The much-discussed film Udaipur Files has officially hit theatres across India on August 8, screening on over 4,500 screens nationwide. Starring Vijay Raaz, the movie revisits the shocking 2022 murder of Udaipur-based tailor Kanhaiya Lal, a crime that shook the nation. After facing multiple legal and censorship hurdles, the film received clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification and was allowed to proceed with its release following a green light from the Delhi High Court.
Directed by a yet-unnamed filmmaker, Udaipur Files reconstructs the events of June 28, 2022, when Kanhaiya Lal was brutally killed after allegedly posting a message on social media in support of then-BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. The incident drew national outrage and international attention, as it was linked to a terrorist conspiracy with connections extending to Pakistan.
The film is based not just on dramatisation but also on details from investigative findings, including the National Investigation Agency’s charge sheet. Speaking at a media interaction on the day of the release, Lal’s son Yash Sahu stressed that the story is not fictional embellishment but an attempt to bring a real and tragic event to the forefront of public awareness. He expressed that the film carries a message incidents like these can and should be brought to the attention of the nation through cinema.
The road to release was anything but smooth. Originally scheduled to premiere on July 11, the film’s screening was halted on July 10 when the Delhi High Court issued a stay order. The case quickly escalated to the Supreme Court after Javed, one of the accused in the murder case, filed a petition against the release. Despite repeated attempts to delay it further, the apex court refused to intervene, noting the CBFC’s clearance. The matter was then handed to the central government, which finally approved the release just one day before it hit theatres.
Kanhaiya Lal’s widow, Jasoda Sahu, described the film as an honest portrayal of her family’s suffering and a rallying cry for justice. She revealed that she had even written to the Prime Minister when the release was stalled, urging that the film be allowed to reach audiences. She also expressed frustration that, despite the time that has passed, the perpetrators have yet to receive punishment, voicing hope that the film’s release will inspire public support for her demand for the death penalty for those responsible.
The murderers had also recorded and circulated a video of the killing, framing it as retaliation for Lal’s social media activity. With the film now in theatres, reactions are expected to be strong and mixed. While some hail it as a necessary reminder of a grave injustice, others raise concerns about its potential influence on ongoing legal proceedings.
Whether praised for its courage or questioned for its timing, Udaipur Files has already cemented itself as one of the most controversial releases of the year. Its arrival in cinemas ensures that the conversation around Kanhaiya Lal’s case, and the broader issues it represents, will continue.
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