Amid a legal storm and rising public attention surrounding the controversial film ‘Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder’, its producer Amit Jani has been granted Y-category security cover by the central government. Amit Jani, who leads the ‘Uttar Pradesh Navnirman Sena’, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the decision. The move comes shortly after the Delhi High Court stayed the film’s release, prompting Amit Jani to announce his intention to challenge the ruling in the Supreme Court. The film, which revisits a communal killing that shocked the nation in 2022, has once again reignited sensitive political and social debates across the country.
Security Cover Triggered by Rising Threat Perception
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directed the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to provide Amit Jani with Y-category armed protection. This category includes a security detail of 8 to 11 personnel, often comprising specially trained commandos who ensure round-the-clock safety of the individual. Amit Jani’s public statements, political affiliations, and his role in producing a film based on a deeply polarising incident have reportedly increased the threat perception against him.
According to officials familiar with the development, the decision to extend Y-level security was taken following a review of intelligence inputs suggesting potential risks to Amit Jani in both Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. With the film addressing communal tensions and radicalisation themes, and touching upon the controversial murder of Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur, the government deemed it necessary to provide protection to its producer.
In response to the security arrangement, Amit Jani took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where he wrote, “Heartfelt thanks to Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and Home Minister Shri Amit Shah ji for providing Y-category security from the Centre.” His statement underscored both the personal significance of the protection and his political proximity to the ruling government, which is often a point of contention in matters involving ideological content in films.
Film Controversy and Legal Tussle
The film ‘Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder’ is based on the gruesome 2022 killing of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The victim was brutally murdered in broad daylight by two men who allegedly carried out the act as retaliation for a social media post supporting former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. The incident had sparked widespread national outrage, highlighting growing concerns over radicalisation, communal tensions, and digital speech in the country.
The Delhi High Court had issued a stay on the film’s release on July 11, citing concerns about its timing, potential to disturb communal harmony, and the lack of sufficient approvals. Amit Jani, reacting strongly to the court’s decision, declared that he would escalate the matter to the Supreme Court, challenging the legality of the stay and defending his right to artistic expression and representation of real events.
The legal challenge and subsequent security arrangement have further polarised public opinion. While some view the film as an attempt to highlight religious extremism and honour the memory of Kanhaiya Lal, critics argue that it may stoke communal tensions and be misused for political gains, especially in sensitive electoral environments.
Amit Jani’s political outfit, Uttar Pradesh Navnirman Sena, is known for its strong Hindutva stance, which has also added to the ideological scrutiny around the film. The film’s script, promotional content, and timing have come under criticism from opposition parties and civil rights groups, who fear that the content could undermine social harmony.
Despite the controversies, the film has attracted significant public interest, with many anticipating its eventual release. Legal experts believe that the Supreme Court’s intervention could set an important precedent regarding the balance between freedom of expression and maintaining public order. In the meantime, Amit Jani remains at the centre of a storm that blends cinema, politics, and national security concerns, all unfolding under the spotlight of media attention.
