After weeks of drama and controversies due to censorship delays and emotional appeals from the victim’s family, Udaipur Files, starring Vijay Raaz, has officially released across 4,500 screens in India on August 8. The movie, which revisits the 2022 killing of Udaipur-based tailor Kanhaiya Lal, was cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
About Udaipur Files
Directed by a yet-unnamed filmmaker, Udaipur Files is based on the real-life incident put the entire nation in shock. Kanhaiya Lal was murdered in June 2022 for allegedly posting a social media message in support of then-BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma, whose comments had sparked widespread unrest following the Prophet Muhammad remarks controversy.
Kanhaiya Lal’s family, particularly his son, Yash Sahu, spoke at length about the film’s significance during a media interaction on the day of the release. “This movie, which is being released today, Udaipur Files, is based on the incident of my father, which happened on 28th June, 2022. How my father was killed under terrorist conspiracy. These people were connected to Pakistan,” he said.
The film, according to Sahu, is not merely a dramatisation, but a retelling grounded in investigative findings. “This is also called NIA’s chart sheet. So, all that has been shown in this movie. And there is a message in this movie that such incidents happen in the country — they can be brought in front of the country through a movie, through a cinematic graphic,” he added.
Why did Udaipur Files struggle to release?
Udaipur Files was originally scheduled to premiere on July 11, but ran into legal drama just a day before its planned release. A stay order was issued by the Delhi High Court on July 10, halting its screening. The case then escalated to the Supreme Court, where one of accused in the murder case, Javed, filed a petition opposing the film’s release.
Despite continued efforts to stall the film, the apex court refused to intervene, citing the CBFC’s clearance. Eventually, the matter was referred to the Centre, which gave the go-ahead, which then cleared the way for the theatrical release.
“There were a lot of problems with the release,” Yash Sahu explained. “It was challenged in High Court Delhi. Even after that, many attempts were made to stop it. The Supreme Court said, let the movie come… Then, its decision was left to the Central Government.”
“The Central Government also gave a positive decision in this. But only yesterday, it was said that this movie should be released. And today, this movie is in front of the people of the country,” he said.
Kanhaiya Lal’s widow, Jasoda Sahu, also shared her thoughts on the film’s release, stating that the movie is a reflection of her family’s pain, and a call for justice. “This film is a true reflection of our family’s pain and struggle, and the entire country should see it,” she said, adding that she personally appealed to the Prime Minister in writing when the film’s release was initially halted.
“I still did not see anything that these criminals are being punished for. A very long time has passed. Even now, the criminal is still in jail. He has not been punished. So, I hope that after watching this movie, people will support us in our fight for justice. And the criminals will stand with us to get the punishment of hanging as soon as possible,” he said.
The attackers had also recorded and distributed a video of the murder, claiming that the act was in retaliation for Lal’s social media activity.
With Udaipur Files now showing in theatres across the country, it is expected to bring in strong reactions. While some are praising the film for raising awareness, others question its timing and possible impact on ongoing legal proceedings.