Mumbai, August 7, 2025 – The highly anticipated Bollywood film Udaipur Files, directed by Bharat S. Shrinate, is finally set to release in theatres worldwide on August 8, 2025, following a tumultuous journey through legal and censorship challenges. Starring Vijay Raaz as Kanhaiya Lal, the film has garnered significant attention for its sensitive subject matter, which is based on the real-life murder of Udaipur-based tailor Kanhaiya Lal in June 2022.
The film, initially titled Gyanvapi Files: A Tailor’s Murder Story, faced multiple delays due to legal hurdles and censorship issues. Originally slated for release on July 11, 2025, the Delhi High Court intervened on July 10, halting its release and directing the Central government to review its content under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act. Petitions filed against the film argued that it could incite communal disharmony and affect the ongoing trial of the accused in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had certified the film with 55 cuts, but further objections led to a government review, which initially recommended six additional modifications.
On August 6, 2025, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting dismissed the revision petitions, clearing the way for the film’s release. The ministry stated that opponents of the film failed to present a compelling case for further action, affirming the CBFC’s certification. The Supreme Court also played a pivotal role, refusing to stay the film’s release and directing the Delhi High Court to resolve challenges to the Centre’s approval, marking a significant victory for the filmmakers.
Producer Amit Jani, under Jani Firefox Films, took to social media platform X to announce the confirmed release date, sharing a video message urging audiences to watch the film in theatres. “We have presented the film in as balanced and sensitive a manner as possible. Our aim is not to target any community, but to show an incident,” Jani stated, addressing concerns about the film’s potential to stir controversy.
Udaipur Files tells the gripping story of Kanhaiya Lal’s brutal murder, which shocked the nation. The tailor was killed in his shop in Udaipur’s Hathipole area by two assailants, allegedly in retaliation for his support of a social media post by former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. The incident, investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, sparked widespread outrage and debate. The film features an ensemble cast, including Rajniesh Duggal, Preeti Jhangiani, Kamlesh Sawant, Kanchi Singh, Mushtaq Khan, and others, with cinematography by Vasantha Kumar AV.
Director Bharat Shrinate expressed relief at the Supreme Court’s ruling, stating, “We respect the Supreme Court’s order and are ready to release the film on August 8. Truth always wins.” The film’s narrative aims to shed light on the incident while navigating its sensitive communal and legal implications, making it one of the most talked-about releases of 2025.
As Udaipur Files prepares for its theatrical debut, it continues to spark discussions about freedom of expression, cinematic responsibility, and the portrayal of real-life incidents. Audiences are eagerly awaiting the film, which promises to deliver a hard-hitting crime drama rooted in a tragic true story.
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