Mumbai: Ranveer Singh’s upcoming film Dhurandhar has run into serious legal trouble just days before its theatrical release. The parents of Late Major Mohit Sharma, a decorated Ashoka Chakra and Sena Medal awardee, have filed a petition before the Delhi High Court seeking an immediate stay on the film. Bar and Bench state that the family feels that perhaps the film is based on the life of the officer, his secret missions and martyrdom without their consent or approval of the Indian Army.
Claims of Unauthorised Portrayal & Privacy Violation
The controversy first began on social media, where users speculated that the storyline of Dhurandhar closely resembled Major Sharma’s real life missions. Although the filmmakers did not confirm any such connection, the discussion gained momentum online and eventually reached the officer’s family, who decided to take legal action. They claim that the legal heirs of the Army or the legal heirs of Major Sharma were never consulted at any stage of the film development.
In their petition, the family states that a martyr’s legacy cannot be recreated for commercial gain without maintaining dignity, truth and consent. They say such depiction violates the officer’s posthumous personality rights under Article 21 of the Constitution. The plea also adds that the unauthorised depiction also violates the family privacy, emotional safety and dignity right.
Concern Over National Security
National security is another major concern raised in the plea. The family fears that the film might show sensitive details related to the officer’s covert operations, military strategies or infiltration techniques. According to them, filmmakers cannot use such information without clearance by the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, which is the official body that monitors the way the Indian Army is portrayed in the media. Revealing classified details, even indirectly, could pose a risk to national security and undermine previous missions.
The respondents in the case include the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Central Board of Film Certification, the ADGPI, director Aditya Dhar and producer Jio Studios. The petitioners have asked the court to stop the release of Dhurandhar until they are allowed a private screening. They have also requested that the court establish a rule requiring filmmakers to seek prior approval from the Army and legal heirs whenever a project is based on the life of a military martyr.
Director Aditya Dhar Issues Clarification
Director Aditya Dhar has already issued a public clarification on X, formerly Twitter, dismissing the claims that his film is based on Major Sharma. He responded to a user online saying that Dhurandhar has no connection to the officer’s life and assured that if he ever makes a biopic on Major Sharma in the future, it will be done with full consultation and consent of the family.
The case is to be heard by the Delhi High Court next week. Whether Dhurandhar will release as scheduled or face a delay depends entirely on the court’s decision. The case outcome may serve as a significant precedent in the future with respect to films that may be inspired by real life events of Indian military heroes
About Dhurandhar
Dhurandhar is one of the most anticipated action dramas of the year, led by Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, who previously delivered the National Award winning Uri: The Surgical Strike. The film is said to revolve around intense military operations and high stakes national security. It features a star studded supporting cast including R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal and Sara Arjun. The movie was scheduled for a release on December 5, but the legal situation may now affect its plans.
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