The family of the late Major Mohit Sharma, a recipient of the Ashoka Chakra and Sena Medal, has taken legal action by filing a petition in the Delhi High Court. They are seeking an immediate injunction against the release of the film “Dhurandhar,” which features Ranveer Singh in a lead role. The family asserts that the film draws inspiration from Major Sharma’s life and his operations during service, claiming that no permission was sought from the Indian Army or from Major Sharma’s heirs.
In the legal documents, the family emphasizes that a martyr’s life story should not be commercialized without proper consent. They argue that unauthorized representations jeopardize not only the dignity of the fallen soldier but also violate the family’s right to privacy as recognized under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. They maintain that reconstructing a soldier’s experiences for profit raises significant ethical issues.
The petition highlights concerns over national security, mentioning that the film may expose sensitive military tactics and operational procedures. The family points out that the filmmakers have not confirmed whether they received necessary approvals from the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI), which oversees portrayals of the Indian Army in the media.
Those named in the petition include key stakeholders such as the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Central Board of Film Certification, and members of the film’s creative team, including director Aditya Dhar and producer Jio Studios. The family has requested that the court prevent the film’s release and facilitate a private screening for them before it is shown publicly. They are also advocating for a legal precedent requiring future films based on real-life military figures to secure authorization from both the military and the families involved.
Represented by advocates from Samaanta Law Firm, the Sharma family’s case is expected to be addressed in court next week.
“Dhurandhar,” directed by Aditya Dhar, is already generating significant buzz as one of the most anticipated action dramas in Indian cinema. While official details remain sparse, early reports describe the film as a high-stakes military thriller focused on covert operations and national security. The film is produced by Jio Studios and will feature notable actors including R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun, alongside Ranveer Singh.