Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 9: The upcoming film Udaipur Files, based on the brutal 2022 murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Rajasthan’s Udaipur, has stirred controversy ahead of its scheduled release on July 11. The film’s director, Bharat Shrinate, revealed that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has demanded 150 cuts before approving it for screening.
The film, produced by Amit Jani, features actor Vijay Raaz portraying the slain tailor, alongside Rajneesh Duggal, Preeti Jhangiani, Kamlesh Sawant, Kanchi Singh, and Mushtaq Khan.
Kanhaiya Lal was murdered inside his shop by two men for allegedly supporting a controversial social media post in June 2022 — a killing that shocked the nation and sparked widespread outrage.
Speaking to NDTV, Shrinate defended his film against allegations of religious provocation. “This film is not about any religion or faith — it’s about ideology and truth,” he said. “People who are protesting haven’t even seen the film. The CBFC has its guidelines and it's up to them what stays or goes.”
However, the controversy doesn’t end with the censor cuts. A petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the film’s release, arguing that it may inflame communal tensions and disturb public peace. The matter is expected to be heard today.
Despite the hurdles, the makers remain hopeful about the film’s release, asserting that the story deserves to be told.