Udaipur Files: Loose Screenplay and Weak Narration Hamper Expectations

Udaipur, Aug 8, 2025: Yash Teli and Tarun Teli, both sons of the deceased tailor Kanhaiya Lal Sahu attended the premier shows of the controversial movie Udaipur Files, which is based on the hacking of Udaipur tailor by the same name in 2022.

The movie, which went through various cuts and multiple legal hurdles and even the central government's mandate, finally got approval from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, for its release on August 8. The movie was released across 4,500 screens pan India but seems to have fallen short of expectations. The movie was premiered at three cineplexes in Udaipur, with one show each, considering the sensitive nature of the title and story specially for Udaipur. Police were deployed at all the three venues in Udaipur, in order to maintain law and order.

The Movie

According to media reports and movie reviews, a loose screenplay and cluttered narrative in the first half of the movie leave the viewers disappointed. Tacky production in the first half leads to an abrupt intermission and too many things seem to be happening simultaneously. The screenplay however gains some ground in the second half and ends on an emotional high. The music is nothing much to be talked about and the few songs are better forgotten. As for the characters on screen, Vijay Raaz, who plays Kanhaiya Lal, has been given a very limited role to play and it does not do justice to his calibre. Other actors have been too loud for effect and do no good to the movie. Some talented actors could have put the movie on its well-intended path.

Social media users had mixed reactions, trade and cinema specialists called it a well intentioned, sans a tight and compelling screenplay and narrative.

The movie, based on a true story of murder in Udaipur, has its makers beginning the movie with a disclaimer that cinematic liberties have been taken while making the movie. However, if the movie has gone through more than 50 cuts, and the teasers being objected by Court, leading to delay in its release, it could be a case of cinematic liberties taken too far.

Udaipur

The sons of the deceased, in their interaction with media, said that the movie showcases the fight of the family in securing justice for their father and sole bread earner Kanhaiya Lal. They added "the message from the film is that our family has been fighting for justice for three years, but have not got justice yet. We appeal to the people of the country to support us so that the accused can be punished."

Yash also said that the film shows how people with a terrorist mindset killed his father. He appealed to the people to watch the film and understand the truth behind the incident.