Watch Valley of Saints

Valley of Saints is a 2012 independent drama film directed by Musa Syeed. The movie is set in the Indian-occupied Kashmir, where the picturesque Dal Lake and the surrounding mountains are the backdrop of the story. The film showcases the plight of the local inhabitants, who are frequently caught in the crossfire of the ongoing political conflict between India and Pakistan.

The movie tells the story of a young boatman named Gulzar (played by Mohammed Afzal) who is disillusioned with his life. The lake where he works as a boatman is slowly dying due to pollution, and he is torn between the desire to leave the valley and start a new life, or stay and fight for his community's survival.

Amidst this chaos, Gulzar meets Asifa (played by Neelofar Hamid), a scientist studying the pollution levels in the lake. For Gulzar, Asifa is a breath of fresh air, a ray of hope in the darkness that surrounds him. As they spend time together, Gulzar begins to see his home, his community, and his life in a new light. As Gulzar and Asifa explore the beauty of the valley, they discover a deeper connection and understanding of each other.

However, the valley is also being torn apart by political unrest. There are frequent clashes between the Indian military and the locals who feel oppressed by their presence. One such incident leaves Gulzar stranded on an island in the middle of the lake with his best friend Afzal (played by Gulzar Ahmed Bhat). They spend the night there and are forced to confront their own mortality, as well as the beauty and fragility of the lake that they both love so dearly.

The movie is visually stunning, and the cinematography does justice to the natural beauty of the valley. The serene waters of the lake, the snow-capped mountains, and the lush green forests all add to the charm of the film. The director has beautifully captured the raw emotions of the characters, their joys, and their struggles.

The movie also highlights the importance of preserving the environment and the need to take steps to prevent its degradation. The rampant pollution in the lake is a stark reminder of the damage that we are causing to our planet, and Valley of Saints inspires us to take action before it's too late.

Overall, Valley of Saints is a heartwarming movie that tells a tale of hope, love, and resilience amidst tumultuous times. The characters are relatable, and the story resonates with the audience. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves independent cinema or is interested in the political situation in Kashmir.

Valley of Saints is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 85.