uproar over Bharat Shrinate’s film based on Kanhaiya Lal murder case, director reaches the Supreme Court
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Bharat Shrinate’s Film on tailor’s murder
The Delhi High Court yesterday dealt a blow to filmmaker Bharat S Shrinate, staying the release of his controversial film “Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder” just as the film was about to hit theatres.
Director’s surprise reaction
“I did not expect such a decision,” Shrinate told reporters, clearly stunned by the court’s decision.
He was particularly shocked because the Supreme Court had dismissed a similar petition a day earlier.
“So, in the High Court, I don’t know how it happened,” he said with evident dismay.
What happens now?
Shrinate is not willing to back down. While respecting the judicial process, his team is going straight to the Supreme Court to challenge the stay order.
“We are not questioning any judicial [decision]. So we are going to the Supreme Court,” he confirmed.
Why did the court take this step
A two-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya ordered the temporary stay after hearing petitions filed by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and journalist Prashant Tandon.
Both argued that the film could incite communal tension and pose a threat to public safety.
The court’s decision was clear: “We provide that the release of the film will remain stayed until a decision is taken on the grant of interim relief.”
Sensitive story behind the film
“Udaipur Files” depicts the brutal murder of Kanhaiya Lal in 2022, who was killed in broad daylight by two men.
It is alleged that these people were angry over his social media posts in support of former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.
The murder had created a sensation across India and raised concerns about rising religious radicalism.
Concerns over timing and content
Critics are concerned that the film sensationalises the tragedy and could inflame existing tensions, especially when elections are due in several states.
The court, without assessing the film’s content, stressed that proper legal channels should be followed to challenge the film certification.
What’s at stake
The stay will remain in place until the central government decides on the revision application filed against the certification granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
For now, audiences will have to wait as this real-life drama is being played out in courtrooms rather than theatres, leaving everyone wondering if and when they will be able to watch this controversial depiction of one of India’s most shocking crimes in recent times.
