Kashmiri Film Tasrufdaar Set for UK Premiere at UK Asian Film Festival

Ada Bhat
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01 May 2026

The film carries the voices, folklore, and unhealed memories of a Valley

Srinagar: Apr 30:- In a significant moment for Kashmiri cinema, Tasrufdaar (Djinns of Kashmir) is set to make its UK premiere at the 28th edition of the prestigious UK Asian Film Festival in London. The film will be screened on May 7 at Rich Mix, Shoreditch, as part of the festival’s “Curated Connections: Long Stories That Stay With You” showcase, presented by renowned filmmaker Sudhir Mishra.

For writer-director-producer Kapil Mattoo and his production house Mattoo Mania Productions, the selection is more than recognition; it is the fulfillment of a promise made to his birthplace, Downtown Srinagar, and to the stories of Kashmir that he always believed deserved a global audience.

“The UK Asian Film Festival is a prestigious platform, and Tasrufdaar felt naturally aligned with this year’s theme, ‘The Stories That Bind Us.’ For a film rooted in Kashmir’s memories and connections, its UK premiere in London feels like it has found its rightful home,” said Kapil Mattoo.

Calling it a milestone for regional cinema, Kapil Mattoo said, “Tasrufdaar marks a moment where Kashmiris finally tell their own stories in their own voice. I’m thrilled our film will reach a global platform, where the world can connect with our emotions and experiences.”

Mattoo, who left Kashmir at the age of fourteen, returned to his roots through cinema while working as Associate Director on the SonyLIV series Tanaav alongside his mentor Sudhir Mishra. The streets of Banamohalla, the verses of Lal Ded, and the folklore of Downtown Srinagar inspired him to tell a deeply personal story.

Tasrufdaar follows two childhood friends, one living, one gone who meet across the threshold of death. Through this haunting narrative, the film explores grief, displacement, and emotional silence carried by generations of Kashmiris, woven with the Valley’s rich tradition of djinn folklore. The film is made in the native Kashmiri language, preserving the authenticity of its emotions and cultural depth. Before heading to London for its UK premiere, Tasrufdaar had also premiered in Mumbai, marking another important step in its cinematic journey.

“Playing Tasrufdaar has been a privilege, as it reflects the pain Kashmiris have carried for decades and opens an honest dialogue between Pandits and Muslims. Its premiere at the UK Asian Film Festival is a great honour, and a sign that Kashmiri cinema is finding its own voice,” said Ashwath Bhat.

The cast includes Ashwath Bhat, Mir Sarwar, Bashir Lone, Shafia Maqbool, and Aurooba Javed. With cinematography by Syed Ali and music by Rasiq Imtaiz Khan and Faizan Musavi, the film remains entirely rooted in Kashmir, its people, language, and spirit.

“This film is very close to my heart, as I play a lead role and am also a producer. It sensitively reflects the pain of both Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims. Despite challenges during the shoot, the team remained fully dedicated. Directed by Kapil Mattoo, with a strong cast including Ashwath Bhat and support from Krishan Langoo, the film will touch hearts worldwide. Its premiere at the UK Asian Film Festival means a lot to us,” said actor Mir Sarwar.

A key pillar behind the film’s execution has been RJ Umar Nissar, whose support as Assistant Director helped shape the project from development to completion. Associate producers Vipin Sharma and Mir Sarwar, along with production head Mir Momin, also played a vital role in taking the film from Downtown Srinagar to an international festival stage.

“It feels truly special to see our film reach this stage and premiere internationally. It makes us proud and gives us hope for Kashmiri cinema. We believe more such films should be made in Kashmir to tell our stories, reflect our culture, and share our truth with the world.” Said Bashir Lone.

For Mattoo, the London premiere is not the end, but the beginning of a larger vision to see Kashmir recognised as a true film hub where local stories are told by local voices.

As Tasrufdaar travels from the banks of the Jhelum to the streets of London, it carries with it not just a film, but the voice of a Valley finally speaking for itself.