow army men don’t have time for such luxuries. Watching a movie and writing comments on it is not their priority – their priority is sacrificing their life for people like you who watch such movies and comment shit about them on such portals.
Bhai Movie hai, koi TV series nahi hai …
Time restriction hota hai 3 Hrs ka. If you wish You can make film on Refugee Camp Bro.. You too have right to shoot what you want…
Humesha Hindu-Hindu karte rehte hai… Apko yeh nahi pata Hindu religion ka naam nahi hai…
Hindu is Arabic word, which means… People residing on Hind (Indus) River
As per my knowledge…
First of all salute to all our soldiers who struggle and fights for our motherland. The review from a soldier’s perspective would be different from a civilian. However, I see a slight hatred for Muslims in the words of this soldier, which I believe is not right. Anger against terrorists is ok, but to target a community is not, especially by a soldier. There are crores of peace loving Muslims in India and worldwide.
By the way, there is never a mention about the 40 virgins in the Quran. It’s just a morale booster concocted to instill an aim into the minds of the confused would be terrorists.
Also, this is a movie, actors and directors should have their freedom of expression. The armymen should also learn to take criticism in the right sense.
If you actually lost a hand for India, you will always be a hero for us
Jai Hind!
he he he! I cant stop laughng at u Agniveer! ex army? really???? yaar why do u have to hide behind that false ids? I m not gonna comment anythng about Haider n all dat, but being a ex army officer myself, i pity u agniveer for trying to pretend to be one of us.
abe agar tu saach mein army wala hai toh bata, what is the academy pledge? (dont bother googling u C, it wont be available there). Chal ab is comment ko publish kar ke dikha!
abe Fauzi banna itna asaan nahi hai!
fully rubbish…
bhai, agar sirf depiction of Indian military in new film Haider likhata to chalata.
par ye naam a soldier review Haider, ye bahot hi ghatiya hai.
ek baar kam se kam Hamlet to padh li hoti, fir is film ke characters ke baare me likhate…
zeher sirf militants nahi, tum me bhi bhara pada hai.
Haider ke Daddy jo ki profession se Doctor hai, aur ghayalon ki, marijon ki jaan bachana apna farz samajhate hai to isme bura kya hain? Dr. Prakash Baba Amte ne bhi kai naxalites ki jaan bachayi, to kya wo bhi usme jud gaye?
to hell with u and the public who shares this post on social networking sites.
isse tum aur zeher failate ho.
sorry galti se aapko reply ho gaya ex army officer. mujhe agniveer ko bolna tha
ok dude! i have no interest in either you or agniveer’s views on a Bollywood movie. I just laugh at Agniveer for pretending to be a Army Officer!. I dont think the likes of him can pass the SSB interview that we all have to pass for joining NDA/IMA/OTA. Agniveer seems to a Psychology test failure to me for sure! 😀 😀 😀
U seem 2 b a fake ex-army officer !
Seems u r a frustrated person who is unable to bear criticism.
If u r not interested in Agniveer’s views, why r u criticising repeatedly ?
May b u r also one among those ‘brainwashed’ psychos. Plz seek medical help and Get well soon0 !
Should I laugh at you ex-Army officer or should I feel pity for you.
You guys are not sacrificing life for free, you are informed & paid for it. My words might sound bad & insulting, but it is true.
Don’t cry like baby you stupid, If you guys had problem with insurgent & separatist, why are you guys not working out for making them free (Out of Our Country)
If they (Separatist) eat Humans, Will you too eat it., How did you made connection between their sins to yours.
Your are pride of our nation, When you guys insult our nation then what can we expect from someone else.
Now regret for your mistake bastards.
we as Indians don’t care what the hell Pakistani would do to kashmiri Muslims, We are just worried for people (Hindus) who are now in refugee camps. Why Army men were torturing & threatening people in refugee camps too?
Don’t hide your sins by referring something which we don’t want to admire for.
