The upcoming Ranveer Singh–starrer Dhurandhar has landed in legal trouble just weeks ahead of release. The parents of Late Major Mohit Sharma — an Ashoka Chakra and Sena Medal awardee — have approached the Delhi High Court demanding an immediate halt on the film’s release, citing unauthorised use of the martyr’s life and legacy.
Family Alleges Film Mirrors Major Sharma’s Life Without Consent
According to the petition, reported by Bar and Bench, the family believes Dhurandhar draws heavily from Major Mohit Sharma’s covert missions, personal journey and martyrdom — without seeking permission from the Indian Army or from his legal heirs.
The petition notes that while several media reports and online discussions have linked the film’s storyline to Major Sharma, the makers have never acknowledged any such inspiration nor reached out to the family. They argue that:
- A martyr “is not a commercial commodity.”
- No filmmaker has the right to reconstruct a soldier’s life without truth, dignity, and official approval.
- An unauthorised portrayal violates the martyr’s posthumous personality rights under Article 21, as well as the family’s privacy and dignity.
Concerns Raised Over National Security
The plea further claims that the film may depict sensitive:
- military tactics
- infiltration strategies
- operational procedures
— all without clearance from the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI), the authority that oversees how the Indian Army is represented in cinema.
The family argues that releasing such content without approval could compromise national security.
Who Has Been Named in the Petition?
The respondents include:
- Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
- Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)
- ADGPI
- Director & Co-Producer Aditya Dhar
- Jio Studios
The petitioners have requested:
- A complete stay on the film’s theatrical release.
- A private screening for Major Sharma’s family before any public premiere.
- A legal directive requiring future films based on real military martyrs to obtain prior authorisation from the Army and the martyr’s legal heirs.
The family is represented by advocates Roopenshu Pratap Singh and Manish Sharma from Samaanta Law Firm. The matter is expected to be heard next week.
About Dhurandhar
Directed by Aditya Dhar, known for the National Award–winning Uri: The Surgical Strike, Dhurandhar is one of this year’s most talked-about action thrillers. While the team has kept the plot under wraps, early reports suggest the film revolves around high-stakes covert operations and national security missions.
The cast includes:
- Ranveer Singh
- R. Madhavan
- Sanjay Dutt
- Akshaye Khanna
- Arjun Rampal
- Sara Arjun
Produced by Jio Studios, the film has been marketed as a large-scale military action drama.
Final Words
With a decorated soldier’s family raising objections and the court now involved, the fate of Dhurandhar hangs in the balance. Whether the film proceeds as planned or undergoes scrutiny will depend on the upcoming hearing — a moment that could set a precedent for how Bollywood approaches stories rooted in real-life military heroes.
