Mumbai: Shadab Siddiqui’s ‘Ek Safa’ Wins Acclaim at Jammu-Kashmir International Film Festival; Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Voice Touches Audiences' Hearts
Jammu & Kashmir — Writer-director Shadab Siddiqui’s film ‘Ek Safa’ received an enthusiastic response from the audience at the Jammu-Kashmir International Film Festival. During the screening, viewers highly appreciated the film’s storyline, acting, direction, and sensitive cinematic presentation.
Through ‘Ek Safa’, Shadab Siddiqui has presented a deeply emotional tale of love, separation, longing, silence, and the memories that remain forever alive within us. His writing and direction garnered a positive reception, marking a magnificent start to the film's festival journey.

1 Safa: Shadab Siddiqui brings Faiz Ahmed Faiz's poetry to the screen
Sep 8, 2026The performances of Preeti Sood and Naseem Mughal were also lauded by the audience. Both actors skillfully brought emotional depth and authenticity to their roles, further strengthening the film's impact.
One of the standout features of ‘Ek Safa’ is the voice of Nawazuddin Siddiqui. His voice was utilized effectively in the film's poetry and narration, lending a unique and powerful emotional dimension to the story. Following the screening, his voice remained a key topic of conversation among the audience.
The film is also deeply influenced by the poetry and literary philosophy of the legendary poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz. The poetic elements woven into ‘Ek Safa’ created an emotional connection with the audience, adding another layer to the film's sensitive narrative world.

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Sep 8, 2026Reflecting on the love the film received, writer-director Shadab Siddiqui said, “The way the people of Kashmir welcomed our film was a truly special experience for me. The warmth, hospitality, and love we received here are unforgettable. I am deeply grateful that the audience connected with ‘Ek Safa’ and truly felt the emotions within it.” He further added, “The poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz holds a very special place in the film, and I am delighted that the audience appreciated this aspect and connected with it. I hope we meet again at another film festival, and that ‘Ek Safa’ continues to receive similar love from audiences wherever it is screened.”
Shadab Siddiqui also expressed his ambition to take ‘Ek Safa’ to a wider audience, both nationally and internationally. He aims to take the film to the global stage and is working towards entering the Oscar race, subject to the relevant eligibility and submission criteria.
The positive reception at the Jammu & Kashmir International Film Festival marks an encouraging start to the festival journey of ‘Ek Safa’. Now, Shadab Siddiqui and his team are preparing to take the film to various cities across India, as well as to international film festivals and audiences worldwide.