A 2-hour, 50-minute film based on a true incident will leave viewers reeling. IMDb gave it a strong rating of 8.5.

Critically Acclaimed Indian Drama Earns Strong IMDb Rating and Box Office Success

New Delhi, October 4, 2025: A film released in 2022 has continued to spark conversations for its powerful storytelling and emotional depth. Based on real events, the movie left audiences shaken and impressed critics worldwide, eventually becoming one of the most successful Hindi films in recent years.

Despite being made on a modest budget of around ₹25 crore, the film stunned everyone by crossing ₹340 crore at the box office. Its strong subject matter and gripping narrative helped it sustain theatrical runs for over two months, drawing crowds who left theaters deeply moved by its message.

A Story Inspired by Real Events

The film’s storyline is split across two timelines. One focuses on present-day incidents, while the other revisits the turmoil of the 1990s, highlighting a historical tragedy that continues to impact many lives. The narrative combines past and present, weaving together a chilling account of loss, survival, and truth-seeking.

Many of the scenes have been described as spine-chilling, with dialogues that push viewers to reflect on uncomfortable realities. It is this emotional intensity that has kept the film in the public eye long after its release.

Strong Critical Reception

On the popular review platform IMDb, the film holds a rating of 8.5, a clear indicator of both critical acclaim and audience appreciation. Viewers have praised its raw and uncompromising portrayal of sensitive issues, while critics have noted that it stands apart for the way it presents history through deeply personal stories.

Cast and Crew

The film was written and directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, with production support from his wife, actor Pallavi Joshi, who also plays a significant role on screen. The ensemble cast includes some of Indian cinema’s most respected names:

• Anupam Kher as Pushkar Nath Pandit, a central figure in the story.
• Darshan Kumar as Krishna, the young protagonist uncovering hidden truths.
• Mithun Chakraborty and Puneet Issar, who add gravitas to the narrative.
• Pallavi Joshi, whose performance was widely lauded.

The Heart of the Story

At its core, the film portrays the exodus and suffering of Kashmiri Pandits during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The character of Krishna (Darshan Kumar) grows up believing his parents died in an accident. However, upon the death of his grandfather Pushkar Nath (Anupam Kher), he travels to Kashmir to immerse the ashes and discovers shocking truths about his family’s past.

The narrative positions the 1989–1990 tragedy as a genocide and contrasts it with events from 2020, creating a layered perspective for younger audiences unfamiliar with that period.

Where to Watch

According to trade reports, the movie grossed a total of ₹340.92 crore, making it one of the most commercially successful films of its time. For those who missed it in theaters, the film is now available for streaming on ZEE5, where it continues to attract new viewers.

With a runtime of 2 hours and 50 minutes, the movie demands patience but rewards audiences with a compelling, emotionally charged experience. It also marked director Vivek Agnihotri’s first film to achieve such massive commercial and critical success.

Final Word

By tackling sensitive real-life events with raw intensity, this film not only achieved box office glory but also cemented its place in the cultural conversation. Even today, it remains a reminder of how cinema can bring difficult histories into mainstream discussion.