Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind files petitions in three High Courts against the film Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder
New Delhi – The organisation Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind has filed petitions in the High Courts of Delhi, Gujarat, and Maharashtra against the upcoming film Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder, alleging that it defames the Muslim community and creates religious discord in the country.
The film is scheduled to release in theatres across India on 11th July 2025.
1. On 5th July 2025, Jamiat president Arshad Madani made a controversial statement, revealing that his organisation has filed legal petitions in the High Courts of Delhi, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, in order to halt the film’s release.
2. On 28th June 2022, in Udaipur, Rajasthan, Kanhaiya Lal was brutally murdered. He had posted a message on social media in support of BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. In response, two radicalised individuals, Muhammad Riyaz Attari and Muhammad Ghaus, murdered him by slitting his throat, accusing him of blasphemy against Islam.
3. The organisation has previously been accused of defending terrorists. It allegedly supported the accused in cases such as the 2006 Malegaon blast, Mumbai local train bombings, 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the 2011 Mumbai triple blasts, and others, including the Mulund and Gateway of India explosions.
4. Madani objected to the trailer, claiming it contains offensive remarks about Prophet Muhammad and his wife, which he said could disturb national peace and law and order. (Why does law and order get disturbed only when Muslim sentiments are hurt, but not when Hindu Deities are denigrated or their temples attacked? Will the so-called secularists answer this? – Editor)
5. He also alleged that the film portrays Deoband as a hub of radicalism and uses inciteful language against Islamic scholars (ulema).
6. Madani raised concerns about scenes related to Gyanvapi in Varanasi, saying they violate Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Indian Constitution, and therefore, the film should be banned to maintain social harmony.
7. The film is based on the real-life murder of Kanhaiya Lal. Actor Vijay Raaz plays the lead role, along with Rajneesh Duggal, Preeti Jhangiani, Kamlesh Sawant, Kanchi Singh, and Mushtaq Khan. It is written and directed by Bharat S Shrinate, produced by Amit Jani, and distributed by Reliance Entertainment.