If your life in duty was so miserable then why were you in Army (Idiot)
Calling yourself as Defence Force & Attacking Innocent people & playing with their innocence. Do you think, if you spread wrong message through media, we don’t get to know the ground reality. (I again pity on you)
Simple, Accept your mistake & resolving it at ground level can make a big difference to both people of Kashmir as well as Army. I still have trust in our army.
“it is better late than never”. Prove to the world that you are Peace Loving Army & India as Peaceful Nation.
Thanks,
Nitin Kumar
[email protected]
Do we really need enemies when we have traitors like you amongst us. By the way you can judge the magnanimity of the Indian army, by the fact that you got away by cussing them as bastards and still ur filthy mouth does not have a bullet in it.According to u army should not complain abt anything as they are been ‘paid’ to do their job. Let me tell you young men and women dont join army for the ‘pay’ but they join it becaue they take ‘great pride’ in defending their motherland. ‘Paid reporters’ like u who sell themselves for few a pennies wont understand that.
By the way u will be happy to know that india does not have compulsory military conscription so cowards like u can eschew military service. Shame on you for disgracing an institution like the ‘Indian Army’
All Critics are not Anti-Nation,
Anti-Nation are not Critic.
Do you really now, How many apply for Army Jobs ?
It is more than 4,00,000 applicants who apply for 1,000 job position annually.
Is here, 1,000 applicants are selected on basis of nationalism. I don’t think so.
Its known fact, How corruption in recruitment takes place.
So, Don’t hide by saying these people join army for sake of “Nation Pride”
If it is so, they would not have big Golf Courses, & Lavish Club where civilians are not allowed to peep-in also.
Wow, What a Nation-Pride by them !
First Know, Indian News Media is sold to Corporates, Politicians & Army long back…
There is no press freedom in Border Area, Why!
This is Andh-Bhakt 100% talking to me, I’m not a Journalist & This is not an article, it is comment on Article written by your Army’s paid media…
I will be accepting it with whole heart, if Military Service gets compulsory for all Indians. Firstly, This…
Nitin Kumar , why don’t u seek immediate medical aid and get cured of your chronic psychological illness ?
By d way, from where and how did u get this illness ?
Plz seek immediate medical help and Get Well Soon !
Sir I agree with your view and have greatest respect for India and Indian army no doubt what they have done for this country can not be compared to any value In India we live peacefully because Indian army not to mention how much we can depend on our corrupt police and politicians.
By watching movie as an unbiased mind i think ( please read my full ans before judging me )
This Movie only shows harm was done on both sides, it was a great loss and shame for humanity what happened in Kashmir. Movie tries to shows that no solution ever comes out of violence and it produces huge shame and bloodbath for everyone. Specially in end haider finds peace only by NOT killing his uncle yet he goes to pak as at this point he had no reson to live at all in india but i am sure he will not be a militant there but live a peaceful life which is acceptable.
this movie shows more of violence done by this side then other which makes it seem like Indian army is villein but truth is at this point this is not time to compare who is right and wrong but main outcome is some innocent people are suffering on both sides, which will only increase by more violence. Out goal should be to make peace in valley of flowers. I understand Indian army did best in that circumstances, sometimes violence is inevitable. But now is time for both sides to get over this whole thing and instead of being hindus,muslims,indian,pakistani just try and be humans.
— I am a proud Indian
Firstly, Thank you for responding.
You conveyed here that Army (BSF) has harmed innocent people in Kashmir Valley as a response to there counterpart.
Now, reply me.. Whether it was rightful for Army Personnel’s to do such sin ?
OK, I can take an instance here… Such Sin was needed at that point of time.
Was it not duty of higher officials to take this misconduct or Violations report to senior authority or ministry. I’m not talking about Court Marshal for them atleast people in valley should be assured that it would not happen again.
Why even today, people in kashmir valley call AFSPA as zulm over them. Why they are so angry with Indian Army ?
