Overview
- The film was released on ZEE5 on Friday, July 3, and the streamer removed it from its India catalogue within 48 hours on Sunday, July 5.
- ZEE5 said the title will remain unavailable in India until further notice and that it is exploring legal and procedural avenues to restore the film while asking audiences not to support piracy.
- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting told reporters the film was posted without completing the Central Board of Film Certification process and alleged the release may have breached IT/OTT rules, citing officials who said the CBFC had sought extensive cuts.
- Political parties, rights activists and the film’s creators called the takedown censorship, the lead actor urged viewers to share copies and multiple legal complaints or letters were filed as pirated copies spread online.
- The dispute follows a multi‑year certification battle, a withdrawn TIFF run and title changes, and it could sharpen conflicts over how India polices film certification and digital releases and lead to further regulatory or court action.