Major Mohit Sharma’s Family Seeks Urgent Stay on Release of Film Dhurandhar
The parents of Late Major Mohit Sharma, an Ashoka Chakra and Sena Medal awardee, have approached the Delhi High Court seeking an urgent stay on the release of the upcoming film Dhurandhar, starring Ranvir Singh.
According to the petition, the film appears to draw heavily from Major Sharma’s life, especially his undercover missions and his role in counter-terrorism operations in Kashmir. The family has argued that the filmmakers neither sought permission from the Indian Army nor consulted the family, even though the movie’s trailer and promotions closely resemble real events from the officer’s life.
The petition highlights that many media reports and online discussions link Dhurandhar to Major Sharma, but the makers have never acknowledged any such connection. The family has stated that a martyr’s life cannot be used for commercial gain without accuracy, dignity and proper authorisation.
They further argue that the film violates Major Sharma’s posthumous personality rights under Article 21, along with the family’s own right to privacy and dignity. Concerns regarding national security have also been raised. The petition says the movie seems to portray sensitive military tactics, infiltration methods and operational procedures, without any confirmation that the script was vetted by the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI), which regulates how the Indian Army is represented in media.
The plea names the Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the ADGPI, director and co-producer Aditya Dhar, and producer Jio Studios as respondents.
The family has requested the Court to halt the film’s release and allow them a private screening before it is made public. They have also sought a declaration that any film based on a real military martyr should be made only after taking permission from both the Army and the martyr’s legal heirs.
The petitioners are represented by advocates Roopenshu Pratap Singh and Manish Sharmaa of Samaanta Law Firm (SLF). The case is expected to come up for hearing next week.
