Just two days after filmmaker Aditya Dhar clarified that the lead character in Dhurandhar (played by Ranveer Singh) is not based on the late Major Mohit Sharma, his parents have moved the Delhi High Court with a plea seeking an urgent stay on the release of the film and ordering a private screening before putting it out for the public.
According to a Bar & Bench report, Major Sharma's parents strongly suspect — after going through the promo materials — that the film is based on the life, gallantry, and martyrdom of the Ashoka Chakra and Sena Medal awardee in the line of duty, and that the makers of Dhurandhar made the film without the permission of Sharma's parents or the Indian Army.
There is also the matter of some media portals and internet forums associating Dhurandhar’s story with Major Sharma's life and activities, the acknowledgement of which the makers haven't made, according to the parents.
As per the report, "the petitioners have contended that a martyr is not a commercial commodity and that his life cannot be reconstructed for profit without truth, dignity and due permission," while arguing that "apart from violating a martyr's posthumous personality rights under Article 21 of the Constitution, such an unauthorised portrayal violates their right to privacy and dignity as well."
Moreover, the petition also raises concerns of national security. "The petitioners contend that the movie seems to depict delicate military tactics, infiltration strategies, and operational procedures without any indication that the filmmakers obtained permission or screened the script from the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI), the body in charge of governing the manner in which the Indian Army is portrayed in the media," it added.
Since the hearing for the same is expected to be held next week, there’s no clarity on Dhurandhar making the December 5 release date.