New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday (July 25) finally lifted stay on the release of the controversial film, Udaipur Files, which is based on the 2022 murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Rajasthan. The film underwent six additional modifications after concerns were raised that the Vijay Raaz-starrer could incite communal disharmony and vilify the Muslim community.
The film will now have its theatrical release on August 8. The Supreme Court bench led by Justice Surya Kant directed all parties to approach the Delhi High Court to resolve disputes related to the film’s certification, content and the potential impact on the ongoing trial.
Udaipur Files release date
Udaipur Files is now scheduled to release in theatres on August 8. Confirming the same to News9 Digital, director Bharat Shrinate said, “Supreme Court has lift the stay on our film and now, we are going to release the film for August 8.”
According to a report by Live Law, Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who represented Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani, argued, “hate speech masquerading as free speech. This movie spews venom. Every frame targets a community”, urging the top court to stay its release. However, Justice Kant argued that court cannot arbitrarily stay movie releases post censor certification. He further added, “In the history of this Court, no film has been banned after release.”
Meanwhile, the film underwent 55 modifications with an additional six cuts imposed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
About Udaipur Files
Udaipur Files is based on the brutal murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur in June 2022. He was killed by two men after he expressed support to BJP leader Nupur Sharma’s controversial remark on Prophet Mohammad. The case is currently pending before special NIA court in Jaipur.