Why Indian Army can’t accept its mistake & apologies to them .
Even many International Press recently quoted “Kashmir Relief from India through Armed Forces is PR stunt”
I was no where talking about movie ‘Haider’ in my previous comment, Now Mr. ex-Army officer (so told, which is well hard to beileve as ISIS is today’s news it was not there in 1990’s that to in India highly unimaginable) correct yourself.
Finally, I agree on your point when discussing on such sensitive topic Religion must be kept aside.
You know ground situation more than us, I have a question for you, How much %ge of Kashmiri’s are willing to be Independent or Leave India ?
Tell fact only… I can’t hear illogical aspects of it. (%ge only.)
Thanks,
Nitin Kumar
[email protected]
What were/ are the circumstances under which Indian Army had to be posted in J&K , and for such massive and consistent anti-militancy operations ?
Why don’t the likes of u propagate and convince all those separatists , indulging in violence and terrorism to stop , and act peacefully and not terrorise people ?
Why such situation is in J&K and that too for more than the last 3 decades ?
But, brainwashed .. er… brainless psychos like u , won’t understand. U merely parrot wat ur…
Shame on you @Nitin, Shahid kapor, Vishal Bharadwaj. Selling own dignity. Thanks You brave soldiers. Jay Hind.
Dear,
One can be proud of Jawaans & Army but One shouldn’t support their sins.
Thanks,
Nitin Kumar
[email protected]
After reading majority of the comments here, it is easy to see why India is a doomed nation. After the author gave his good point of view on the subtleties of this film people still see this as an ‘artisitic’ endeavor. Perhaps being anti-national is the fashion these days, however I don’t blame the posters. The Indian education system never teaches these ‘citizens’ of India what real-politic is and the concept of physiological brain-washing, which has been going for so long in India that we all have become immune.
While its fine to praise the ‘art’ and direction of this movie, one has to ask some pertinent questions. The Indian Army, in spite of being a fine force, definitely has some black sheep. However, throughout the years all mainstream Bollywood movies and television dramas have focused only on the black sheep and the negativities of this organization. People praising this film need to see the big picture and ask:
1. Why no mainstream movie has been shot that portrays the life of an Indian army soldier, serving in Kashmir. Or even make a movie on the life of one of posthumous winners of the Shaurya or Kirti Chakra,which are given each year and there are several recipients who were martyred in Kashmir.
2. Why has no mainstream Bollywood film portrayed the life of the widow with a 2 year old daughter who’s father, an army captain, was shot dead in Kashmir just for doing his duty. There are countless widows who’s husband served in the army, BSF, J&K Police etc.
3. Why has no mainstream Bollywood film portrayed the life of the father and the tremendous mental agony he had to face when his son’s body was turned with no eyes and missing jaw in the Kargil war after being tortured by Pakistani soldiers.
4. Why has no mainstream Bollywood film portrayed the life of the Kashmiri Pandit families who were displaced from their homes and had to live like refugees in their own countries. Is there any bigger humiliation than that ?
5. I can go on and on…..
I UNDERSTAND YOUR POINT HERE !!!! WITH DUE respect to indian army !!
THIS IS THE FIRST MOVIE SHOWING REALITY OF WHATS HAPPENING IN KASHMIR !!!! AND WHAT HAS ACTUALLY HAPPENED
this is not happening in kashmir( what movie showed) because of indian army …. this is happening because of the politics !!!!
the movie was just a message that revenge wont win anything !!! ( why dont the author see this reality rather than tabu had feeling for her son , lead actress slept with haider all baseless things !!! thats just for negative publicity of movie !!! it never showed indian army bad or anything !!! stop comparing this movie as Indian army vs haider who was a millitant ? was he ?
Bcoz, no one is going to provide funds for such venture.
This also shows the state of the so called Indian ‘Film Industry’ !
