‘Udaipur Files’ Cleared for Release On August 8: Centre Dismisses Objections After Court-Ordered Review
The Central Government has granted clearance to the film Udaipur Files, paving the way for its release.
The decision comes days after the Delhi High Court, on August 1, 2025, directed a re-examination of the film in light of objections raised over its content.
According to reports, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reviewed the film as per the Court’s instructions and subsequently dismissed the objections that had earlier stalled its release.
With the clearance now in place, the film is set to hit theatres on August 8.
The film reportedly revolves around the brutal killing of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor in Udaipur, Rajasthan, who was murdered in June 2022 by two assailants in an incident that drew national outrage. The case was later taken over by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Promotional materials for the film have described it as an attempt to “bring out the suppressed truth,” and its makers had previously claimed that the objections raised were politically motivated.
Supporters of the film, including its director Amit Jani, have taken to social media, calling on audiences to amplify the message ahead of its release.
Notably, on August 1, the Delhi High Court had recorded the Central Government’s submission that it would withdraw its July 21 order clearing the release of the film Udaipur Files and issue a fresh decision on the revision petitions after hearing all concerned parties.
Two petitions were filed by Mohammed Javed, an accused in the 2022 Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal murder case, and Maulana Arshad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind. The third petition, filed by Satish Aggarwal, former Vice President of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, will be heard separately.
Appearing for the Union of India and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma informed the court that, on instructions from Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Additional Director, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Centre had decided to withdraw the July 21 order and re-examine the matter in accordance with law.
Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy had appeared for Javed, while Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal had represented Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind. Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia appeared for the film’s producer.
Bhatia had strongly opposed any delay in the film’s release, informing the Bench that Udaipur Files was initially scheduled to hit theatres on July 11. “I’ve already lost 20 days. The next available date is August 8 or earlier, depending on theatre availability,” he had submitted. The Court had said it would ensure that the revision petition is decided before that date.
In the pre- lunch session, the Court had grilled the Central Government over its exercise of revisional authority in the clearance of the film Udaipur Files, asking whether the Centre acted within the bounds of Section 6(2) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 while recommending further cuts after the film had already received certification.
It is to be noted that, Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia, appearing for the producers of the film had informed the Court on July 28, that the film had undergone six cuts and included a disclaimer, as directed by the Central government, but the updated certificate from the CBFC is still awaited. CJ Upadhyay had noted that the film cannot be exhibited without re-certification and remarked that there was no urgency to the matter.