Today the fundamentalists must have got some relief- Udaipur Files Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder Earned Only ₹1 Lakh

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Udaipur Files: The Forgotten Rage and the Silence in Cinemas

Introduction

India is no stranger to moments of collective outrage. When tragedy strikes, streets fill with protestors, social media explodes with opinions, and the nation’s conscience appears to awaken. Yet, as time passes, the intensity fades, and the very issues that once united people in anger are slowly forgotten. The story of Kanhaiya Lal Teli, a tailor from Udaipur whose brutal murder in June 2022 shocked the country, is a stark example of this phenomenon. Now, with the release of “Udaipur Files”—a film based on his life and death—the nation’s response raises uncomfortable questions about empathy, memory, and the realities of justice.

The Murder That Shook India

On June 8, 2022, the city of Udaipur in Rajasthan witnessed an act of violence that would reverberate across the country. Kanhaiya Lal Teli, a humble tailor, was attacked and beheaded in broad daylight by two men, reportedly as retribution for a social media post. The incident was captured on video and quickly went viral, igniting a firestorm of outrage. Protests erupted in cities and towns, with thousands taking to the streets demanding justice for Kanhaiya Lal and protection for his family.

The murder was not just a crime—it was a symbol of the rising communal tensions in India. It exposed deep divisions and prompted debates about freedom of expression, religious intolerance, and the role of social media in fueling violence. For weeks, the story dominated headlines, and Kanhaiya Lal’s family became the focus of national sympathy.

The Promise of Justice and the Birth of a Film

In the aftermath of the murder, promises were made. Political leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens pledged support for Kanhaiya Lal’s family. The case was investigated thoroughly, and several suspects were arrested, including Mohammad Javed, who later became involved in legal efforts to block the film’s release.

Amidst the turmoil, filmmakers saw an opportunity to tell the story of Kanhaiya Lal—a story that, they believed, needed to be remembered. “Udaipur Files” was conceived as a tribute to the slain tailor and as a means to highlight the issues that led to his death. The filmmakers committed to donating the film’s earnings to Kanhaiya Lal’s impoverished family, hoping that the nation’s empathy would translate into tangible support.

The Roadblocks: Legal Battles and Censorship

The journey to bring “Udaipur Files” to the big screen was anything but smooth. As the film neared completion, legal challenges emerged. Mohammad Javed, one of the accused in the murder case, filed a petition in court seeking to halt the film’s release. He argued that the film’s trailer and promotional material could incite communal tension and potentially influence the ongoing legal proceedings.

The court took the matter seriously, and the film’s release was delayed. During this time, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reviewed the film and mandated 55 cuts to ensure that it met legal and ethical standards. Only after these extensive edits did “Udaipur Files” receive approval for theatrical release.

The Release: A Deafening Silence

On August 8, “Udaipur Files” finally hit cinemas across India, opening on 4,500 screens. The expectation was that the same passion that had filled the streets after Kanhaiya Lal’s murder would now fill cinema halls. The family waited anxiously, hoping that the film’s earnings would help them rebuild their lives.

But reality proved disappointing. On its first day, the film earned a modest ₹13 lakh—a figure far below expectations given the scale of its release and the gravity of its subject matter. The next day, the box office collection plummeted to just ₹1 lakh. The vast majority of seats remained empty, and the film was on track to be pulled from theaters within days due to poor attendance.

The Disconnect: Outrage vs. Action

The contrast between the public’s initial reaction to Kanhaiya Lal’s murder and their response to the film is striking. After the murder, millions expressed their anger and solidarity with the victim’s family. Social media was flooded with messages of support, and there were calls for justice from every corner of society.

Yet, when presented with an opportunity to support the family directly—by watching a film that would donate its earnings to them—very few stepped up. The empty theaters are a stark reminder of the gap between words and actions, between outrage and real-world support.

The Human Cost: A Family Still in Mourning

For Kanhaiya Lal’s family, the film’s release was supposed to be a moment of healing and hope. Instead, it has been marked by disappointment and renewed grief. His son, who attended a screening, reportedly broke down in tears during the scene depicting his father’s murder. The film, while touching the hearts of those who watched it, failed to reach the masses.

The family’s struggle continues. Despite promises of support and justice, they remain on the margins, their pain largely forgotten by a society that has moved on. The film’s poor earnings mean that the financial help they desperately need may never materialize.

The Role of Media and Society

The story of “Udaipur Files” raises important questions about the role of media and society in addressing tragedy. Why do people respond so strongly in the moment, only to lose interest when the cameras turn away? Is social media activism enough, or does real change require sustained engagement and support?

Some critics argue that the film industry itself is to blame, suggesting that “Udaipur Files” failed to connect with audiences due to poor marketing or lack of cinematic appeal. Others point to a deeper issue: the tendency of society to move on quickly, forgetting the victims of violence once the headlines fade.

The Fundamentalists’ Relief: A Disturbing Perspective

Amidst the disappointment, a troubling narrative has emerged. Some suggest that the poor performance of “Udaipur Files” at the box office has given relief to fundamentalists and those who wished to suppress the story. The film’s failure to attract audiences is seen by some as a victory for those who would rather forget the incident and its implications.

This perspective underscores the importance of remembering and confronting uncomfortable truths. If society allows itself to forget, then the forces of intolerance and violence win by default.

Legal and Social Implications

The legal battle surrounding “Udaipur Files” highlights the complex relationship between art, justice, and communal harmony in India. The court’s decision to allow the film’s release—after significant censorship—reflects the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the need to prevent violence.

At the same time, the public’s response raises questions about the effectiveness of such measures. If a film intended to promote justice and support a victim’s family cannot find an audience, what does that say about society’s commitment to these ideals?

The Future of Justice and Memory

As “Udaipur Files” faces the prospect of being pulled from theaters, the larger question remains: how can society ensure that the victims of violence are not forgotten? How can empathy be translated into action, and outrage into meaningful support?

Some activists are calling for new approaches, including:

Community support initiatives: Direct financial and emotional assistance to victims’ families, beyond symbolic gestures.
Educational campaigns: Raising awareness about the dangers of intolerance and the importance of peaceful coexistence.
Legal reforms: Strengthening laws to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure swift justice.

Conclusion: The Battle Between Good and Evil

The story of Kanhaiya Lal and “Udaipur Files” is ultimately a story about the battle between good and evil—between the forces of intolerance and those who seek justice. In this case, evil seems to be winning, as public interest wanes and the victim’s family continues to suffer.

Yet, the film’s message remains powerful. It reminds us that justice is not just about punishment, but about remembrance and support. It challenges us to look beyond fleeting outrage and to commit ourselves to real change.

As “Udaipur Files” fades from the box office, let us not allow the memory of Kanhaiya Lal to fade as well. His story is a call to action—a reminder that justice requires more than words. It demands empathy, solidarity, and the courage to stand up for what is right, even when the world moves on.

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