Morever many film personalities who are otherwise good for nothing and are a social nuisance , strive and sometimes ‘ succeed’ in this ‘vibrant’ and ‘liberal’ film industry. Obviously all this is happening because of patronage and support from vested interests.
At the onset I could not agree more with this. WE have a problem. We think just because we are vegetarian a Dog wont bite us. Just because we like to debate everything. See 2 sides of the coin even when there is none… The ENEMY is not like that. They ve a single point agenda. Thats you. My humble apologies.. You had to go through this pain. Iknow this is easier said then done but we the Hinustani are still standing shoulder to shoulder with you!!!
Dear Sir, before everything, I would like to say that I have the utmost respect for Indian army and NO movie, however provoking, can even minutely make any difference to the thoughts of any logical Indian about the army. I love my country. On the other hand, I think you are wrong on many occasions in your article. The movie should never be perceived as ‘Anti-Indian’, it just shows the perspective of militants and how do they think about Indian army. As Internet tells me, most of the incidents, if not ALL, are true to much extent about the Indian army, as depicted in the Movie. Although I agree they have avoided showing GOOD parts about the army. You have also mentioned about the commercial gain, which reminds me of the fact that both Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj have done the movie for free, according to an article in IndiaToday. Further, I very strongly condemn your ‘H’th point where you mention Ghazala Meer (Tabu) has questionable feelings for her Son, which is completely outrageous, considering the fact that she knew she is looking at her son ONE LAST TIME before she explodes herself.
Inserting word ‘chutzpah’ and making it sound like ‘c#oot’ and not ‘hoot’, as you have mentioned above is simply stupid, but the word undoubtedly made it to the internet and helped in Haider’s popularity, well, I would consider it a good marketing move! I think it is better than pseudo naming abusive words like D.K. Bose and then bluntly speaking in media that ‘we have not used abusive words in our song!’ Basharat Peer would be considered an obvious choice for a filmmaker since his 2010 book is considered one of the most authentic personal narrative about the life of Kashmiris during the Insurgency. And finally, the movie also ends with a respectful note about the India Army. The movie also favors Non-Violence. We have numerous movies depicting corrupt police officers, etc. but it never made us lose faith in Indian Police. Well, same goes for this movie.
Prasannjeet Singh : Long story short, you why dont you openly abuse the gentleman who expressed his review? Instead of calling his review’s suggestions a stupid, why dont you abuse the gentleman himself?
So you get your sources from the internet, right? Did you bother to check the documentary evidences cited by those news feeds? And the credibility of those sources?
How the hell do you justify the dance of satan in the song bismil in the Martand Surya temple?
Shahid and AB doing such a movie for free? And your sources are India Today? The same India today whose some of the senior journalists have their names on the bloody 2G scam via Nira Radia tapes?
You want me to trust all that? Thanks, but no Thanks!
Well said !
With a full respect to Indian Army I have to tell you Sir that I differ slightly from your point of view. I watched Haider with a completely clear mindset. And after watching Haider my respect for Indian Army has not declined any little bit. For me there there is no fundamentalist or separatist kind of stuff, there are only two ways : way of truth, and the way of lie. The journey through the way of truth is not as smooth as in the other part.
Be it the war against terrorists or against maoists we have created huge number of casualties. We need actions to reduce these amount of these casualties. We cannot forget where we had started. Our motto was to establish peace. A two days of no bombing or no firing is not a peace for me if I have to always be under surveillance. The Indians who are living in Kashmir cant enjoy their share of independence as we do in other parts of the great Nation.
Yes being a Hindu I feel proud of our ancient beliefs and and I feel it is necessary to protect the land which was the origin of it.. But if we cannot ask a panda (priest) of the Vishnupada Temple at Gaya to accept 100 Rs. from a devotee in case he cannot offer him 1000 Rs., how can we judge the sentiments of other religion. These money sucking priests sometimes make me feel ashamed and make me feel that the core of our religion has gone weaker.
