Political leaders, activists and pellet survivors have accused the film of trivialising one of Kashmir's most painful chapters after its teaser described pellet guns as causing "limited damage".
The teaser of Ajay Devgn's upcoming film 'Chauhaan' has sparked widespread outrage in Kashmir over its portrayal of pellet gun victims. Released ahead of the film's October 1 release, the 144-second teaser describes pellet guns as causing "limited damage", a line that has drawn criticism from political leaders, activists and survivors alike.
A teaser that has reopened old wounds.
The backlash began almost immediately after the teaser was released, with many arguing that it trivialises a painful chapter in Kashmir's history. The teaser also features the dialogue, "After 75 years, the answer is coming. Tell the Pathans, Chauhaan is coming," adding to concerns over its depiction of the Valley and its people.
National Conference spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar was among the strongest critics of the film. Calling the teaser "a compilation of propaganda", he urged the makers to remove it.
"It is full of content that can incite violence in Kashmir. Mocking children and young people who lost their eyesight, some even their life, is nothing short of a spiteful agenda against Kashmiris. Take it down."
The controversy has also brought renewed attention to the use of pellet guns in Kashmir. Introduced in 2010 as a non-lethal crowd control weapon, they were used extensively during the 2016 protests following the killing of Burhan Wani. Thousands were injured, while hundreds suffered permanent eye damage.
A debate that goes beyond cinema.
Activists say the teaser overlooks the lasting physical and psychological impact on victims. Wajahat Farooq Bhat, founder of Save Youth Save Future, urged filmmakers to move away from conflict-driven narratives.
"Stop glorifying violence through fictional heroes and endless gunfights. Tell the story of resilience instead of rage."
Several survivors also said the visuals brought back traumatic memories, with one victim saying the teaser recreated the moment they were hit by pellets.
While the teaser has been criticised by politicians, journalists and rights activists, it has also received support from several right-wing social media users. Amitabh Bachchan praised the film on X, while the debate over Chauhaan continues to dominate conversations online.
Published: 29 Jun 2026, 02:46 pm IST
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