The Delhi High Court told the CBFC to consider sending the Dhurandhar film dispute to the Army. It made the remark while hearing objections from Major Mohit Sharma’s parents about unauthorized portrayals in the movie and covert details.
The Delhi High Court directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on Monday to take into account the concerns raised by the parents of Late Major Mohit Sharma regarding the Bollywood film Dhurandhar before granting the film certification for release.
Justice Sachin Datta issued this order in response to a plea from Sharma’s parents, who sought an immediate stay on the film’s release. They expressed worries that the film reconstructs covert operations and personal details about Major Sharma without any authorization from his family or the Indian military.
The Court acknowledged the CBFC’s statement, indicating that the film had not yet been approved for release.
It concluded the petition by instructing the certification body to consider the concerns of Major Sharma’s parents prior to making any decisions on the film’s certification.
Justice Datta also mentioned that the CBFC could consult with the armed forces if deemed necessary.
The petition highlighted that key elements of Major Sharma’s life and military service specifically his covert counter-terrorism missions in Kashmir were reflected in the movie’s trailer and promotional content.
The petitioners argued that despite media connections between Dhurandhar and Major Sharma, the filmmakers had neither recognized this nor sought consultation with them.
Major Sharma’s parents contended that this unauthorized representation infringes upon a martyr’s posthumous personality rights under Article 21 of the Constitution and violates their privacy and dignity. They also raised national security concerns, as the film allegedly portrays sensitive military tactics, infiltration methods, and operational procedures.
During the proceedings, the Court questioned the petitioners about their belief that the film was based on Major Sharma’s life.
Justice Datta asked,
“How do you get that it is based on him?”
To which the petitioners’ counsel responded,
“The trailer and material states. The critics and audience are saying so.”
The CBFC, represented by Central Government Standing Counsel (CGSC) Ashish Dixit, informed the Court that the film certification process is still ongoing.
Dixit stated,
“The certification is still under process. They have said that the movie is based on fiction. They have seen the film.”
He also noted that an official tweet from the filmmakers clarified that the movie was not associated with Major Mohit Sharma.
Justice Datta remarked,
“Why don’t you refer it to army anyway?… This plea is filed by the parents (of Major Sharma)? Then we want to take it more seriously. What is the problem if it is sent to the Army? Let the CBFC consider whether the Army has to decide or not.”
Senior Advocate Saurabh Kirpal, representing the filmmakers, argued that the film is not based on Major Sharma’s life, asserting,
“There is no connection with Mr Sharma. It is a misconceived petition. Only the trailer has been released. You cannot get an injunction on that.”
Ultimately, the Court decided to leave the matter in the hands of the CBFC to evaluate the petitioners’ concerns and disposed of the petition accordingly.
Justice Datta stated,
“I am disposing it of, they [CBFC] can decide. We can’t do what CBFC can. We can only ask it to consider your concerns. They will take them into account.”
The petitioners were represented by advocates Roopenshu Pratap Singh and Manish Sharma of Samaanta Law Firm (SLF), while the film’s director, Aditya Dhar, was supported by Senior Advocate Saurabh Kirpal along with several other advocates.
The producer was represented by Advocate Janay Jain, assisted by Advocate Shubha Yadav, and the CBFC was represented by CGSC Ashish Dixit.
Earlier, The parents of Late Major Mohit Sharma, an Ashoka Chakra and Sena Medal awardee, have approached the Delhi High Court with a petition seeking an urgent stay to the upcoming film ‘Dhurandhar,’ starring Ranvir Singh.
The petition asserts that the film appears to be heavily inspired by Major Sharma’s life, undercover activities, and martyrdom, created without obtaining permission from either the Indian Army or his family.
According to the petition, significant elements of Major Sharma’s life, including his covert counter-terrorism operations in Kashmir, are reflected in the movie’s trailer and promotional content.
The family highlights that while media reports and online discussions have linked ‘Dhurandhar’ to Major Sharma, the filmmakers have neither acknowledged these connections nor consulted the family.
The petitioners argue that a martyr should not be treated as a commercial product and that his story cannot be adapted for profit without respect, dignity, and proper authorization.
The petition names numerous respondents, including the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Central Board of Film Certification, ADGPI, film director and co-producer Aditya Dhar, and producer Jio Studios.