These are my views on Nationalism and Hinduism. But being an Indian and a Hindu as well, I still cannot blame Vishal Bharadwaj or Shahid Kapoor for the portraiture. Any form of Art needs a subject. The more complicated the subject is the better becomes the Art. As I mentioned earlier our peace creation process could have created a few casualties. From these comes Haider. The occurrences and characterizations could have been seen from a personal point of view rather than making religious symbols. I am really thankful to Vishal Bharadwaj for touching such a sensitive subject and providing us a better drama without so called Bolly tadka.
I know how an army person will feel about the movie, I hated myself after I read your article. I had loved the movie after watching it for it is made so well and for bollywood thats rare. I just want to say one thing – after watching the movie – I was able to feel the muslim pain and the reasons why they behave the way they do. We hindus easily generalise all muslims as terrorist, We do look at them suspiciously, we don’t make friends with them.We always think they will definitely be supporting pakistan always. We get prejudiced easily against them, This movie makes us empathise with them and gives a strong msg that it is important to forgive, and that what’s I liked about this movie, it was difficult to send that msg across in any other plot. There is no way we can ever think of army being a villain, we salute and respect them and we understand why they would be treated so in some parts of the nation.
There is no need to hate yourself, Kanika. It is indeed a great movie. In fact, the author of this article needs to be ashamed of himself for putting out such a biased who only to justify the sins committed by Indian Army on innocent lives. The Army of course isn’t a villain and needs to be respected; but their brutalities need not be justified.
Firstly want to clear out a few points.
1. I am an Indian Muslim girl.
2. I love India n Islam and also love practicing it.
3. I hate Pakistan not just coz they r our country’s enemy but also coz of some personal experiences in my childhood.
4. I am against all the terror groups, Islamic and non Islamic.
5. I have great respect for our army men n I salute them
It was an interesting article to read but I have to disagree with the author’s point of view about Islam
1. Islam never encourages violence. Some idiots around d world use it for power. Some r there in our country both Muslims and non Muslims. Such articles will only increase hatred.
2. Islam teaches us that death of an innocent human carries the sin of killing a whole humanity.
If any person has wronged another then even God would not forgive him unless that person forgives him
All this is given in the Quran. Please read it once before commenting about Islam
And any person with common sense can say that those terrorists who killed S.Kalia deserve hell and will get so befitting coz they have taken up the sin of killing an entire human kind. Also coz God will never forgive them unless S.Kalia does. And God is d best Judge.
Dear SPJ
We salute your love for India. Please note that author has made no point of view on Islam. In fact author has specifically criticized the movie for showing Muslim women and Muslim patriots in bad light. What the article criticizes is the superstitions of militants that make them hate non-believers. Kindly do not see the article as having any view on any religion. It only opposes militancy, mindset that harbors militancy and people who directly and indirectly strengthen militancy. As for Islam, Agniveer believes in Islam of Ashfaqullah Khan whose birthday was forgotten by everyone except Agniveer. Not even a single Muslim organization remembered the son of soil who lay his life for motherland.
Sir.. Totally Salute you. I guess there are rumours that Shahid kapoor has done this movie for free after getting to know the storyline…,guess his inner conscience would question him…It is true that the era of ban is over and we Indians are not hardliners as we respect all religions and views…needless to say we are a secular country…..however we need to give fitting reply when it is deserved…wheteher it is to Pakistan who deliberately fires at our post or movies like Haider which in itself a CHUTZPAH at the indian society…
Note: Parvesh mussharaf himself accepted that Pakistan army deliberately infiltrates Kashmir….
With due respect to your reviews sir, i would beg to differ with your utmost sharp reviews over a cinema that is just a dramatic adaptation. I am an army officer’s child myself and understand all the labyrinths of army activities in that are. there is no denial that yes army has been making tremendous sacrifices to save the valley as i have myself witnessed them too. point is the movie was an adaptation and all the comments you made that it tried to showcase a muslim woman as a lose character was in itself was a sectarian remark, that she dint take the holy quran vow and a disdain was itself propagating negativity. befor commenting about the scenes in the movie i would suggest, SIR YOU REALLY NEED TO HAMLET FIRST.Tthats exactly how it happens in that play. so the scenes made were a part of a dramatic play not that kashmir woman are lose character.
