‘Udaipur Files’ released amid tight security in Udaipur

August 8, 2025

Jaipur: The film Udaipur Files, inspired by the Kanhaiyalal murder case, hit cinemas nationwide on Friday across about 4,500 screens, including three in Udaipur: Celebration Mall, Urban Square, and Lake City Mall.

Each venue is showing a single screening, with police deployed around the locations to bolster security. Kanhaiyalal’s sons, Yash and Tarun Teli, attended the premiere holding their father’s photo. Yash described the film as depicting his father’s brutal killing by individuals with extremist motives and urged people to watch it.

First showings in Udaipur started at Urban Square Mall, followed by screenings at Celebration Mall (6:05 pm) and Lake City Mall (7:35 pm). The cast includes Vijay Raaz as Kanhaiyalal, with Rajneesh Duggal and Preeti Jhangiani in prominent roles.

Security was tightened with senior officials, including SP Yogesh Goyal, ASP Umesh Ojha, and Sukher CI Ravindra Singh Charan, inspecting the venues and verifying attendees’ documents at entry.

The release overcame several legal challenges. It was initially slated for July 11 but faced petitions from religious groups and Mohammad Javed in the Delhi High Court. An interim stay on July 10 asked the central government to review the film under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act, though the Information and Broadcasting Ministry later cleared it. The Supreme Court later allowed the release, and a Delhi High Court directive prompted further government action on its suitability. A review committee approved the release, and filmmaker Amit Jani announced the date on social media, stressing that the film aims to depict the incident rather than target any community.

With the controversy resolved, Udaipur Files has opened to audiences amid heightened security and social media buzz.