First Kashmiri digital film released

Srinagar, June 18 (UNI) ''Akh Daleel Loolech (a story of love and affection)'', the first Kashmiri digital feature film has been released here.

The Kashmiri movie, made after a gap of more than 20 years, was premiered at the Tagore Hall here last night.

The film is a love story shot against the backdrop of Kashmir in late 1800s when feudal system and forced labour were prevalent in the valley.

The story revolves around two lovers belonging to different sections of the society as they try to cut across the class distinction and follow their dreams in a village where the inhabitants are seen battling hard for survival.

The atrocities of the feudal lords have been presented in an effective manner.

The movie is produced and directed by Arshad Mushtaq, a young Theatre artist who had earlier won the best director award for ''Su Yee'' an adaptation of famous German play ''Waiting for Godot''.

The music is by Raja Bilal, who has used the folk and the fusion with western classical forms to perfection and came out with some melodious songs.

Talking about the film, Mushtaq said it is a fictional account based on Kashmir's history as there are many vague similarities to the incidents which have found a mention in the accounts of several historians, travellers and the folklore as well.

The film would generate interest among the audiences eager to know more about the history of Kashmir, he added.

''The sets are realistic, locations breathtaking and the costumes seem to have been preserved from that era,'' he said.

Except few well-known faces from TV, all the actors are new, including the lead pair, Mushtaq added.

According to the director, the film has been made for both the classes and the masses.

UNI AG MYK SRS VC1317