The release of the film "Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder" has been stayed by the Delhi High Court, just a day before its scheduled release on July 11, 2025. The film is based on the real-life 2022 murder of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor from Udaipur, Rajasthan.

The court's decision came in response to a petition filed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, an Islamic clerics' body, and other petitioners. The petitioners raised concerns that the film could incite communal disharmony and disrupt peace in the society. They argued that the film unfairly portrays the Muslim community in a negative light, potentially violating the right to live with dignity for members of the community. They also contended that the film includes controversial statements made by former BJP leader Nupur Sharma, which had previously led to communal violence.

The Delhi High Court division bench, comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal, directed the petitioners to approach the Central Government with their grievances within two days. The court has instructed the Central Government to decide on the matter, specifically the revision application against the film's certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), and has stayed the release of the film until a decision is made. The court noted that the petitioners had not yet pursued available remedies with the Central Government.

During the hearing, the CBFC stated that it had already ordered cuts to the film that addressed the petitioners' concerns. However, the petitioners argued that the film's core message promotes violence and vilifies a particular community. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioners, described the film as "vicious" and "cinematic vandalism," urging the judges to watch it. The court had previously directed the producers to arrange a screening for the counsels involved in the case.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court clarified that it had not passed any written order regarding the film's release. This clarification followed some confusion after a bench had remarked, "Let the film be released," when refusing to urgently list a plea against the screening. The petition before the Supreme Court was filed by Mohammed Javed, an accused in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case, who sought a stay on the film's release until the trial is concluded, arguing that the film could prejudice the ongoing proceedings.

The "Udaipur Files" has already generated significant attention and controversy. The film depicts court scenes, statements made by a Chief Minister, and references to Nupur Sharma's controversial remarks. The trailer was said to portray an entire community in a prejudicial manner. Arguments were presented that the film depicts a member of a minority community engaging in homosexuality with a minor and lacks any positive representation of the targeted minority community.

The film stars Vijay Raaz, Rajniesh Duggal, and Preeti Jhangiani in key roles.