Secondly i have had my brothers stuck in the kashmir flood this time and were selflessly helped by the local kashmiris who themselves had lost their homes. the locals are against army and do not consider them a part of india, THAT IS THE STARK NAKED TRUTH SIR. so instead of calling those people as traitors we must look into our cwn collars for why our own people are against us. the educated youth is against us. they are stuck where they were 20 years back. severe poverty, no way of living other than just tourism, no quality education and this constant fear within them. and it is endless. having read enough about the subject in past about AFSPA, i feel its not the movie that has mocked india or our army, its AFSPA and the politics that have mocked our own kashmiris.
Here goes,
Well rightly understood the scene, Indian Army shouldn’t feel sad about past here, try to fix it now atleast.
I too agree with your point mam, it was AFSPA which behaved spoilsport in valley.
Don’t critizise movies like this, They make us now different side of same thing what we see from our side.
Thanks,
Nitin Kumar
[email protected]
Agree!
I have not seen the film HAIDER. I have heard and read it’s artistic excellence.
Film or no film, I don’t understand mindset of Kasmiri separatist. I don’t think even if Kashmir becomes independent (assuming) it cannot survive as independent nation because, land locked between India and Pakistan, it’s survival will be difficult without help of neighbours. What good Kashmiris will get in such a state.
As far as those who wants to join Pakistan, they forget that Pakistan is failed state and is plagued with terrorism and extremism and of course other problems such as poverty, religious intolerance etc.. Kasmiris will be far worse there in Pakistan than in India. They definitely have better future in India.
May be this will help you understand what’s wrong with your conscience:
http://www.kashmirlife.net/october-221993-when-bsf-men-butchered-51-protestors-66888/
I have not seen this movie. But after reading Soldier’s review of this movie, I have one simple question. This movie could not be done without the help of Indian Army. Why Indian Army let it happen. How could they help someone to fabricate and make a movie that is completely biased and demoralizing to our soldiers who are sacrificing everything for their motherland. There should be many layers of critical reviews before this type of movie is released. Indian Army should examine its own system and learn a lesson from this.
A very good morning to everybody, I was going through the comments which all of you have written and I agree with some and also disagree with some of them!
1) Kashmir pundits were not thrown out by Kashmiris, it is Jagmohan former Governor of J & k who is responsible for that as he told all the pundits that leave the Kashmir so that he doesn’t have to pick and choose And kill !! He actually wanted to kill all the non pundits in Kashmir! PLEASE READ YOUR HISTORY BEFORE YOU GUYS COMMENT. People in Kashmir have always welcomed pundits with open arms and still want them back if they want to come to Kashmir !
2) Salute to Indian Army for their great contribution for the country but in Kashmir they have failed to do that because of the AFSPA, believe me Kashmiris have already called it chutzpa long back because you need to read this AFSPA where army don’t have to give explanation for any killings beyond the point so some criminal minded people in our Army have butchered innocent people and raped sisters and mothers of Kashmir!!
3) I agree not all Army personnel are criminals as I have seen Army helping flood victims but at the same time not all Kashmiris are militants, Kashmiris also want a better future but unfortunately they have been trapped in the middle because of India and Pakistan issue on Kashmir and one poor Kashmiri is suffering even today !
4) Brave soldier is not the one who gives hand or leg for the country or even life but accepting the truth is the biggest bravery in the world which our Army has never done !!
5) My only question is why these things in Haider movie are not understandable to common people but why only to army or Kashmiris ?? Because they really understand it Better than anyone else !! Because they have seen it enough there !!
