Vidhu Vinod Chopra's Shikara petitioned against, producers says 'appropriate steps' are being taken

Vidhu Vinod Chopra's Shikara (2020) might have to face some troubled waters in the unions of Jammu and Kashmir. A petition against the film's release has been filed in the Jammu and Kashmir high court on Tuesday, 4 February. Following which the producers released a statement that said 'appropriate action' will be taken by their legal counsel in the matter. 

The news agency IANS reported that a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed demanding a stay on the release of the film, and certain scenes. The film deals with the story of a couple caught in the fraught times which caused the migration of Kashmiri Pandits from the region. 

The PIL was filed on Tuesday by Iftikhar Misgar, Majid Hyderi, and Irfan Hafiz Lone, according to the report. IANS quoted Misgar as saying, "We are asking for stalling the release and deleting a few scenes that portray the valley's Muslims in a bad light." 

Replying to the petition, VVC Films put out a social media response that affirmed that a petition has been filed and steps are being taken to address it. 

Shikara marks the return of Vidhu Vinod Chopra to Hindi films after a gap of 13 years since Eklavya (2007). Written by Chopra, alongside Rahul Pandita, and Abhijat Joshi, the film features Aadil Khan and Sadia in the lead roles. The film is set to release in theatres on 7 February.