Martyr's Family Takes Legal Stand Against Bollywood Film
The parents of decorated Indian Army officer Major Mohit Sharma have approached the Delhi High Court with an urgent petition. They are seeking an immediate stay on the release of the upcoming big-budget film 'Dhurandhar', starring Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar. The family contends that the movie draws heavily from the covert military career and martyrdom of their son without obtaining any consent from them or the Indian Army.
Unauthorized Portrayal and Privacy Concerns
In their petition, Major Sharma's parents have stated that scenes from the film's trailer and promotional materials appear to closely mirror real events from the late officer's life, including his undercover operations in Kashmir. They argue that using his story without authorization commercially exploits a martyr, reducing him to a "commercial commodity".
The plea emphasizes that this unauthorized portrayal violates the "posthumous personality rights" of the deceased officer under Article 21 of the Constitution. It also infringes upon the family's own fundamental rights to privacy and dignity, causing them immense emotional distress.
National Security Risks Alleged
Beyond the personal grievance, the family has raised significant concerns about potential national security violations. They allege that the film depicts sensitive military tactics, infiltration strategies, and operational procedures.
Critically, the petition points out that there is no indication the filmmakers sought mandatory clearance from the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI). This body is responsible for regulating the portrayal of the Indian armed forces in media to prevent the disclosure of classified information.
Filmmaker's Firm Denial
In response to the growing controversy, director Aditya Dhar has publicly and unequivocally denied any connection between his film and Major Sharma's life. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he directly addressed a query from the martyr's brother.
"Hi, sir – our film Dhurandhar is not based on the life of braveheart Major Mohit Sharma AC(P) SM. This is an official clarification," Dhar stated. He further assured that if a biopic on Major Sharma were ever made in the future, it would be done with the family's full consent and consultation to properly honor his legacy and sacrifice for the nation.
Dhar has maintained that 'Dhurandhar' is a fictional spy thriller, and any resemblance to real persons or events is purely coincidental.
About the Upcoming Film
The film, which has generated considerable buzz, is backed by Jio Studios and B62 Studios. It boasts a powerful ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal.
Adding to the speculation, Ranveer Singh's character has been deliberately kept secret and is referred to as 'Wrath of God' in the trailer. The movie is currently scheduled for a theatrical release on December 5, 2025.
