Shikara – A Beautiful Ride

Shikara – A Beautiful Ride

Vidhu Vinod Chopra brings yet another tale from the valleys of Kashmir, after two decades post Mission Kashmir. If something that has not changed is the beauty of Kashmir and VVC’s style of direction that is stellar and Captivating. Shikara is a beautiful ride you must take.

The film is based on Exodus of Kashmiri Pandit starring Aadil Khan and Sadia playing Dhars. Dhars are the soul of this story. Both the debutants have carried their roles really well giving their characters a sense of realism the plot holds. They essay the role of Kashmiri Pandits, born and brought up in the valley with no regional conflicts of any matter until the 1990 wave disturbs them.

Aadil’s best friend Lateef who comes as a charming friend and becomes a militant as the plot evolves with the rising tensions in Kashmir. Their friendship goes berserk yet holds a certain bond of care that never dies in a true relationship one holds. This is where the film elevates a belief in humanity. Be it Dhars relations with their abandoned house, a lost friend or writing infinite letters to the President. The film holds all these nuances beautifully and esthetically than going out loud like other Kashmir films are executed. Shikara is subtle in that manner and grows over the time span the film carries.

The film succeeds to showcase without much effort that at the ground level it was never Hindu vs Muslims. It is a simple Divide and Rule strategy India inherited from British that only divided us further.

The film at the base level is a simple love story based in Kashmir where the Pandit Couple have witnessed the crying valley that always smiles over 30 years of lifetime.

If you haven’t taken a Shikara ride in Kashmir yet. You can take one in cinemas near you. That will eventually elevate you to fly and experience the beautiful Kashmir.

PK Verdict: Silver***