Singham Again, the much-awaited next chapter in Rohit Shetty’s cop universe, has already started creating a buzz with its captivating trailer. The trailer not only brings back the intense action that the popular film franchise is known for but also takes the audience to the iconic Lal Chowk in Srinagar, Kashmir.
Lal Chowk, historically known for its tense environment, has long been synonymous with curfews and restrictions. Before 2019, the square, with its famous Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower), was a place often under security lockdown. However, with the abrogation of Article 370, which freed Jammu and Kashmir of several restrictions, the region is now welcoming not just tourism but a surge in film shoots.
The significance of Singham Again filming at Lal Chowk is monumental, marking a historic moment for Bollywood as it revisits this iconic location after a long hiatus. Once considered an unthinkable filming destination due to the region’s unrest, Lal Chowk now stands as a symbol of transformation. Prior to Singham Again, the area was briefly featured in The Family Man, whose directors Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, in a 2019 interview with GQ, had revealed their initial uncertainty about obtaining permissions for the shoot.
Meanwhile, in the trailer of Singham Again, we see Ajay Devgn’s Bajirao Singham arriving in Srinagar, seemingly on a mission to hunt down Jackie Shroff’s character, Omar Hafeez. The dramatic entry of Singham is complemented by breathtaking aerial shots of the Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) at Lal Chowk. Ajay Devgn, donning his signature cop uniform, walks confidently through the bustling streets of Srinagar, giving audiences a mesmerising cinematic view of the city.
According to Kashmir Monitor.com, Ajay Devgn, along with co-star Jackie Shroff, filmed crucial action scenes at Lal Chowk. This shoot marks a significant moment in Kashmir’s cinematic history, symbolising the revival of film production in the region, which has experienced over 300 film projects since Article 370 was abrogated, according to the website. The resurgence can be credited to the region’s new film policies that simplify the process for filmmakers to shoot in the area.
Earlier this year, Rohit Shetty expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to film in the region, calling it one of the most “emotional" experiences of his career. His post featured behind-the-scenes glimpses of the shoot, where he and Ajay Devgn can be seen mingling with the local people, police officials, and even children, signing autographs and interacting with the community.
Shetty’s message was clear: “We always had a paradise in our motherland called Kashmir. But once there was terrorism, unrest, curfews, no social life. And then Article 370 got abolished. Five years later, we landed up filming Singham Again. And now the new Kashmir – happiness, young energy, tourism, peace, love. Naye Bharat ka Naya Kashmir."
Ajay Devgn, in a special video message, echoed Shetty’s sentiment. “Thank you so much Kashmir film authority for a lovely shoot and so much cooperation… It’s a beautiful place. We wish we keep coming here. Thank you," he said.
With the abrogation of Article 370, Lal Chowk has evolved from a site of conflict to one of opportunity. The clock tower, which has stood through decades of turmoil, now serves as a backdrop for hope – both for the people of Kashmir and for the future of Indian cinema.
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