Parents of Major Mohit Sharma Seek Court Order Against 'Dhurandhar'

The parents of Late Major Mohit Sharma, a recipient of the Ashoka Chakra and Sena Medal, have approached the Delhi High Court requesting an immediate injunction against the release of the film 'Dhurandhar'. The film, featuring actor Ranveer Singh, is scheduled for release on 5 December 2025 and is alleged to draw directly from Major Sharma's life, including his undercover operations and martyrdom.

The petition, filed by 77-year-old Sushila Sharma and 75-year-old Rajendra Prasad Sharma, claims that the filmmakers did not seek permission from them or the Indian Army prior to producing the movie. They assert that significant elements of Major Sharma's military career, particularly his covert counter-terrorism efforts in Kashmir, are represented in the film's promotional materials.

The family contends that despite media speculation linking the film to Major Sharma, the filmmakers have neither acknowledged this connection nor consulted them. The petition emphasises that a martyr's legacy should not be commodified for profit without due respect and consent.

The plaintiffs argue that releasing the film without their approval infringes upon the posthumous personality rights of Major Sharma, as outlined under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which protects the right to life and personal liberty. Furthermore, they claim that the film's portrayal violates their privacy and dignity as the deceased's family members.

Concerns regarding national security are also raised in the petition, highlighting that the film appears to depict sensitive military tactics and operational procedures. The petitioners assert that such details should not be disclosed without proper clearance from the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI), the authority responsible for regulating the portrayal of the Indian Army in public media.

Respondents named in the petition include the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Central Board of Film Certification, the ADGPI, film director and co-producer Aditya Dhar, and producer Jio Studios.

The family has requested that the court not only stays the film's release but also mandates a private screening for them prior to any public showing. They further seek a judicial declaration stating that any film depicting a real-life military figure must obtain approval from the individual’s legal heirs and the Army before being released.

Representatives for the family, advocates Roopenshu Pratap Singh and Manish Sharmaa from Samaanta Law Firm, are leading the case, which is expected to be heard in the coming week. The outcome could set a precedent regarding the portrayal of military figures in media and the rights of their families to control their legacies.