Chennai: A Tamil film has sparked widespread controversy for portraying Kashmiri people in a negative light and misrepresenting the Kashmir conflict and labelling the struggle for self-determination as terrorism.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the film ‘Amaran’, produced by Kamal Haasan and starring Sivakarthikeyan, was released on October 31 during the Diwali festival. The film has been condemned by various groups for its portrayal of Kashmiris, which many argue is inaccurate and harmful.

The ‘May 17 Movement’, led by Thirumurugan Gandhi, has been vocal in its condemnation of the film, arguing that it overlooks the region’s legitimate struggles and fosters division. M. Jawahirullah, leader of the ‘Manithaneya Makkal Katchi’, further criticized the film, likening its narrative to divisive political ideologies and condemning its depiction of Kashmiris as enemies of the state.

In addition, several Muslim organizations, including the ‘Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI)’, have called for a ban on the film in Tamil Nadu. Protests have been organized outside Kamal Haasan’s production office and theaters screening the film. In response to the growing unrest, the Greater Chennai City Police have increased security at theaters showing ‘Amaran’ to prevent any potential violence.

The controversy surrounding ‘Amaran’ has ignited a broader discussion about the responsibility of the Tamil film industry in handling sensitive political subjects. There is a growing call for filmmakers to adopt a more responsible approach when depicting historical events and to avoid narratives that could incite division.