'The Kashmir Files': Genocide museum to come up in Bhopal
What's the story
Vivek Agnihotri's film The Kashmir Files has become a cultural phenomenon. Set around the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley, the film is breaking multiple records at the box office. Now, it'll form the basis for something more. On Friday, Agnihotri met with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and requested his support regarding building a genocide museum. Here's how that went.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Based on true events, Agnihotri has depicted the utter horror and torture that Kashmiri Pandits faced in Kashmir during the 1989-90 period. It maintained the Pandits had been victims of genocide and created awareness about the incident. Now, creating a genocide museum would further build awareness. Such genocide museums exist in various parts of the world, such as the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Cambodia.
Post
Shivraj Singh Chouhan agreed to give land and logistical support
Taking to Twitter, the filmmaker posted a video on March 25, where he can be seen standing alongside Singh Chouhan and many others. Addressing the media, Agnihotri thanked the chief minister for exempting entertainment tax off of The Kashmir Files in the state and supporting the film. Then, he asked permission for building a genocide museum in "the most peace-loving region," Madhya Pradesh.
Details
Here's more on people behind the museum
The political leader was seen giving his consent in the video. As per Agnihotri's caption, Singh Chouhan has offered land as well as logistical support for building the museum. And, the Chocolate helmer said this museum will be built with the help of funds collected by his non-profit organization I Am Buddha, and "the people." KP Global Foundation is also associated with this.
Twitter Post
Check out the announcement here
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:
— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) March 25, 2022
Our @i_ambuddha Foundation @kp_global were working to build a Genocide Museum. Today, when I requested @ChouhanShivraj ji about it, he instantly granted land logistical support. This will be fully funded by us the people. It will be a symbol of Humanity. pic.twitter.com/87EQJfoBCR
Backgrounder
Agnihotri was in Bhopal to attend Chitra Bharati Film Festival
"We want this genocide museum to showcase Indian values of humanity and vishwa kalyan," further read Agnihotri's post. "This museum will also showcase how terrorism destroys humanity." As per reports, Agnihotri has gone to Bhopal to attend the Chitra Bharati Film Festival starting from March 25. The three-day event, organized by Bharatiya Chitra Sadhna, had Bachchhan Paandey star Akshay Kumar as a guest too.