One of the longest standing battles that Indians have seen for over 60 years now is the Indo-Pak unrest which has plundered Kashmir of its peace. Although one of the most serene places in the country to visit, Kashmir ironically faces the wrath of politics. Highlighting the stories of many Kashmiris through compelling plots, urging commoners to understand and reflect upon the situation and its impact, are actors who play these sensitive parts. Here are three shows which have brilliantly touched upon this topic forcing each one of us to pause and think. And honestly, Bollywood must take a leaf out of these web shows to understand how to show nuance and tell a story truthfully.

1. Haq Se (2018)

Actors: Rajeev Khandelwal, Surveen Chawla, Parul Gulati

A story revolving around the four blood-bound sisters of the Mirza family in Kashmir, Haq Se is a modern representation of women and families with passionate dreams awaiting fulfillment. The journey to Kashmir in this show is heart-wrenching and much-needed for all us Indians. Showcasing the irony of Kashmir through every character and their parts, negotiating every aspiration in their lives, the actors engulf you into their lives and journeys. Haq Se is gripping and filled with emotional upheavals that will plunge you into deep thought about the lives of Kashmiris and the futility of political unrest.

2. Kaafir (2019)

Actors: Dia Mirza, Mohit Raina, Dishita Jain

With a complex storyline fueled by the cross-border struggle of India and Pakistan, Kaafir is the story of a wrongly imprisoned Pakistani woman Kainaaz and her struggle to freedom. Held prisoner under the suspicion of being a militant, Kainaaz fights the separation and anguish of being torn apart from her country while tending to her little daughter trying to make her believe in a world of equality and justice. Kaafir is a beautiful depiction of an unfortunate state of affairs that has changed the lives of many in Kashmir. Both Dia Mirza and Mohit Raina have done commendable jobs in representing the agony of Kainaaz Akhtar and Vedant Rathore.

3. Bard of Blood (2019) (yet to release)

Actors: Emraan Hashmi, Shobita Dhulipala, Kirti Kulhari

The journey of an ex-RAW agent who embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue captive Indians in Balochistan, Bard of Blood promises to be both thrilling and shocking. Based on a book by the same name, this seven-episode Netflix series takes a different route to throw light on the Indo-Pak situation, one that hasn’t been explored before.