The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has directed the producers of Udaipur Files to make six specific modifications before the release of the film, which is based on the murder of Udaipur-based tailor Kanhaiya Lal Teli, who was killed in June 2022.
A report in India Today states that the government in an order dated July 21, accepted the report submitted by the screening committee on July 19 and instructed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the producer to take necessary action on the recommended changes.
Government orders six changes to Udaipur Files before release
Replace the existing disclaimer with the recommended disclaimer (copy attached) and include a voice-over for the disclaimer.
Remove the frames in the credits that thank various individuals.
Revise the AI-generated scene depicting a Saudi Arabia-style turban.
Replace all instances of the name 'Nutan Sharma', including on the poster, with a new name.
Delete Nutan Sharma's dialogue: "...maine toh wohi kaha hai jo unke dharma grantho mein likha hai..."
Dialogues like Hafiz: "...baluchi kabhi vafadaar nahi hota... and Makbool: "...baluchi ki..." and "...arre kya baluchi kya afghai kya Hindustani kya pakistani..." are also asked to be removed.
The screening of Udaipur Files was held on July 17 before the committee. Prior to that a meeting of the committee was held on July 16, where advocates representing the petitioner in the case filed in the Delhi High Court, the advocates representing Mohammed Jawed, and the filmmakers, and their legal representatives were present.
A representative from the Ministry of External Affairs was also invited by the committee to assess the film from the international law and foreign relations perspective.
On July 19, another committee meeting was held, in which the CBFC CEO was given a hearing. After the examination, the committee submitted its report to the Ministry, which was then accepted by the authority.
The screening committee led by the Central government, was formed after the Delhi High Court’s July 10 order, when it stayed the release of Udaipur Files.
Tailor Kanhaiya Lal, who hailed from Udaipur, Rajasthan, was murdered on June 28, 2022, allegedly by Muhammad Riyaz Attari and Muhammad Ghaus.
They had later released a video claiming the murder was in reaction to Kanhaiya Lal allegedly sharing a social media post in support of former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nupur Sharma after her controversial comments against Prophet Mohammed.
Further stay on the release
Considering the Centre's order, the Supreme Court has extended the stay on the film's release, reported Live Law. It adjourned the petitions relating to the movie till Thursday (July 24). The parties are allowed to file their objections to the Centre's order. The release of the movie has been stalled till the next hearing.
