Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 22: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has written to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, seeking an urgent review of Sunny Deol-starrer Suryaa – Ant Se Aarambh Tak over its portrayal of the medical profession and depiction of violence against healthcare workers.
The move comes days after the film’s teaser was released, drawing attention to its portrayal of alleged malpractice in the healthcare sector. The IMA has expressed concern that the promotional content could unfairly generalise corruption among doctors, normalise violence against medical professionals and undermine public trust in healthcare services.
In its letter to the minister, the medical body said the film’s promotional material raised serious concerns about the portrayal of corruption within the healthcare system and the potential consequences for the safety of healthcare workers.
The IMA said that while individual cases of misconduct must be investigated and punished, the actions of a few should not damage the reputation of the wider medical fraternity, which includes countless honest and dedicated professionals.
It also objected to scenes depicting physical assaults on doctors, nurses and hospital personnel, particularly when such acts appear to be presented as heroic or justified. According to the association, such portrayals could risk normalising violence against those committed to saving lives and further endanger healthcare workers who already face safety challenges in hospitals.
The association further warned that negative portrayals of doctors could weaken the trust and cooperation essential to the doctor-patient relationship, potentially affecting the delivery of effective healthcare.
While acknowledging the importance of freedom of creative expression, the IMA stressed that it must be exercised responsibly, particularly when healthcare workers’ safety and public confidence in essential services are at stake.
The association has urged the ministry to conduct an impartial review of the film’s content and its portrayal of the medical profession. It has also sought appropriate corrective measures from the filmmakers to address what it considers the generalisation of alleged misconduct and the depiction of violence against healthcare workers.
The IMA further requested that a ban or other appropriate action be considered if justified under applicable law. In its letter, the association appealed for urgent intervention in the interest of public health, healthcare worker safety and the future of medical education in India.
The teaser of Suryaa – Ant Se Aarambh Tak was released on October 19, coinciding with Sunny Deol’s 69th birthday.
Produced by Deepak Mukut, Hemmant Mukut and Lokesh Mukut and directed by M Padmakumar, the film features Deol in his familiar intense, confrontational role, taking on alleged wrongdoing within the system.
The teaser opens with Deol’s voiceover describing doctors as representatives of God. However, the character says his trust has been betrayed by a system in which some doctors allegedly exploit patients and their families during moments of vulnerability. The story then follows his fight for justice against the system.
Suryaa – Ant Se Aarambh Tak is a Hindi adaptation of the 2018 Malayalam crime thriller Joseph, written by Shahi Kabir. Deol reportedly plays a retired police officer who becomes involved in an investigation that leads him to secrets connected to his past. The film is expected to explore crime, personal struggles and the search for truth.