The release of the controversial film Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder has been halted by the Delhi High Court, prompting sharp reactions from its makers who have now approached the Supreme Court. The film, which aims to portray the 2022 public killing of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur, received CBFC clearance but is now under scrutiny following petitions alleging potential threats to communal harmony.
On July 10, a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal ordered an interim stay on the film’s release until the Central Government rules on a revision application filed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind against the CBFC’s certification.
“We provide that till the grant of interim relief is decided, there shall be a stay on the release of the film,” the Court said.
The petitioners – Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind and journalist Prashant Tandon – expressed concerns that the film could disrupt communal harmony, especially ahead of state elections. The Court noted that while the petitioners had to follow the revisional remedy under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, interim protection was necessary to avoid potential public disorder.
Reacting to the verdict, producer Amit Jani expressed disappointment and confirmed that they have filed an appeal in the Supreme Court.
“Humne High Court ke faisle ke khilaaf Supreme Court mein appeal ki hai… kyunki hum usse santusht nahi hai,” he told the media.
Jani further alleged bias, claiming the court did not watch the film despite their request.
“We had appealed to the High Court to watch the film… But they asked us to screen it before Kapil Sibal and Maulana Arshad Madani… It was as if Kapil Sibal was writing the verdict.”
Highlighting the delay in justice for Kanhaiya Lal’s family, he said:
“It has been three years since the murder. What did his family get from the court? The murderers got bail, but the family got nothing. But it was decided in just three days whether the film would release or not.”
Director Bharat S. Shrinate defended the film’s content:
“When you make non-fiction films, there are controversies… But the censor board already approved this. If the truth is that a community attacked someone, that has to be shown.”
He insisted the film isn’t about entertainment but justice:
“This is not for entertainment. This film is for justice. And I have faith in Modi ji. Modi ji hai to mumkin hai.”
The film’s subject—Kanhaiya Lal’s murder, allegedly by two men provoked by his social media post supporting Nupur Sharma—sparked national outrage. Petitioners claim the film may stoke communal sentiments, while the makers assert it aims to tell a suppressed truth.
Case: Maulana Arshad Madani vs Union Of India & Ors. – Available on LAWFYI.IO
