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‘Baand Pather’ tradition fading, films can preserve it: Filmmaker Ali Emran

  • Idrees Bukhtiyar By Idrees Bukhtiyar
  • Comments 0
  • 15 Apr 2026

Srinagar, Apr 14: Acclaimed filmmaker Ali Emran on Tuesday expressed concern over the gradual decline of the traditional folk theatre form ‘Baand Pather’ in Kashmir, saying that cinema can play a crucial role in preserving and reviving the fading art.

 

Speaking to Rising Kashmir on the sidelines of the grand world premiere of his Kashmiri-language feature film Baand at INOX cinema Srinagar, Emran said such films serve as an important medium to document and promote indigenous cultural traditions.

 

“Baand Pather is dying a silent death. Films like these will help revive and document this tradition, and also give it a much-needed boost,” he said.

 

Emran noted that his film is aimed at taking the centuries-old art form to a global audience. “This is essentially a festival film and will be screened across the globe on big screens after its premiere,” he added.

 

Highlighting his creative vision, the filmmaker said he prefers working on subjects rooted in Kashmir’s culture and identity. “I believe in making meaningful cinema that resonates beyond borders. Baand Pather tells an untold story of this tradition and will also contribute to strengthening the local film industry,” he said.

 

He also took a critical view of mainstream Hindi cinema. “Bollywood is more focused on commercial ‘masala’ films rather than meaningful storytelling,” he remarked.

 

Emran further pointed to the lack of cinema infrastructure in the valley, stressing the need for more theatres. “We have very few cinema halls in Kashmir. More are needed so that quality films can reach audiences,” he said, adding that centrally located cinemas would improve accessibility.

 

He also underscored the importance of promotion and publicity. “Aggressive marketing is essential to ensure that such films reach a wider audience,” he said.

 

Calling for institutional backing, the 41-year-old filmmaker said government support would be vital in sustaining and promoting regional cinema initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir.

 

Baand explores Kashmir’s centuries-old folk theatre tradition, through a deeply immersive narrative. The film brings to life the world of traditional performers, offering audiences a rare glimpse into an art form that has largely remained on the fringes of mainstream storytelling.

 

The story follows the emotional journey of a revered folk artist, Gani Bhagat, and his son Akhtar, unfolding a compelling tale of generational conflict, identity, and transformation. As tradition confronts modernity, the film emerges as a living archive of Kashmir’s fading cultural heritage.

 

With a gradual return of peace in the valley and a revival of cinema culture, INOX Srinagar has hosted several notable premieres in recent times, signaling a renewed interest in the big-screen experience.

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