‘Udaipur Files’ promotes division, must be banned: Bhatkal’s Tanzeem raises strong objection

Bhatkal, July 10: (Bhatkallys News Bureau) Raising serious concerns over the upcoming film Udaipur Files, the Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem in Bhatkal has called on authorities to immediately ban its release, stating that the film spreads communal hatred and misrepresents Islamic values. The socio-religious body warned that the film could disturb social peace and reinforce harmful stereotypes against Muslims.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Tanzeem criticised the film for including content that is derogatory towards Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) and misleading in its depiction of Islam. It alleged that the movie takes a selective and distorted approach under the pretext of showing “true events”, thereby fuelling existing fault lines in Indian society.

The organisation expressed fears that Udaipur Files, like earlier films such as The Kashmir Files and The Kerala Story, is another cinematic attempt to push a one-sided narrative. “Instead of contributing to national harmony, these films deepen divisions and build mistrust,” the Tanzeem said, adding that such portrayals, if left unchecked, risk turning mainstream cinema into a tool of communal provocation.

The statement also noted that the timing of the film’s release is particularly troubling, as the Udaipur case it refers to is still under judicial process. “When matters are sub judice, dramatising them on screen, especially in a way that targets a whole community, is not only insensitive but dangerous,” the Tanzeem pointed out.

It further stated that the content of the film violates constitutional principles of equality, secularism, and fraternity — core values that uphold India’s pluralistic identity. The Tanzeem appealed to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the Government of India to act and ensure that such polarising content does not reach the public in any form — whether theatrical, digital, or broadcast.

Anticipating that the film may still be released despite the objections raised, the Tanzeem urged secular-minded citizens, social groups, and civil society organisations to oppose it publicly and peacefully. “Every Indian who believes in unity must resist this normalisation of hate,” the statement said.

The Tanzeem also criticised the increasing misuse of films to promote fringe ideologies and said the impact of such content often extends beyond cinema halls. “The ideas spread by these films echo into homes, classrooms, offices, and public discourse, further marginalising vulnerable communities,” it said.

The organisation took the opportunity to call upon political parties across the spectrum to clarify their position. “It is not enough to claim commitment to secularism — political leadership must also stand up when those values are under threat,” it said, urging parties to break their silence and show solidarity with the nation’s constitutional framework.

Reiterating its faith in the legal system, the Tanzeem said it has always supported action against wrongdoers within the framework of the law. However, it warned that sensationalised cinematic portrayals can turn real tragedies into communal flashpoints.

The statement concluded by encouraging journalists, students, lawyers, and rights-based groups to question and challenge narratives that promote fear and division. “India is built on diversity and coexistence. We cannot allow propaganda films to sabotage our shared future,” it said.