The Delhi High Court has cleared the way for the release of "Udaipur Files," a film based on the Kanhaiya Lal murder case, dismissing a plea seeking to halt its premiere. The film is now scheduled to hit screens tomorrow, August 8, 2025.
The bench, consisting of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, stated that the petitioner, Mohd. Javed, an accused in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case, failed to establish a prima facie case. The court noted that the producer had already invested significant earnings in the film, and preventing its release would disrupt the balance of convenience. The court also asserted that the film's exhibition would not cause any harm, as the trial would be conducted by a trained judge, uninfluenced by the movie's content.
The film, previously titled "Gyanvapi Files: A Tailor's Murder Story," had faced delays due to censorship and legal challenges. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) initially approved the film's release but later withdrew its order to re-examine it after objections were raised. On August 6, 2025, the MIB dismissed all revision petitions challenging the film's certification, paving the way for its release.
"Udaipur Files" revolves around the gruesome murder of Kanhaiya Lal Teli, a tailor from Udaipur, Rajasthan. In June 2022, Lal was beheaded by two men for allegedly supporting a social media post in favor of Nupur Sharma, whose remarks had sparked the 2022 Muhammad remarks controversy. The assailants filmed the act and circulated the video online, triggering widespread outrage across India.
The film is expected to chronicle the events surrounding Kanhaiya Lal's murder, the motivations of the accused, and the aftermath that deeply disturbed the city and the nation. Kanhaiya Lal's elder son, Yash Teli, has expressed his emotional response to the film, calling it a tribute to his father and a voice against terrorism. He stated that the film exposes terrorism and not any particular religion or community.
Mohd. Javed, the accused who sought to stay the film's release, argued that the film's content mirrored the chargesheet and would prejudice his right to a fair trial. Senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy, representing Javed, told the court that if the film were allowed to be released, it would prejudice the trial, especially with witnesses yet to be examined.
The court, however, rejected this argument, stating that the trial would be conducted by a judge who would remain uninfluenced by the film. The court also considered the significant investment made by the producer in the film.
"Udaipur Files" has already undergone 55 cuts, six additional edits, and carries a detailed disclaimer. The film stars Vijay Raaz as Kanhaiya Lal and is produced by Amit Jani. Director Bharat Shrinate has expressed his satisfaction with the Supreme Court's decision and announced the film's new release date.
The release of "Udaipur Files" has been a subject of intense debate, with concerns raised about its potential to inflame communal tensions and disrupt public order. However, the filmmakers and Kanhaiya Lal's family maintain that the film aims to expose the threat of terrorism and seeks justice for the heinous crime.
