Udaipur Files – The Commune

Udaipur Files: Film On Kanhaiyalal Murder Case Hits Screens After Legal Battle, Heavy Police Presence In Udaipur

The Commune — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 11:33:46 +0000

The film ‘Udaipur Files’, based on the Kanhaiyalal murder case, was released on Friday in 4,500 screens across the country, including three in Udaipur — Celebration Mall, Urban Square, and Lake City Mall.

Each venue will host only one show, and police have been deployed in and around the malls to ensure security. Kanhaiyalal’s sons — Yash and Tarun Teli — attended the screening while holding their father’s picture in their hands. Yash stated that the movie portrays the brutal killing of his father by people with a terrorist mindset and urged the public to watch it.

The first show in Udaipur began at Urban Square Mall, followed by screenings at Celebration Mall at 6.05 p.m. and Lake City Mall at 7:35 p.m. The film is directed by Bharat S. Srinate and produced by Amit Jani, featuring Vijay Raaz as Kanhaiyalal, alongside Rajneesh Duggal and Preeti Jhangiani in key roles.

Lecturer Pramod Kumar Bhati, present at the first show, said he had been waiting eagerly for the film’s release and hoped it would strengthen inter-community harmony. Senior police officials, including SP Yogesh Goyal, ASP Umesh Ojha, and Sukher CI Ravindra Singh Charan, earlier inspected the venues. Security checks were intensified, with documents of all viewers being verified before entry.

The movie’s release followed a series of legal hurdles. Initially scheduled for July 11, the release was stalled after religious groups and an accused in the murder case, Mohammad Javed, filed petitions in the Delhi High Court. On July 10, the court imposed an interim stay, directing the central government to review the film under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting later cleared the film, rejecting the objections.

On July 25, the Supreme Court allowed the release, but a fresh plea was filed in the Delhi High Court, which then directed the government to decide on its suitability. A review committee approved the release.

Filmmaker Amit Jani announced the date via social media, clarifying that the film’s purpose was to depict the incident, not to target any community. With the controversy settled, Udaipur Files has finally reached audiences, drawing both public attention and a heavy security presence in its opening shows. Udaipur Files is also trending on social media.

One Paras Verma on his X handle says, “Today’s Plan #UdaipurFiles Go with family and watch this film and know how ‘Kanhaiya Lal ji’ was brutally murdered. How the voice of Hindus is suppressed and if the voice is not suppressed, then they are murdered. My ticket is booked, and yours?”

-IANS

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Supreme Court Asks Centre To ‘Immediately’ Decide On ‘Udaipur Files’ Certification

The Commune — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:29:34 +0000

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre to “immediately” decide the revision pleas filed against the CBFC certification granted to the film ‘Udaipur Files’.

A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymala Bagchi was dealing with a plea filed by film producer Amit Johnny, who has challenged the Delhi High Court’s order that had temporarily stayed the release of the movie based on the Kanhaiya Lal murder case.

In a brief hearing, the Justice Kant-led Bench asked the panel constituted by the Centre under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act to decide the revision pleas “immediately without loss of time”. Section 6 vests the Centre with adequate powers to declare a film to be uncertified or pass orders providing for interim measures, including suspension of the film from public exhibition.

Posting the matter for further hearing on July 21, the apex court remarked, “We can wait for some time. We are told that a committee has been formed, and the Union (government) is looking into it. We can have the benefit of the Union of India’s view. Suppose the Union says there is nothing wrong with the movie, then we will see that. If they recommend some cuts, then also we can peruse the same. If the Centre was not taking up the matter, then it was different.”

The film revolves around the brutal murder of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor in Rajasthan’s Udaipur, in June 2022 by Mohammad Riyaz Attari and Ghaus Mohammad by slitting his throat. One of the accused in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case, Javed, had filed a writ petition before the Supreme Court and has sought a stay on the release of ‘Udaipur Files’, arguing that the release of the film could prejudice the ongoing trial proceedings pending before the Special NIA court.

