Udaipur Files Hit with 150 Cuts by CBFC; Legal Petition Filed Ahead of July 11 Release

Ziya Khan July 10, 2025Last Updated: July 10, 2025

Udaipur Files, a film based on the 2022 murder of Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal, has attracted significant attention as its release date of July 11 approaches. Directed by Bharat Shrinate and produced by Amit Jani, the film reportedly underwent 150 cuts after intense scrutiny by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).Speaking to NDTV, director Bharat Shrinate revealed the extent of the censorship process: “They have made 150 cuts in my film. We made several rounds of the Censor Board office for at least two months. This film is not about any religion or faith, it’s about ideology and truth.”

Addressing ongoing criticism, Shrinate emphasized the importance of withholding judgment until viewing the film. “Firstly, how can people assume what’s in the film without watching it? Secondly, I submitted the film to the Indian Censor Board, not to anybody else. People who are protesting against the film won’t decide whether the film will be released or not. The Censor Board has its terms and conditions, rules and regulations. What will be kept or removed, it’s their call.”The movie centers on the tragic June 2022 incident in which Kanhaiya Lal was murdered by two men at his tailoring shop in Udaipur’s Hathipole area.

The attack reportedly followed a social media post by Lal that was deemed objectionable, a case that sparked widespread national outrage. Udaipur Files stars Vijay Raaz as Kanhaiya Lal, supported by Rajneesh Duggal, Preeti Jhangiani, Kamlesh Sawant, Kanchi Singh, and Mushtaq Khan. Initially titled Gyanvapi Files: A Tailor’s Murder Story, the film was originally scheduled for release on June 27 before being postponed.

Beyond certification hurdles, the film is also facing legal challenges. A petition filed in the Delhi High Court seeks to stay the film’s release, citing fears that it could disrupt communal harmony and public order. The court is expected to hear the matter shortly.As of now, neither the CBFC nor the Delhi High Court has made any official statements regarding these developments.