In the bustling world of Bollywood, where creativity meets censorship, a new film has found itself at the center of a storm. “Udaipur Files,
” directed by Bharat Shrinate and produced by Amit Jani, is set to unveil a gripping tale based on the tragic 2022 murder of Udaipur-based tailor Kanhaiya Lal. Scheduled for release on July 11, the film has already caused quite a stir due to its encounter with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The filmmaker, Bharat Shrinate, expressed his frustration in an interview with NDTV, revealing, “They have made 150 cuts in my film. We made several rounds of the Censor Board office for at least two months.”
Despite these hurdles, Shrinate emphasized that the essence of his creation revolves around “ideology and truth
” rather than religious sentiments.
In response to mounting criticism and preemptive judgments about the movie’s content, Shrinate defended his work passionately: “Firstly, how can people assume what’s in the film without watching it? Secondly, I submitted the film to the Indian Censor Board… People who are protesting against [it] won’t decide whether [it] will be released or not.”
The heart-wrenching incident that serves as inspiration for “Udaipur Files
” dates back to June 2022 when Kanhaiya Lal met a tragic end at his humble tailoring shop in Udaipur’s Hathipole area. The motive behind this gruesome act allegedly stemmed from a social media post shared by Lal – an act deemed offensive by his assailants.
The cinematic retelling of this harrowing story features renowned actor Vijay Raaz portraying Kanhaiya Lal on-screen. Supporting performances from actors like Rajneesh Duggal, Preeti Jhangiani, Kamlesh Sawant, Kanchi Singh, and Mushtaq Khan promise to bring depth and emotion to this poignant narrative.
Originally titled as “
Gyanvapi Files: A Tailor’s Murder Story,
” this movie was initially slated for release on June 27 but encountered delays due to certification issues. However, beyond facing scrutiny from CBFC scissors lies another hurdle – a legal challenge looming over its impending release.
A recent report by PTI highlighted that a petition has been filed in Delhi High Court seeking to halt the release of “
Udaipur Files.
” The concerns raised revolve around potential threats to communal harmony and public order posed by this cinematic interpretation of real events.
As Bollywood enthusiasts eagerly await updates on this unfolding drama surrounding “
Udaipur Files,” one thing remains clear: artistic freedom often finds itself intricately entwined with societal norms and legal boundaries. The delicate balance between storytelling authenticity and regulatory requirements continues to spark debates within India’s vibrant film industry ecosystem.
While both CBFC decisions and legal interventions shape the fate of films like “Udaipur Files,” audiences are left pondering over where artistry ends and responsibility begins in narrating complex real-life stories through cinema. As discussions unfold within courtrooms and censor board chambers alike, one question lingers – how far should creative expression stretch before it encounters societal resistance?
Amidst these deliberations stands Bharat Shrinate’s vision encapsulated in “Udaipur Files”—a tale waiting to unravel its layers while navigating through turbulent waters of controversy.
