It’s been more than six months since the deadly terrorist attack broke out in Pahalgam (Kashmir). The horrifying memories are still haunting in our hearts. Meanwhile, the makers of an upcoming Telugu film, Anumana Pakshi, did something unique. In what can be described as a ‘spirited gesture,’ they recently wrapped up a 20-day shooting schedule in Kashmir – much to everyone’s shock.
‘Dreadful attacks haunting us’
We shot at Chandanwari, Betaab Valley and Aru Valley – 10 kms from Pahalgam (Anantnag district) where the deadly attacks took place,” says actor Rag Mayur who is headlining the comic caper. Apparently, it was director Vimal Krishna’s idea to go to Pahalgam. “When we were discussing about the locations, the deadly attacks were haunting us, and constantly running at the back of our minds. But we wanted to shoot at Pahalgam and Srinagar because the narrative demanded such a location,” he said, adding that the audiences will understand after they watch the film.
Chilaka Productions obtained the necessary permissions, and four CRPF personnel escorted the unit on the film sets. “The locals too were very warm and receptive. They were telling us that we were the first film to return to Pahalgam after those deadly attacks. So we have had our inhibitions and we didn’t want to take any risk. The filmmakers took all the precautionary measures.”
Shooting in freezing temperatures
The actor describes Pahalgam and surrounding locations as, ‘paradise on earth,’ but adds that shooting in freezing temperatures is challenging. “The temperature is minus 10, and we are frozen. This being the winter season the snowfall has just begun, so daylight is very little and we have to go to the sets very early.” Rag Mayur shares that they stayed in resorts with security constantly monitoring them. “BSF jawans were carrying more than 20 kilos of arms and ammunitions on their body. They are staying vigilant all the time to protect us, hats off to them.
After Pahalgam, the filmmakers shot at Nishat Bagh and Dal Lake in Srinagar. Interestingly, Anumana Pakshi is a comic caper but is shot at a sensitive location like Pahalgam. “That’s the irony. We have seen action and patriotic films shot in Kashmir, but the audiences would get to see the picturesque locations in a comic entertainer.
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