The Delhi High Court on Monday disposed of a petition filed by the parents of late Ashoka Chakra awardee Major Mohit Sharma, who sought an urgent stay on the Ranveer Singh-starrer “Dhurandhar.” Justice Sachin Datta declined to halt the film’s December 5 release but directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to thoroughly examine the family’s concerns during the certification process.
Sushila Sharma and Rajendra Prasad Sharma contend the film uses their son’s life, military service, and martyrdom without family consent. The petition alleges that promotional materials, character portrayal, and narrative elements closely mirror Major Sharma’s covert operations and supreme sacrifice during a counter-terrorism mission in Kupwara in 2009.
During proceedings, Justice Datta questioned the petitioners’ counsel about establishing similarities between the film and Major Sharma’s life. The counsel referenced the trailer and promotional material, citing critics and audience reactions as evidence. CBFC clarified that certification remains under review, while filmmaker representative Senior Advocate Saurabh Kirpal maintained the film bears no connection to Major Sharma.
The Court instructed CBFC to expedite the certification process while considering the parents’ objections. Additionally, the Board may consult the Indian Army if deemed necessary. The petitioners raised concerns about dignity violations, posthumous privacy rights, and security implications from dramatizing sensitive Special Forces operations.
The petition named the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, CBFC, Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information, director Aditya Dhar, and producer Jyoti Deshpande as respondents. The family seeks disclosure of permissions and factual verifications used for the film’s production.
“Dhurandhar,” a spy-action thriller written and directed by Aditya Dhar, features Ranveer Singh alongside Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal. Produced under Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the film explores Indian Special Forces operations.
The Court’s balanced approach preserves both the filmmakers’ creative rights and the family’s legitimate concerns regarding their son’s legacy, leaving final determination to the certification authority.