A day before its scheduled release, the Delhi High Court, in its order passed on July 10, had temporarily halted the release of the controversial movie till the Centre decides the revision plea of the petitioners challenging the grant of the CBFC certification.

A Bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal was dealing with a batch of pleas, including a plea filed by Maulana Arshad Madani, the President of the Islamic clerics’ body Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, seeking a direction to quash the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certification granted to the film.

As per the petition filed by Maulana Arshad Madani, the CBFC certification was granted in violation of Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the Guidelines for Certification of Films for Public Exhibition, since the release of the film ‘Udaipur Files’ has the potential to inflame communal tensions and disrupt public order, severely undermining the fabric of religious harmony in the country.

The Chief Justice Upadhyaya-led Bench allowed the petitioners as well as the general public to file within two days revision plea before the Union government under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act. The Delhi High Court had asked the Centre to decide the revision pleas within a week after giving an opportunity of hearing to the producer. Further, it had ordered that the prayer for interim relief, if made, will also be considered and decided.

–IANS

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Kanhaiya Lal’s Son Slams Delhi HC Stay On Udaipur Files Film

The Commune — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 13:17:55 +0000

Responding to the Delhi High Court’s decision to halt the release of ‘Udaipur Files,’ a film portraying the gruesome murder of Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal, his son, Yash Sahu, voiced strong criticism. He condemned the judiciary’s rapid move to block the film, especially when contrasted with the sluggish progress in delivering justice for his father’s killers. The film, slated for release on 11 July 2025, was abruptly stayed just a day prior by a court order issued on 10 July.

The movie portrays the horrific June 2022 incident in which Kanhaiya Lal was stabbed 26 times by two Muslim men after he publicly expressed support for BJP leader Nupur Sharma’s remarks about the Prophet Mohammed. The killers had even recorded the gruesome act and circulated the video online, openly claiming responsibility.

Speaking to ANI, Yash Sahu criticized the legal system’s swift action in halting the film’s release while noting the painfully slow progress in prosecuting his father’s killers. “There were more than 150 witnesses, yet only 15 to 16 hearings have taken place. There’s no fast-track court, no day-to-day trial even with direct video evidence. The case hasn’t moved forward in nearly three years,” he said.

Despite the National Investigation Agency (NIA) handling the case and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) joining later, Sahu said no convictions have been made. In contrast, objections from groups like Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind led to the quick judicial intervention against the film, he noted.

“Why does the legal system act so fast to block a film, but not to punish those who brutally murdered my father?” Sahu questioned. He emphasized that Udaipur Files attempts to portray how his father was allegedly murdered by individuals associated with terror groups with ideological roots in Pakistan. Describing the court’s decision as disheartening, he expressed hope that the filmmakers would challenge the stay order in the Supreme Court. “My father was murdered in cold blood. Justice has been elusive, and now even a film that speaks the truth is being silenced,” he added.

#WATCH | Delhi High Court stays the release of the film “Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder” until the Central Government decides on the revision application filed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind challenging the CBFC’s certification of the film.

Son of Kanhaiya Lal, Yash Sahu,… pic.twitter.com/Fdv4Sff6u1

— ANI (@ANI) July 10, 2025

On 10 July, the Delhi High Court stayed the film’s release until the Union Government resolves a revision plea filed under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act. Petitioners included Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and journalist Prashant Tandon. The court directed the Centre to decide on the application within a week and maintained that the stay would remain in place until then.

A day earlier, on 9 July, the court had instructed producer Amit Jani to arrange a private screening of the film and its trailer for all legal representatives involved, after the CBFC disclosed that it had suggested 40–50 cuts before certification. The court also clarified that media reports claiming the Supreme Court had directed the film’s release were inaccurate.

The petitioners argued that the movie violated Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act and the 1991 certification guidelines, which prohibit content likely to incite communal violence. Referring to the trailer released on 26 June, they alleged that it contained inflammatory and provocative material capable of disturbing social harmony.

