“Udaipur Files”, an upcoming Islamophobic Bollywood movie, is facing a widespread backlash following the release of the trailer as Indian Muslims and members of other religious communities are calling for a ban on the film.
The filmmakers have announced that Udaipur Files will be released on July 11, though it was initially expected to premiere on June 28.
The trailer clearly depicts the film as being not only provocative toward Muslims but overtly hostile to Islam. Even in the brief footage, characters are shown speaking in a hateful manner about Muslims, their mosques, and their religious beliefs.
The plot revolves around the killing of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in the city of Udaipur, Rajasthan. However, the narrative reportedly portrays Muslims as terrorists and Islam as a misguided religion.
The trailer also suggests the inclusion of content inciting hostility toward Pakistan.
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The film has been produced by Amit Jani, a member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and directed by Bharti S. Ranauté.
The cast includes Mushtaq Khan, Ehsan Khan, Preeti Jhangiani, and Rajneesh Duggal, among others.
After the trailer’s release, several Indian social media influencers, as well as political and civil society figures, condemned the film as being anti-Islam. They urged the authorities to ban its release, warning that it could fuel hatred and lead to a rise in violence against Muslims.
