On Monday, the Delhi High Court found itself examining a sensitive controversy surrounding the upcoming film ‘Dhurandhar’, which has sparked strong protest from the family of martyred Army officer Major Mohit Sharma. The matter reached the court just days ahead of the film’s scheduled December 5 release, after allegations arose that the movie draws heavily from the officer’s life story despite the family never granting permission. The Court refrained from touching upon the merits of the dispute in the opening moments of the hearing, choosing instead to focus on whether due process had been followed before the film reached theatres.
The case arose when the parents of Major Mohit Sharma approached the Court claiming that ‘Dhurandhar’ appears to be directly inspired by their son’s life and heroic operations in Jammu & Kashmir, where he was killed in 2009 during a counter-terrorism mission. They argued that the filmmakers neither sought consent from the family nor secured any form of approval from the Indian Army, even though the movie allegedly mirrors events associated with the late officer. According to them, the portrayal of such sensitive military operations without verification or permission not only violates protocol but also causes emotional distress, particularly when they believe the storyline unmistakably resembles Major Sharma’s lived experiences.
During the proceedings, the CBFC informed the Court that the film had not yet received certification and was still under examination. Its counsel clarified that the producer had submitted the film claiming it to be a work of fiction and not a biographical account of any Army officer. The filmmakers too maintained that ‘Dhurandhar’ is purely fictional and bears no connection to Major Sharma’s life, arguing that any perceived resemblance is coincidental and cannot be grounds for halting creative expression.
The Court, however, noted that the concerns raised by the family could not be brushed aside, especially when they relate to the depiction of a decorated soldier and sensitive military events. Justice Sachin Datta observed that the CBFC, being the competent authority, must look into all aspects of the objections thoroughly. If necessary, the court added, the Board should also refer the matter to the Indian Army for its assessment, particularly if the movie touches upon events or details requiring military scrutiny.
In its final direction, the Court disposed of the petition while instructing the CBFC to consider every concern presented by the parents before deciding on certification of the film. The Board was asked to carry out the process as expeditiously as possible, and to seek the Army’s input if deemed appropriate. The release of ‘Dhurandhar’, therefore, now depends entirely on the outcome of the CBFC’s certification exercise.
Disclaimer: This news/ article includes information received via a syndicated news feed. The original rights remain with the respective publisher.
Picture Source :
