Srinagar, June 17 : Following the international acclaim of his short film Haaput (The Bear), filmmaker Kapil Mattoo announces the completion of principal photography for his latest project, Tasrufdar (Jinns of Kashmir), shot in the scenic locales of Gandarbal and Srinagar. Produced under Mattoo Mania Productions in association with Walnut Creative Ideas Pvt Ltd and Safdar Arts, this heart-wrenching short film is written, directed, and produced by Kapil Mattoo, marking another milestone in his mission to bring human stories from Jammu & Kashmir to the global stage.
Tasrufdar (Jinns of Kashmir) narrates the poignant tale of two Kashmiri friends reuniting after 35 years, their bond strained by time and unspoken truths. Using the mystical concept of Tasrufdar—jinns rooted in Kashmiri folklore—as a storytelling medium, the film interweaves the profound vakhs (verses) of Kashmiri poetess Lal Ded to explore themes of friendship, reconciliation, and the socio-cultural essence of Kashmir. This evocative narrative aims to spark conversations long overdue, reflecting the region’s enduring spirit.
Kapil Mattoo, a seasoned producer with extensive experience in the film industry, has worked closely with renowned filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, honing his craft in storytelling. His deep connection to Kashmir was rekindled while working on the web series Tanaav (Season 1 & 2) in Kashmir and Badharwah. Having migrated from Kashmir in the 1990s at the age of 14, Kapil’s memories of the land and its people fuel his commitment to showcasing authentic, human-centric stories from J&K on the global cinematic map. With Tasrufdar, he continues to blend unique ideas with cultural resonance, cementing his vision for cinema from the region.
The film boasts a stellar cast, including Ashwath Bhat, Bashir Lone, Shafia Maqbool, Aurooba Javed, and Mir Sarwar, who also serves as Associate Producer under Safdar Arts. The ethereal beauty of Kashmir is captured by Director of Photography Syed Ali, enhancing the film’s emotional depth. Umar Nisar , serving as Assistant Director and Data Manager, and Mir Momin, the Line Producer for Mattoo Mania Productions, played pivotal roles in ensuring the smooth execution of the production.
Kapil Mattoo shares, “Tasrufdar is a story that needed to be told—a conversation silenced for over three decades, brought to life through Kashmiri folklore and Lal Ded’s timeless vakhs. My journey, from my migration as a teenager to reconnecting with Kashmir’s soul during Tanaav, drives me to share its human stories with the world.”
Currently in post-production, Tasrufdar (Jinns of Kashmir) is slated for release later this year, promising to captivate audiences with its universal themes and regional authenticity.
Short Film “Tasrufdar (Jinns of Kashmir)” Completes Shooting in Gandarbal and Srinagar
