Udaipur Files: When a Film Meets the Courtroom

A film meant to showcase a real-life tragedy has now become part of a legal and political storm. Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder, a movie based on a real murder case in Udaipur, has faced backlash, censorship, and legal restrictions — all before it could hit theatres. Let’s explore how a film has ended up in the center of debates involving the Delhi High Court, the Central Board of Film Certification, and the Supreme Court, and why petitions are being filed against its release.

The Film and the Real Incident

The movie tells the story of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor from Udaipur, Rajasthan, who was brutally murdered in 2022 after sharing a social media post allegedly in support of Nupur Sharma, a BJP spokesperson. The incident shocked the country and highlighted issues around online speech, religious violence, and public safety.

Director Ashok Tyagi and producer Amit Jani decided to turn this real case into a film, claiming it focuses on *ideological violence* rather than religion. Initially called *Gyanvapi Files: A Tailor’s Murder Story*, the title was changed to avoid confusion with the Gyanvapi Mosque case in Varanasi.

Trouble with CBFC

Before the release, the film was reviewed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Reports suggest the board asked for 40–55 cuts to scenes that could disturb public order. These included visuals that portrayed a specific community negatively. While the filmmakers weren’t happy with the cuts, they agreed to the censored version, stating they didn’t want to delay the release further.

The CBFC’s decision sparked debate about whether films should be heavily edited just to avoid potential backlash.(Source: NDTV)

Delhi High Court Halts Release

Just a day before its planned release on July 11, 2025, the Delhi High Court stepped in. Multiple petitions were filed — mainly by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind — claiming that the film spreads misinformation, shows Muslims in a poor light, and could create tension in society. The Court took the matter seriously and ordered a temporary stay on the release.

It also asked the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to re-examine the movie under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act, which allows the government to step in if content may affect public peace.

The Court also directed that a private screening be held for petitioners to judge the content in its final, censored form.>(Source: India Today)

Supreme Court: Rights and Risks

he controversy didn’t stop there. One of the murder case accused, Mohammed Javed, filed a plea in the Supreme Court, saying the film violates his right to a fair trial and could influence public opinion even before a verdict is passed. He claimed the film presents him as guilty, which is unfair while the case is still in court.

The Supreme Court refused to pass an immediate stay but agreed to hear the case. Later, the filmmakers also approached the Supreme Court to lift the Delhi HC’s stay. On July 16, the Court maintained the High Court’s decision, stating that public safety is more important than artistic freedom. The final hearing has been scheduled for July 21, with the Information Ministry expected to submit a final review before that date.(Source: Times of India)

Is It Linked to Any Gujarat Film?

Some confusion online connected this film with Gujarat-based movies like Maharaj, but there is no connection. The confusion likely came from the old title *“Gyanvapi Files.”* This film is focused entirely on the Udaipur murder case and has nothing to do with Gujarat.

Bigger Picture: Art or Agenda?

The real debate now is about freedom of expression. Should a filmmaker be allowed to present a real event with dramatic elements, or should such work be stopped if it risks disturbing peace?

The makers of Udaipur Files insist that the film is not against any religion but is about the dangers of radical ideology. Petitioners argue that even with cuts, the message promotes division. Now, the final call is with the courts and the government — to decide whether to allow the film or block it for the greater good.

Final Note

*Udaipur Files* isn’t just a movie now — it’s a national discussion point on law, cinema, and free speech. It’s not just a story of a murdered tailor — it’s a reflection of how fragile the line is between cinema and society, justice and judgment, truth and narrative.

As India waits for the Supreme Court's decision on July 21, one thing is clear: the film has already made its mark — not in theatres, but in the legal books.