Please spread love, much hatred has already been spread!!
It is easy to push a drunk person but the best is one who helps a drunk person when he falls !!
Jai hind
“Governor of J & k who is responsible for that as he told all the pundits that leave the Kashmir so that he doesn’t have to pick and choose And kill !! He actually wanted to kill all the non pundits in Kashmir! PLEASE READ YOUR HISTORY BEFORE YOU GUYS COMMENT. People in Kashmir have always welcomed pundits with open arms and still want them back if they want to come to Kashmir !”
and your sources to back it up?
“Brave soldier is not the one who gives hand or leg for the country or even life but accepting the truth is the biggest bravery in the world which our Army has never done !!”
ARMY and Military Intelligence is not obliged to apologize or tell the truth. Kindly stop lecturing us.
summed up pretty well !!!!
glad to see people know the truth !!!!
Innovative research and observations ROY ! From where nd how u get such ideas ?
Are u a naturally born IDIOT or are U taking special efforts in becoming one !
I m sure , if u contiue in this way, U wud b one of the greatest IDIOT the world has ever seen !
Army or armed forces anywhere in the world have a job to do and that is not like doing aarti or pooja (no pun intended). It is just to put it on the table that the job of army is tough and strategic and on that thin red line they need to decide faster than light. Having said that they do have a chapter of combat torture and punishment (also strategic) and yes it is just not a slap as a reprimand. You do not need armed soldiers to slap an erring child!. Another point is wherever there is army there is a huge amount of massacre and rubble and the target or the objective only is the order of the day. And finally the most important thing is that there are bad elements in the armed forces too who resort to playing dirty!!! (isn’t it everywhere??) I guess this is a first such movie in present times which has actually challenged us with an opportunity to find out or at least have an urge to find out what is happening out there as in India we learn through the movies (phew!) Otherwise we are just arm chair activists or sing song urban legends. So think think think and be objective before calling it anti-nationalist, anti-indian blah blah. Haider is not all that is the Kashmir saga about. I salute the soldiers of my country and yes my brothers we will never know how it feels to be “you” (don’t bother about Haider) Hence, people do not watch the movie to learn to say “chutzpah” only and do not bother much about who kissed whom and who slept with whom in the movie. Those are the only nonsensical references of the movie bringing the Hamlet thing in Haider. There were many other ways to express betrayals. I give it to Vishal Bhardwaj and his love for the work of Shakespeare to call it an adaptation of Hamlet but it was not relevant. He could have made Haider without it as well.
I must say you must watch the movie as you will come to know that in the movie they tried to show that how bad is Indian army .Instead of all there shameless effort you come to know that Indian army have no role to play in bringing death and violence in Kashmir. as It seems to me that the Indian army have taken good step in capturing Haider’s father as he was supporting terrorists. Secondly it was not the fault of Indian army that Haider’s father killed because of guilty nature of Haider’s Mom and Uncle .In the movie none of the Indian army officials have provoke Haider’s Uncle to take such step.Also it seems Haider’s uncle misused the political condition of the Kashmir and innocent Kashmir people. Even one scene was there shown that how Haider’s uncle was provoking the innocent parents to file a wrong case for Haider’s uncle own benefits. From the whole movie what i perceived as an audience is that all the death and violence in Kashmir is because of the people who wish to seprate Kashmir from India. Also Haider’s is a victim of his own mother and Uncle’s lust not the Indian army.
After watching this movie I have much more respect to ADGPI – Indian Army and the people who lost their lives ,there home ,relatives but still they Stand with India and proud to be called Indian and sought with dedication Jai hind……
Hats off to the author. Only an army man could infuse such passion and yet be practical. I do hope agniveer succeeds in it’s mission of creating an India where Indians embrace the concept of peace and oneness. Still have goosebumps. A gazillion salutes to you sir and to the Indian Army because of whom we can celebrate Diwali eid and Christmas with out fear. Jai Hind