Is the Film About Terrorism Being Silenced? Kanhaiya Lal’s Son Weighs In on 'Udaipur Files'
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Synopsis
The halt of 'Udaipur Files' by the Delhi High Court has ignited outrage from Kanhaiya Lal’s family, who believe the film could expose the truth behind his tragic murder. As they seek justice, the controversy surrounding the film raises critical questions about freedom of expression and the portrayal of sensitive topics in cinema.
Key Takeaways
- The film 'Udaipur Files' is centered on Kanhaiya Lal's murder.
- The Delhi High Court has halted its screening, citing public safety concerns.
- Kanhaiya Lal's family sees the film as a means to demand justice.
- The Central Board of Film Certification imposed significant cuts on the film.
- The case highlights tensions between freedom of expression and community safety.
New Delhi, July 11 (NationPress) Just one day prior to its anticipated release, the Delhi High Court has put a stop to the screening of 'Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder', sparking intense reactions from the bereaved family. Yash Sahu, the son of Kanhaiya Lal, whose shocking murder in Udaipur, Rajasthan in 2022 sent shockwaves across the nation, voiced his dissatisfaction with the court's ruling, stating that the film seeks to unveil the truth surrounding the incident but is now being “suppressed”.
In an interview with IANS, he remarked, “I urge the government to take action. It's been three years, and we are still awaiting justice... This film was meant to shed light on the reality of the incident, but now it is being hushed.”
The movie, which recounts the gruesome murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal, was set to premiere in theatres on Friday. However, in a surprising last-minute decision on Thursday, the Delhi High Court has halted its release until further notice.
This ruling came during the proceedings of petitions contesting the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)'s approval for the film.
Yash Sahu added, “Just two days ago, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition from one of the accused in my father’s murder case, Javed, allowing the film to be released. We anticipated the High Court would follow suit. But now, the High Court has placed a stay on the film until a further decision is made. This matter involves the Central government, and I hope they will intervene. The film addresses terrorism, not targeting any specific community.”
The stay was issued by a division bench led by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal after reviewing petitions filed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind and journalist Prashant Tandon.
The petitioners contended that the film's release could provoke communal unrest and threaten public safety given the sensitive nature of its content.
The court indicated that the stay would remain in place until the Union government reviews and responds to the revision application submitted by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind against the CBFC’s certification of the film.
This development has elicited strong reactions, especially from Kanhaiya Lal’s family, who perceive the film as a means to uncover the truth and advocate for justice.
Previously, the CBFC mandated 150 cuts to the film, adding it to a lengthy list of censored films.
Kanhaiya Kumar was murdered over an alleged social media post supporting a Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson, Nupur Sharma.
Point of View
We always emphasize the importance of justice and truth. The halt of 'Udaipur Files' raises significant concerns about censorship and the freedom of filmmakers to portray real-life events, especially those tied to sensitive and tragic incidents. It is crucial that the government finds a balance between public safety and the right to free expression.
NationPress
17/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Udaipur Files' about?
The film 'Udaipur Files' centers around the brutal murder of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor in Udaipur, Rajasthan, and aims to reveal the truth behind the incident.
Why was the screening of the film halted?
The Delhi High Court halted the screening due to concerns that its release could incite communal tensions and pose a threat to public order.
What does Kanhaiya Lal's family think about the film?
Kanhaiya Lal's family, particularly his son Yash Sahu, believes the film is vital for revealing the truth and seeking justice for his father's murder.
What actions did the Central Board of Film Certification take?
The Central Board of Film Certification ordered 150 cuts in the film, adding to the list of films that have faced censorship.
What are the implications of the High Court's decision?
The High Court's ruling raises significant questions about freedom of expression and the ability of filmmakers to address sensitive topics in their work.
