Identity Card

Review :

TV journalist Nazia, her friend Ajay and local tourist guide Raju get abducted in Srinagar, only to find themselves locked in a Special Task Force (STF) cell. With no identity cards on them, rigorous interrogation sessions begin. While the trio claims innocence, the counter-terrorism unit thinks otherwise. Is this a case of mistaken identity or are the three really at fault?

*Identity Card* predominantly tries to highlight human rights violations of Kashmiri civilians in the form of forced disappearances, torturous interrogations and extrajudicial killings. It also tries to comprehend the psyche of terrorists, police and the STF who struggle to differentiate between innocents and suspected insurgents, given the volatile circumstances.

However, Rahat Kazmi’s ambitious film tries to bite off more than it can chew. While the director’s intention is sincere and noble, he fails to evoke a reaction, owing to his vague execution. Performances are decent but they prove to be futile, given the incoherent script. Especially given the gravity of the topic, solid research was required. The climax too disappoints, given the characters’ wishful thinking and over-simplistic conclusion.

Also, throughout the film, you keep wondering if it was intended to be a short dramedy or a gut-wrenching tale of suffering. In either case, it fails to make an impact. After all, you can’t merely ‘touch upon’ an issue as sensitive and intricate as Kashmir.

We don’t know about identity but the film lacks substance for sure.

Story :

The film attempts to decipher the plight of Kashmiri civilians and local law enforcement officials who often get caught between the India-Pakistan conflict and militant menace in the region.

The Times of India