Rating: 3/5 Stars
Bharat S. Shrinate brings one of India’s most shocking real incidents to the big screen with “Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder.” Released on August 8, 2025, after facing several legal challenges, this crime drama tackles the brutal murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal that shook the entire nation in June 2022.
A Story That Needed Telling
The film recreates the tragic events surrounding Kanhaiya Lal’s murder in Udaipur, exploring how religious extremism and digital radicalization led to this horrific crime. Director Bharat S. Shrinate doesn’t shy away from showing the harsh reality, making it clear this isn’t just entertainment but a wake-up call about the dangers of hate and intolerance.
The narrative focuses on Intelligence Bureau officer Rajneesh Duggal’s investigation, revealing the cross-border terror conspiracy that turned a simple tailor’s life into a national tragedy. The film shows how quickly online hatred can turn into real-world violence.
Strong Performances Carry The Weight
Vijay Raaz delivers a powerful performance as Kanhaiya Lal, bringing dignity and humanity to the character without making him a mere victim. His portrayal makes you feel the loss deeply. Rajniesh Duggal as the investigating officer shows the frustration and determination of someone trying to piece together a senseless crime.
The supporting cast including Preeti Jhangiani, Kamlesh Sawant, Kanchi Singh, and Mushtaq Khan all contribute meaningfully to the story. Nobody feels out of place or overdramatic, which is crucial for such a sensitive subject.
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Technical Aspects Work Well
The film maintains a documentary-like feel without being boring. The cinematography captures both the beauty of Udaipur and the darkness of the events. The background music stays subtle, letting the story speak for itself rather than manipulating emotions artificially.
At just under two hours, the pacing feels right. The director gives enough time to build characters while keeping the tension throughout.
Sensitive But Necessary
What makes this film important is how it handles such a delicate subject. Instead of sensationalizing the violence, it focuses on understanding how ordinary people get caught in cycles of hatred. The movie asks tough questions about intelligence failures, online radicalization, and communal harmony.
Some scenes are definitely hard to watch, but they serve the story’s purpose of showing real consequences of extremism.
Areas For Improvement
The film sometimes feels heavy-handed in delivering its message. A few scenes could have been more subtle in their approach. Also, viewers looking for typical Bollywood entertainment might find it too serious and lacking in lighter moments.
Final Thoughts
“Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder” is an important film that brings a tragic real story to light. While it’s not an easy watch, it serves as a reminder of what hate can lead to. Vijay Raaz’s sincere performance and the director’s honest approach make this worth watching, especially for those who want to understand the deeper issues behind such incidents.