Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj is preparing to tackle one of India’s most debated criminal cases on the big screen. Hours after the Bombay High Court overturned Tarun Tejpal’s acquittal, convicted the former Tehelka editor of rape and sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment, Bhardwaj confirmed that he is developing a feature film inspired by the case. Rather than presenting a conventional courtroom drama, the director says he intends to examine the events through multiple perspectives, drawing inspiration from the storytelling style of Akira Kurosawa’s classic Rashomon.
Known for acclaimed adaptations such as Maqbool, Omkara and Haider, Bhardwaj believes the legal complexities surrounding the case offer an opportunity to explore how different people interpret the same events. The filmmaker revealed that he has spent considerable time studying the court records and was present in Goa during the hearing related to the case.
Bhardwaj Says Contrasting Court Judgments Inspired the Film
According to Bhardwaj, the turning point came after carefully examining both the Goa Sessions Court judgment and the Bombay High Court’s ruling. He said the sharp differences between the two decisions convinced him that the case deserved to be explored through cinema.
“The contradiction between the two judgments makes it a perfect case for a ‘Rashomon’-style narrative. There are a lot of facts and incidents in this case that nobody knows about, and people will be amused and surprised to discover them on screen.”
The filmmaker also explained that the sheer volume of legal documents drew him deeper into the case. He said he has read the Goa trial court’s more than 500-page judgment multiple times and continues to analyse its details.
“As they say, the devil lies in the detail. How do you expect people to go through the tiring, dry legal language of a 500-plus-page court judgment? I have gone through the minutest details. I have read the judgment many times and am still grappling with it. It’s a very important case for society.”
A Film Without Preconceived Conclusions
Despite confirming the project, Bhardwaj stressed that he has not yet decided what conclusions the film will ultimately draw. Instead, he wants to approach the story with the mindset of an impartial observer rather than someone attempting to prove a particular argument.
“It’s too early for me to make up my mind on what the film is about, but I’m very clear that the approach must be that of a dispassionate observer, like a true film journalist, if I may say so.”
He added that presenting multiple viewpoints is central to both the structure and ethics of the project.
“Any crime of this nature, one with many points of view beyond reasonable doubt, must be approached without preconceived ideas or a biased starting point. No story is complete without all the different points of view, especially in a ‘Rashomon’ structure, because half a glass of water is also half empty at the same time – the only difference is perspective.”
Bhardwaj also shared an unusual casting preference. Rather than choosing an actor already familiar with the case, he hopes to cast someone who approaches the material without prior opinions.
“I want the actor to be unaware of the crime, if possible, and to set the judgments aside. I would love for him to approach it as fiction.”
The Legal Case Behind the Film
The Tarun Tejpal case has remained one of India’s most closely followed criminal proceedings over the past decade. The former Tehelka editor was arrested in 2013 after a junior colleague accused him of sexual assault during an event in Goa.
In 2021, a Goa Sessions Court acquitted Tejpal, a decision that drew significant public attention and was later challenged by the state government. On August 6, the Bombay High Court overturned that acquittal, describing the earlier judgment as “perverse.” The High Court relied on the complainant’s testimony, CCTV footage and apology emails sent by Tejpal while convicting him and sentencing him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment.
Tejpal has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings and has said he will challenge the High Court’s decision before the Supreme Court.
Bhardwaj confirmed that the film is being produced with a major Bollywood studio, although he declined to reveal its identity. While the project is still in its early stages, the filmmaker said its central aim extends beyond any single case.
“It’s not about India in 2026. It’s about the truth, which must come out at any cost, at any 26th year of any century.”
Q&A
What is Vishal Bhardwaj’s new film about?
The filmmaker is developing a feature inspired by the Tarun Tejpal case and its complex legal journey.
Why does Vishal Bhardwaj describe the film as ‘Rashomon’-style?
He says the conflicting court judgments and multiple perspectives make the case suitable for a narrative that presents different versions of the same events.
Has Vishal Bhardwaj completed the script?
No. He says the project is still in development and that he has not yet reached a final conclusion about its overall perspective.
Why has Bhardwaj read the court judgment multiple times?
He believes the detailed legal record contains important facts that deserve closer examination and cinematic exploration.
Who is producing the film?
The project is being produced by Vishal Bhardwaj along with a major Bollywood studio, whose identity has not yet been disclosed.
Will Tarun Tejpal appeal the conviction?
Yes. According to the report, Tejpal has said he will challenge the Bombay High Court’s verdict before the Supreme Court.