(With Inputs From Law Beat)

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“Vicious, Cinematic Vandalism, Harmful To The Country”: Kapil Sibal Argues Against ‘Udaipur Files’ Film Based On Kanhaiya Lal’s Murder By Islamists

The Commune — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 05:00:33 +0000

In a last-minute decision on 10 July 2025, the Delhi High Court issued a stay on the release of the film Udaipur Files, which was set to premiere on 11 July 2025. The stay will remain in effect until the central government evaluates petitions calling for a permanent ban on the film due to concerns it may incite social unrest.

The decision was issued by a division bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal, who instructed the petitioners to submit their concerns to the central government within two days. The court noted that the petitioners had not yet pursued this formal route.

“Until the central government reviews the interim relief request submitted along with the revision petition, the release of the film shall remain stayed,” the bench ruled.

During the proceedings, senior advocate Kapil Sibal urged the court to preview the film, which is based on the 2022 murder of Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal. Sibal described the film as “vicious” and referred to it as “cinematic vandalism,” arguing that it has the potential to reignite communal tensions.

Among the petitioners is Maulana Arshad Madani, president of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and principal of Darul Uloom Deoband. The petitions contend that the film’s trailer, released on 26 June, contains provocative content and language similar to elements that contributed to communal unrest in 2022.

Sibal strongly criticized the film, stating, “This is harmful to the country. Please don’t allow such destructive content to reach the public. This is not art; it’s an incitement.”

He also claimed that the film’s producer has a history of creating content that promotes hate.

The court observed that the film’s trailer included content previously ordered to be removed. Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), assured the bench that appropriate legal action would be taken if necessary.

The bench instructed the petitioners to file a formal revision petition with the central government by the following Monday. It further directed the government to make a decision within a week after hearing both sides, including the producer.

The court emphasized that approving films is primarily the responsibility of expert bodies, and that judicial involvement should be minimal in such matters.

The ASG argued in defense of the film, stating it is a fictionalized account inspired by real events and grants limited artistic freedom. According to him, the movie is not aimed at any particular community but rather exposes how communal unrest is allegedly orchestrated from across the border.

“This film is a warning showing how foreign elements attempt to disturb India’s peace,” Sharma said. “It’s crime-oriented, not community-targeted.”

In response to the court’s questioning of its relevance, Sharma reiterated, “It’s a crime drama that encourages harmony and warns against division. If that’s controversial, I have no further comments.”

The film’s producer maintained that the narrative aligns with common India-Pakistan themes and accused the petitioners of misrepresenting the film by quoting dialogue out of context. Earlier, on 9 July, the court had directed the filmmakers to organize a private screening for the petitioners.

The film centers around the murder of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor from Udaipur who was killed in June 2022. The assailants, Mohammad Riyaz and Mohammad Ghous reportedly targeted him for allegedly supporting a controversial statement made by former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma on social media. The attackers released a video claiming responsibility for the killing. The case is under investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the suspects are being prosecuted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. The trial is ongoing in the NIA special court in Jaipur

(With inputs from Business Standard)

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Reliance Entertainment Unveils Trailer Of “Udaipur Files: The Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder”

The Commune — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 04:43:56 +0000

Reliance Entertainment has finally released the highly anticipated trailer of “UDAIPUR FILES – Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder”, a gripping film that delves into one of the most disturbing and emotionally charged real-life crimes in recent Indian history. Ever since the first look poster dropped in April 2025, audiences have been eagerly awaiting more details about the film, which recounts the brutal murder of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor from Udaipur.

In an official update shared on X, Reliance Entertainment shared, “An untold story that shook the soul of the nation. “UDAIPUR FILES – Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder” is a hard-hitting film based on the horrifying real-life incident the brutal daylight murder of Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur. This film dives deep into the events, the silence, the outrage, and the battle for justice. A powerful true-story narrative. A voice for the voiceless. BASED ON TRUE EVENTS Inspired by the real-life murder of Kanhaiya Lal Sahu in Udaipur.”

