‘Udaipur Files’ Release Halted: Director Bharat Shrinate Vows to Approach Supreme Court After Delhi HC Stay

New Delhi, July 11 : Filmmaker Bharat S Shrinate, director of ‘Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder’, expressed deep shock and disappointment over the Delhi High Court’s last-minute stay on the film’s release, which was scheduled for today.

🔹 What Happened?

On Thursday (July 10), the Delhi High Court issued an interim stay on the release of Udaipur Files until the Centre reviews a revision application filed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind against the CBFC’s certification of the film.

🔹 Director’s Response:

“I was not expecting such a decision… A day before this, the same petitioner’s plea was rejected by the Supreme Court. I don’t know how this happened in the High Court,”
said Shrinate in a statement to ANI.

• Shrinate emphasized they aren’t challenging the judiciary, but confirmed that the film’s team will now approach the Supreme Court to seek relief and overturn the stay.

🧑‍⚖️ Court’s Grounds for Stay:

A division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal issued the stay after reviewing two petitions:

1. Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind
2. Journalist Prashant Tandon

The petitioners argued that:

• The film could disrupt communal harmony
• Its release close to upcoming elections could inflame public sentiment
• The movie sensationalises a deeply sensitive event

The Court stated that “till the grant of interim relief is decided [by the Centre], there shall be a stay on the release of the film.”

🧵 Background on the Film:

Udaipur Files is based on the 2022 murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur, Rajasthan, who was brutally killed by two men in broad daylight. The assailants allegedly acted in retaliation for a social media post supporting former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.

The incident shocked the nation, raising serious concerns over radicalisation and communal violence.

🔍 Why the Controversy?

• Petitioners claimed the film’s portrayal could fuel sectarian tensions.
• They also questioned the timing of the release, calling it politically sensitive with elections looming in several Indian states.
• While not ruling on the film’s content, the Court stressed the need to follow proper legal procedures under the Cinematograph Act, 1952 before release.

📌 What’s Next?

• The Centre must decide on the revision application against the CBFC’s clearance.
• In the meantime, the film’s theatrical release remains on hold.
• The filmmakers are preparing to approach the Supreme Court for immediate relief.