The release of the Hindi film ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ cannot be stayed based on objections from a small group : Madras High Court

Refuses to stay the release of the film during election period

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) – The Madras High Court recently refused to stay the release of the Hindi film ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ during the ongoing Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. The Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation seeking a ban on the film’s release until the results of the 2026 Assembly elections are declared.

Cannot stop the release once the Censor Board grants certification !

The Court observed that the exhibition of a film certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (Censor Board) cannot be stopped merely due to objections raised by a small section of society. After an expert body has granted certification after considering the film’s public impact, it is not appropriate to halt its exhibition ‘merely because a few individuals hold a different view’.

Freedom of expression

The Court underlined that films are a medium of expression protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. Preventing the release of a certified film would amount to a violation of this right, unless the certification itself is revoked. The Court also clarified that a film’s screening cannot be stopped based on apprehensions related to law and order. Maintaining public order is the responsibility of the State, not restricting freedom of expression.

Petitioners’ arguments

The petitioners argued that the film amounts to indirect political propaganda and violates the principle of equal opportunity under the Election Code of Conduct. They contended that there is a rule stating that ‘the ruling party should not use the media to प्रचारate its performance during elections’.