Some accuse the producers of cashing in on the Kashmir conflict

The film is set over a 10 year period between 1989 and 1999 and looks at the lives of ordinary people who live in this troubled region.

The Indian director has criticised those who say it is a patriotic venture to cash in on the ongoing tension with neighbouring Pakistan.

But the film has its moustachioed villains wearing Pakistani uniforms, and is likely to attract some criticism over its choice of subject and location.

Bollywood strikes

The film's release has been deliberately timed to coincide with Diwali, the most important festival in the Hindu calendar when thousands of movie fans are likely to go to the cinema this weekend.

But in addition the film's premiere in New York and London reflects the growing importance of the overseas market for Bollywood.

India's film industry is the largest in the world, yet while Hindi films are enjoying unprecedented international attention at the moment especially in the UK and America, in India fierce competition from satelite television has left Bollywood's popularity dwindling.

A lot of hope is now being pinned on Mission Kashmir to kick start the cinema-going habit and revive Bollywood's flagging fortunes.