History was made in Srinagar as Bollywood marked a triumphant return to the Valley with the first red carpet film screening in nearly four decades. The special event, organized for BSF officers and jawans, featured Excel Entertainment’s Ground Zero and was hosted by actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar. The screening was a heartfelt tribute to the men in uniform and symbolized a new chapter in the film industry’s relationship with Kashmir—a region once celebrated as the crown jewel of Indian cinema. Sharing pictures from the event on Instagram, Farhan Akhtar wrote: “Honoured to host a screening for BSF & CISF officers and jawans in Srinagar. This was the first red carpet film event in the city after 38 years and was celebrated with the hope that this will be the start of a new era in Bollywood’s love affair with Kashmir. Thank you to J&K police, BSF forces, @arhan.bagati and all those in administration who helped facilitate the filming and the event. Ground Zero releases this Friday, 25th April. Do watch it in the theatres.”
Emraan Hashmi, who plays the lead in the film, shared a photo with BSF personnel, captioned: “With the real heroes – our BSF – and Mr. Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey.” The screening was hailed as a significant moment not only for the film industry but also for the people of Jammu & Kashmir. Ground Zero recounts one of the most daring BSF missions of the last 50 years, with Hashmi portraying Commandant Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey in his first-ever role as an army officer. Sai Tamhankar stars as the commanding officer’s wife, adding emotional depth to the narrative.
Excel Entertainment presents an Excel Entertainment Production, produced by Ritesh Sidhwani & Farhan Akhtar. Directed by Tejas Deoskar, the film is co-produced by Kassim Jagmagia, Vishal Ramchandani, Sundeep C Sidhwani, Arhan Bagati, Talisman Films, Abhishek Kumar, and Nishikant Roy. Ground Zero storms into cinemas on April 25, 2025.