"The Kashmir Files" revolves around the story of an Intelligence officer who uncovers the truth about the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. The film presents a narrative that has been endorsed by many as a revelation of a long-hidden truth, while critics have dismissed it as a polarizing and one-sided account that fuels hatred and violence against Muslims. The film's release was met with widespread protests, demands for bans, and even physical attacks on theaters and cinemas. Despite (or because of) the controversy, "The Kashmir Files" became a commercial success, grossing hundreds of crores at the box office.

The film’s success (earning over ₹340 crore worldwide against a budget of ₹15 crore) proved that the Indian audience was hungry for content that aligned with their ideological worldview. It became a badge of honor to post a photo of a The Kashmir Files ticket stub on social media. To have seen the film was to signal a specific cultural and political literacy.