A new movie titled Udaipur Files is set to release. The movie reiterates one of India's most heart-wrenching crimes in recent memory—the 2022 killing of Udaipur, Rajasthan, tailor Kanhaiya Lal Sahu. Tagged "based on true events," the movie closely parallels the incidents that shocked the nation, led to protests, and pushed security agencies into action.
What really happened to Kanhaiya Lal
Kanhaiya Lal began his day on June 28, 2022, as usual by opening his small tailoring shop in the city. Two men, Ghous Mohammad and Muhammad Riyaz Attari, entered his shop as if they wanted some clothes stitched. Sources claim that they actually came with a motive to murder.
Suddenly, in the middle of the day, they assaulted him. Nobody had time to do anything before they just attacked him. They recorded themselves committing the murder and posted the video online afterward as a threat and as a warning of why they killed him.
They said they were exacting revenge for what they perceived as an insult to the Prophet. The charge was made to a social media post that had been on Kanhaiya Lal's page. He had clarified that his son had put it up unintentionally, and he had even reported to the police when the threats began. But regardless of how many times he clarified, the intimidation persisted.
The two men came back to the shop on the day of the attack, presenting themselves as if to pick up their clothes. They went inside and then pulled out weapons and attacked. Kanhaiya Lal's throat was cut, and he was stabbed repeatedly. Some people heard the noise but were unable to save him. His employee was also seriously injured while attempting to help.
The murder triggered instant panic and fury in Udaipur. The government enforced curfews and blocked internet services to avert unrest from spreading. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) later took charge of the probe. Over the following weeks, 11 individuals were arrested, with two Pakistani men charged with being involved in the conspiracy. The state government offered compensation to Kanhaiya Lal's family to ease their grief. The tragedy also initiated a national debate regarding religious intolerance as well as loopholes in safeguarding individuals who are threatened.
The 'Udaipur Files'
Udaipur Files has been referred to as a gripping true-crime drama. It doesn't merely depict how the murder occurred but also examines why it occurred and how it impacted all the parties involved. Promos of the show feature interviews with Kanhaiya Lal's relatives and several of the investigators who were working tirelessly to crack the case.
As per the creators, the series is "inspired by the true tale of Kanhaiya Lal's murder." To make the audience relate to what occurred, the team incorporated dialogue with his son, Yash Sahu. The show tries to demonstrate how extremist ideology can result in awful acts of brutality and just how crucial it is to safeguard individuals who do raise their voices or find themselves targeted.
Significance of the case
The killing of Kanhaiya Lal was just a tragic crime. It was a symbol of the deeper issues—increasing religious differences, the peril of false information, and the requirement of the authorities to intervene when an individual's life is in danger. By relating this story once again, Udaipur Files aims to preserve the memory of the victim and remind everyone why such tragedies can never be overlooked.
The Udaipur Files will be released on July 11, 2025. It is a stark reminder of a day that left Udaipur—and the entire nation—shaken and grieving.