Premiere in Srinagar
In a powerful confluence of art and reality, Emraan Hashmi’s action-thriller Ground Zero marked a historic milestone with its premiere in Srinagar on April 18, 2025 — the first major Bollywood screening in the Kashmir Valley in nearly 40 years. Directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar and produced under Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment banner, the film officially released nationwide on April 25, 2025. Despite a modest box office opening, Ground Zero has resonated deeply with audiences following the devastating Pahalgam terror attack, becoming more than just a movie — a symbol of resilience and tribute to Kashmir’s unsung heroes.
A Cinematic Milestone for Kashmir
The Srinagar premiere was an emotional event, attended by BSF jawans, Army officials, and the film’s cast, including Emraan Hashmi, Sai Tamhankar, and Zoya Hussain. Speaking at the event, Hashmi described the experience as “deeply special,” emphasizing hopes for Kashmir’s resurgence as a cinematic hub. Producers Akhtar and Sidhwani also praised the Valley’s warm support, according to Indian media reports.
Filmed across Baramulla and Srinagar, Ground Zero captures Kashmir’s breathtaking landscapes alongside its underlying tensions — a juxtaposition that became even more poignant after recent tragic events.
Story of Bravery and Humanity
Ground Zero draws inspiration from real-life BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, portrayed by Hashmi. Set in the early 2000s, the film chronicles Dubey’s operation to neutralize terrorist Ghazi Baba — the mastermind behind the 2001 Indian Parliament attack — and dismantle a deadly “pistol gang” targeting BSF personnel.
Unlike many action dramas, Ground Zero steers clear of excessive jingoism. Critics praise its human-centered storytelling, encapsulated in a haunting line:
“Is only the land of Kashmir ours, or its people too?”
Hashmi delivers one of his career-best performances — a restrained, emotionally charged portrayal of Dubey. Supporting performances by Sai Tamhankar (as Dubey’s wife) and Zoya Hussain (as an intelligence officer) have also been lauded for their authenticity and depth. The film’s cinematography vividly captures Kashmir’s raw beauty and volatility, enhancing its emotional weight.
Box Office and Reception
Despite competing with major releases like Kesari Chapter 2 (starring Akshay Kumar) and Jaat (featuring Sunny Deol), Ground Zero posted a respectable opening. According to Indian media, the film collected:
- Day 1 Collection (April 25): ₹37 lakh
- Day 2 Collection: ₹1 crore
- First Weekend Total: ₹3.05 crore
The film registered a Hindi occupancy rate of around 13.64% on April 26, reflecting its niche but growing audience. While limited pre-release promotion posed challenges, strong critical acclaim has fueled positive word-of-mouth.
The Impact of the Pahalgam Terror Attack
Just three days before the film’s theatrical release, tragedy struck Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley. Five militants from The Resistance Front (an affiliate of Lashkar-e-Taiba) killed 26 people — mostly non-Muslim tourists — in one of India’s deadliest attacks since 2008. Over 20 others were injured, as reported by Indian media.
The horror of April 22, 2025, cast a “somber shadow” over the film’s debut. Yet, it simultaneously amplified the film’s emotional resonance. Ground Zero’s narrative of courage and sacrifice suddenly mirrored the nation’s grief and yearning for resilience.
Viewers flooded social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) with emotional reactions:
- “Watching Ground Zero after Pahalgam feels like honoring our jawans. @emraanhashmi nails it.”
- “The attack makes this film hit harder — Kashmir’s pain is so real.”
However, the tragedy also complicated the film’s reception. Some viewers confessed that the immediacy of loss made it difficult to engage with the film’s nuanced portrayal of Kashmir’s complexities.
Moreover, Kashmir’s film and tourism industries — which the Srinagar premiere had symbolized as recovering — suffered immediate setbacks. Widespread tourist cancellations and renewed security fears dealt a blow to efforts to present the Valley as a safe, vibrant location for cinema and visitors alike.
Producer Farhan Akhtar, who was present in Kashmir for the premiere, expressed being “deeply horrified” by the attack, according to Indian media.
A Beacon of Hope
Despite these challenges, Ground Zero has emerged as a poignant tribute to Kashmir’s real heroes. Scenes like Dubey mentoring a young informant now resonate as calls for hope and unity in troubled times.
While its box office fate remains uncertain amid larger events, the film has undeniably touched a raw nerve — standing as a beacon of resilience against terror and a heartfelt acknowledgment of Kashmir’s enduring spirit.
Ground Zero is truly “a salute to unsung heroes” — and perhaps now, a symbol of Kashmir’s struggles, beauty, and the relentless human spirit that endures even in the darkest times.
(With inputs from Indian news outlets)
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