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The release of one of the year’s most anticipated films, Dhurandhar, has hit a massive roadblock on its opening day. In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the film industry and left thousands of fans stranded at cinemas, the morning shows of the Ranveer Singh starrer have been cancelled across the country.
What was supposed to be a celebration of cinematic grandeur has turned into a legal and logistical nightmare for the makers. The sudden halt comes following a last-minute intervention by the family of the late Major Mohit Sharma, the Ashok Chakra awardee upon whose life the film is reportedly based. The family has successfully approached the court, seeking a stay on the release, citing serious objections to the portrayal of the war hero and the lack of official consent.
As of the morning of December 5, 2025, theaters in major metros like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru have stopped ticket sales, and screens have gone blank. Chaos has been reported at several multiplex chains where audiences had already taken their seats, only to be informed that the projection could not proceed due to legal orders. Here is a detailed report on the unfolding situation, the specific objections raised by the martyr’s family, and what this means for the future of the film.
Morning Mayhem: Fans Left in the Dark
The confusion began early this morning when the 9:00 AM shows scheduled at marquee properties did not start. Initially, audiences believed it was a technical glitch. However, within minutes, theater management began making announcements that the screenings were cancelled “until further notice.”
Social media platforms were immediately flooded with videos of angry moviegoers demanding refunds and answers. For Ranveer Singh fans, who had pre-booked tickets in record numbers, the disappointment was palpable. Exhibitors are now in a frantic mode, processing mass refunds while waiting for clarity from the production house.
According to sources within the exhibition sector, the instructions to halt the screening came directly from the distributors late last night, following a court directive that restrained the release. This unprecedented move has put millions of rupees in opening day collections at risk.
The Core Issue: Why Major Mohit Sharma’s Family Objected
The central controversy revolves around the rights and representation of Major Mohit Sharma, a Para Special Forces officer who made the supreme sacrifice during a counter-insurgency operation in Kupwara in 2009.
While the filmmakers have marketed Dhurandhar as a tribute to unsung heroes, Major Mohit Sharma’s brother has stepped forward to reveal the specific reasons behind their legal action. Speaking to the press outside the court, the brother stated that the family’s primary grievance is the “commercialization of sacrifice without consent.”
“No NOC Was Obtained”
The brother revealed that the production house never formally approached the immediate family for a No Objection Certificate (NOC). He argued that while the life of a public figure is a matter of record, the intimate details of a soldier’s personal life, his family dynamics, and specific operational details require sensitive handling and family approval.
He emphasized that the family is not against a film being made, but they are strictly against a narrative that distorts facts for “cinematic liberty.” The family fears that in the race to create a blockbuster, the dignity and factual accuracy of Major Mohit Sharma’s legacy have been compromised.
Fictionalization of Real Events
Another major point of contention raised by the family is the alleged fictionalization of key events. The petition filed in court reportedly cites specific scenes in the trailer and promotional material that dramatize the events leading to the Major’s martyrdom in a way that the family claims is “factually incorrect and insensitive.”
The brother stated, “We cannot allow our brother’s bravery to be used as a fictional plot point for box office numbers. His story is sacred to us and the nation, and it must be told with absolute truth or not told at all.”
The Legal Battle: What the Court Said
The legal team representing the Sharma family moved the High Court urgently yesterday. After hearing the arguments, the bench observed that the rights of the family to protect the privacy and dignity of the deceased soldier are paramount.
The court noted that the filmmakers could not provide sufficient proof of consent from the kin of the Ashok Chakra awardee. Consequently, an interim stay was granted, restraining the producers, distributors, and exhibitors from releasing the film in theaters or on any digital platform until the matter is resolved.
This stay order is a massive blow to the makers, as the promotional campaign was at its peak. Legal experts suggest that unless the production house manages to reach an out-of-court settlement with the family or succeeds in vacating the stay order in a higher court, the film could remain in the cans for weeks, if not months.
Impact on Ranveer Singh and Aditya Dhar
For the lead actor Ranveer Singh, this development is a professional setback. Dhurandhar was touted to be his career-defining performance, seeing him step into the shoes of a gritty special forces operative. The actor has reportedly spent months undergoing physical transformation and military training for the role.
Director Aditya Dhar, who previously garnered immense respect for Uri: The Surgical Strike, now faces scrutiny regarding the research and clearance process. The industry is debating how a project of this magnitude could reach the release stage without securing the necessary legal permissions from the subject’s family.
This incident also reignites the debate around “Biopic Rights” in Bollywood. In recent years, several films have faced similar hurdles, but a stay order on the release day is a rare and extreme outcome. It serves as a warning to filmmakers that the “inspired by true events” tag does not grant immunity from the moral and legal obligation to consult the real-life subjects.
What Happens Next?
The production house is currently in emergency meetings with their legal counsel. It is expected that they will approach the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing to challenge the High Court’s stay order.
Their argument is likely to hinge on the fact that the film is already certified by the Censor Board (CBFC) and that significant financial investments are at stake. However, courts in India have historically been sensitive to the sentiments of the families of armed forces personnel.
For the audience, the wait continues. Theater chains have begun removing the posters and showtimes from their listings. Those who have purchased tickets online are being processed for automatic refunds, though the timeline for the money to reflect in accounts varies by bank.
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A Lesson for the Industry
The stalling of Dhurandhar is a significant case study for the Indian film fraternity. It highlights the fine line between artistic freedom and the right to privacy.
As the standoff continues, the sentiment on social media is divided. While fans are disappointed, a large section of the public is voicing support for Major Mohit Sharma’s family, asserting that the dignity of a martyr takes precedence over entertainment.
The coming hours are critical. Will the makers issue a public apology? Will the family agree to a screening and suggest cuts? Or will Dhurandhar face a prolonged legal battle that delays it indefinitely? For now, the screens remain dark, and the story of the braveheart remains untold on the celluloid.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on breaking news reports and legal updates available as of today. The status of the film’s release is subject to court proceedings. This content is for informational purposes only and does not intend to disrespect any parties involved.
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