The upcoming Ranveer Singh starrer Dhurandhar has encountered a legal hurdle shortly before its scheduled release, with the family of the late Major Mohit Sharma filing a petition in the Delhi High Court.
The family alleges that the film draws from the life and covert operations of the decorated Army officer without their consent. They argue that such an unauthorised depiction violates the martyr’s posthumous personality rights under Article 21 and also intrudes upon their own right to privacy and emotional security.
In their plea, the family has raised concerns about the possible disclosure of sensitive information linked to Major Sharma’s classified missions. According to them, any portrayal of covert operations could risk national security and reveal details that were never meant for public domain.
The petition also seeks a wider direction from the court to make it compulsory for filmmakers to secure approval from legal heirs and the Indian Army before producing films based on real-life military martyrs.
The respondents named in the petition include the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the CBFC, the Indian Army (ADGPI), director and co-producer Aditya Dhar, and Jio Studios.
Meanwhile, Dhar has publicly denied that Dhurandhar is based on Major Sharma’s life, stating on social media that the film is entirely fictional and not inspired by the officer’s story.
The High Court is expected to take up the matter next week. With the film slated for release on December 5, it remains unclear whether the legal proceedings will affect its theatrical rollout.
