Bhatkal: Tanzeem calls for ban on ‘Udaipur Files’, says film spreads hate, misrepresents Islam
Bhatkal, July 10: The Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem, a prominent socio-religious organisation based in Bhatkal, has opposed the release of the controversial film Udaipur Files, alleging that it spreads misinformation, promotes communal hatred, and targets the Muslim community in a biased manner. In a press statement issued on Thursday, the organisation demanded an immediate and permanent ban on the film, warning that its release would only deepen existing communal divisions in the country.
The Tanzeem stated that the movie, which claims to be based on real events, selectively portrays an entire community in a negative light under the pretext of truth-telling. “The film includes objectionable references to Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) and distorts Islamic teachings. Such content is not only offensive to Muslims but also poses a grave threat to the nation’s social harmony,” the statement said.
Drawing parallels to previously released films like The Kashmir Files and The Kerala Story, the Tanzeem alleged that Udaipur Files follows the same pattern of presenting one-sided narratives under the garb of cinema, with the intent to fuel hatred and mistrust. The organisation noted that such films had previously triggered a rise in communal tensions across the country and feared a similar fallout with the release of Udaipur Files.
“Let us be clear — films like these do not promote justice or dialogue. They manufacture fear and spread prejudice,” the statement noted, adding that the movie arrives at a time when communal harmony is fragile and the legal proceedings in the Udaipur incident are still underway. “To fictionalise and communalise an ongoing case through a cinematic portrayal is not only irresponsible but also dangerous,” the statement read.
The organisation urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the government to act responsibly and prevent the release of the film in any format — whether in theatres, television, or online platforms. According to the Tanzeem, permitting the film’s release would set a dangerous precedent and embolden more such productions that aim to vilify specific communities.
“In case the film is released despite these concerns, we call upon all peace-loving and secular-minded citizens of India to register their protest and oppose this growing trend of communal propaganda through cinema,” the Tanzeem said.
The statement further expressed alarm over the growing misuse of cinema to legitimise fringe ideologies and communal narratives, warning that such content does not remain limited to entertainment halls but seeps into classrooms, workplaces, homes, and public discourse — affecting society at large.
Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem also urged political parties to take a clear and principled stand against the release of such films. “Those who claim to stand for secularism, democracy and justice must not remain silent in this hour. Silence will only embolden those who seek to divide the country,” it said.
Reiterating its long-standing commitment to communal harmony, peaceful coexistence, and the rule of law, the organisation stated that any criminal act — including the tragic Udaipur incident — must be dealt with strictly under the law and not through provocative and biased portrayals on the silver screen.
Calling for a broader public engagement on the matter, the Tanzeem appealed to civil society groups, student organisations, legal experts, journalists, and filmmakers to stand against content that distorts facts and undermines constitutional values. “India’s strength lies in its unity and diversity. We must not let films become weapons that poison minds and tear our society apart,” the organisation concluded.
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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
