Son of Kanhaiya Lal endorses Udaipur film, claiming it reveals 'truth' and has no intention of defaming any religion
Udaipur Files, a 2025 Indian film, has hit theatres across India, portraying the brutal murder of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor in Udaipur, Rajasthan, in 2022. The film, based on real-life events, aims to shed light on the incident and its aftermath, which sparked nationwide outrage and debates about freedom of speech, communal tensions, and justice[1][2][4].
The movie centers around the killing of Kanhaiya Lal, who was murdered by two men posing as customers in his shop. The alleged motive was Lal's support for former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma in a controversial social media post[1]. The film traces the emotional, social, and political fallout of this crime, emphasizing how social media and politics contributed to the tragedy[1][4].
Yash Sahu, Kanhaiya Lal's son, has appealed to the public to watch the film to understand the incident that led to his father's death. Despite the emotional toll, Sahu stated that the film aims to "show the truth" about the incident and "raise awareness" about terrorism[2]. A seat in the theatre will be kept reserved for his father's soul, and a photo of Kanhaiya Lal will be placed on the seat[2].
The film faced legal challenges and bans before its release, including a temporary stay ordered by the Rajasthan High Court due to concerns from Kanhaiya Lal’s family about mental agony and social harmony. However, the Supreme Court overturned the stay, affirming that portraying true incidents in films is legal under constitutional boundaries[3].
The family of Kanhaiya Lal expressed support for the film after watching it, hoping it would help bring swift justice, which they feel has been delayed despite the National Investigation Agency's involvement. The case remains pending after more than three years, causing public frustration and political debate[2].
Audience reactions noted the film as "truthful and powerful," with netizens appreciating its realistic and emotional depiction of the case. The film's portrayal has reignited discussions on justice and the use of such incidents for political gain, with criticisms from political figures about the delays in the legal process[4].
The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Vijay Raaz, and is directed by Bharat S. Shrinate, with screenplay contributions from Amit Jani, Bharat Singh, and Jayant Sinha[4]. Despite the sensitive and controversial nature of the subject matter, producer Amit Jani reported receiving death threats following the film’s release[5].
In summary, Udaipur Files is both a cinematic retelling of a disturbing true crime linked to issues of free speech and communal tensions and a catalyst for public debate around delayed justice and political exploitation of the incident. It garnered attention not just for its content but also for its legal battles and strong reactions from audiences and involved parties alike[1][2][3][4][5].
References: 1. Ndtv.com 2. IndiaToday.in 3. TheHindu.com 4. Firstpost.com 5. Hindustantimes.com
This movie, Udaipur Files, delves into the realm of entertainment while also touching upon general news, crime, and justice, as it narrates the story of Kanhaiya Lal's tragic murder and its subsequent impact on society. The film serves as a platform for discussions on freedom of speech, communal tensions, and delayed justice, making it a significant contribution to the realm of movies-and-tv as well as a catalyst for nationwide debates.