“Release The Udaipur Files and Let Truth Prevail,” Pleads Kanhaiya Lal’s Widow

NDC DESK

NEW DELHI, July 13, 2025 — The widow of slain Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal, Jashoda Sahu, has made a heartfelt appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to lift the Delhi High Court’s interim stay on the release of the film Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder. The court, on July 10, paused the film’s release pending Central Government review of petitions seeking a permanent ban .

In an emotional letter, Jashoda wrote:

“The Muslim organisations and their lawyer have stopped the release of the film .I have seen the film myself; it is the story of his murder. There is nothing wrong in it. He was killed three years ago, and now the lawyer is saying that whatever happened cannot be shown .You know the wrong which was done to us. I request you to get this film released so that the whole world can know the truth.”  

She also expressed her desire to meet the Prime Minister in Delhi, alongside her two children, hoping he would intervene .

Jashoda further lamented the three-year setback in her family’s pursuit of justice: “Earlier we were told the suspects would be hanged within four months. However, it has been three years. When will we get justice?” .

Legal and Judicial Developments
• Supreme Court (July 9): Refused to hear an urgent plea seeking to block the film, stating orally, “Let the film be released”, thus allowing the scheduled July 11 release to proceed .
• Delhi High Court (July 10): Issued a stay on the release and instructed petitioners to seek Central Government review of the film’s certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) . The court also directed the producers to screen the film for petitioners to assess whether it incites communal hatred .

Background: The Film & The Case

Udaipur Files is a Hindi crime thriller inspired by the real-life murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal on June 28, 2022. He was brutally attacked and killed by two assailants who objected to a social-media post he made supporting BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma . The film, directed by Bharat S. Shrinate and Jayant Sinha and starring Vijay Raaz, premiered its trailer in June, with its theatrical release scheduled for July 11, 2025 .

Impact and Reactions

This controversy cuts to the heart of debates on freedom of expression, judicial delays in terror-related cases, and whether cinematic portrayals of real incidents—especially those involving communal tensions—can stir further unrest.

Many, including Jashoda, believe the film is essential to reignite public awareness and help her obtain justice. Meanwhile, petitioners argue that its content may rekindle communal animosity, warranting judicial restraint.

What Happens Next?
• The Supreme Court has not yet issued a written order, having issued only an oral directive  .
• The Delhi High Court awaits Central Government action on the film’s certification.
• The petitioners will be shown the film privately as part of the judiciary’s inquiry.
• Any decision may factor in new legal directives or CBFC rulings.

As the legal and moral tug-of-war persists, Jashoda’s call for the film’s release underscores the broader question: Should art that reflects painful truths be constrained by fear of stirring tensions?