An untold story that shook the soul of the nation.

“UDAIPUR FILES – Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder” is a hard-hitting film based on the horrifying real-life incident the brutal daylight murder of Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur. This film dives deep into the events, the silence, the… pic.twitter.com/8b0I62udDT

— Reliance Entertainment (@RelianceEnt) June 23, 2025

Scheduled for theatrical release on 11 July 2025, the film is directed by Bharat S. Shrinate and produced by Amit Jani. It’s not just a cinematic retelling, but a powerful attempt to shed light on a tragedy that deeply impacted the nation. With a cast that includes Vijay Raaz, Rajniesh Duggal, Preeti Jhangiani, and Kamlesh Sawant, Udaipur Files aims to be an emotional and intense portrayal of the aftermath of violence. The filmmakers describe the project as “a voice for the voiceless,” supported by a screenplay co-written by Jayant Sinha and Amit Jani. The story intends to portray the heartbreak, anger, confusion, and silence that followed the horrific 2022 incident.

A Crime That Shook the Nation: The Murder of Kanhaiya Lal

On 28 June 2022, Kanhaiya Lal Teli, a modest tailor from Udaipur’s Dhanmandi area, was killed in an unthinkably violent act that left the entire country stunned. Two men, Muhammad Riyaz Attari and Ghaus Muhammad, entered his shop under the guise of being customers and viciously attacked him with cleavers. The chilling murder, carried out in broad daylight, was filmed by the perpetrators and shared online as a self-proclaimed act of retribution.

The attack was allegedly in response to Kanhaiya Lal’s support for a social media post related to Nupur Sharma, a BJP spokesperson whose controversial comments about the Prophet Muhammad had earlier sparked nationwide unrest—later referred to as the 2022 Muhammad remarks controversy.

The attackers first subdued Kanhaiya Lal while he was taking a customer’s measurements. They dragged him out of the shop and attempted to behead him using a handmade dagger, leaving him with multiple fatal stab wounds. A shop assistant named Ishvar was seriously injured while trying to intervene, but other bystanders were reportedly too shocked to help. The killers fled the scene on a motorcycle after escaping on foot.

Shortly after the murder, the assailants posted a second video, boasting about the killing and issuing threats to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, further inflaming public outrage. The videos spread rapidly online, sparking national and international condemnation.

Global Reaction and Government Response

On 30 June 2022, the United Nations condemned the killing through spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, who emphasized the need for religious tolerance and called for calm. The UN expressed concern about the incident’s potential to incite further unrest.

Back in India, tensions escalated quickly. Udaipur witnessed protests and shutdowns, with around 7,000 people joining a silent march to demand justice. The Rajasthan government imposed a 24-hour curfew, restricted internet access across the state, and enforced Section 144 of the CrPC to prevent large gatherings. Several police officers were suspended due to alleged lapses in preventing the crime, though they were later reinstated.

The case was handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), India’s leading anti-terrorism force, which arrested the accused in the Rajsamand district on the same day. Investigations uncovered links between the attackers and Dawat-e-Islami, a religious group based in Pakistan. Ghaus Muhammad had reportedly attended training sessions with the organization in Karachi in 2014. A detailed chargesheet has since been filed, and the suspects remain in judicial custody at Ajmer Jail.

In response to the tragedy, the Rajasthan government announced ₹50 lakh compensation for Kanhaiya Lal’s family and government jobs for his sons. Kapil Mishra, a BJP leader, visited the family on 2 July 2022, and pledged ₹1 crore, along with ₹25 lakh for the injured assistant Ishvar, and ₹5 lakh for a police constable hurt during subsequent unrest.

With its release on the horizon, Udaipur Files is set to revive public memory of a harrowing chapter in modern Indian history. The filmmakers hope the movie will not just retell a crime but also encourage deeper reflection on the social, communal, and emotional wounds left behind.

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