Late Major Mohit Sharma’s family has urged filmmakers to provide clarity and truth regarding the upcoming film Dhurandhar, as controversy intensifies ahead of its release. His brother, Madhur Sharma, has publicly appealed for transparency, stressing that the family seeks no personal benefit, only honesty about whether the movie is based on the decorated officer’s life.
Ranveer Singh’s espionage thriller Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, is scheduled for release on December 5, 2025. The film has come under scrutiny after speculation that its storyline mirrors the life of Major Mohit Sharma, an Ashok Chakra awardee who was martyred in 2009 during a counter-insurgency operation in Kashmir. The family alleges that the film exploits his legacy without consent.
Madhur Sharma stated that ever since the film was announced, social media and media outlets have drawn correlations between the movie and his brother’s life. He emphasized: “We just want the producers to clarify and tell us the reality. There is no benefit the parents are looking for. We want people to take a sympathetic, empathetic view.” The family has approached the Delhi High Court, seeking a stay on the release until clarity is provided.
The Delhi High Court dismissed the family’s plea for a private screening of the film but directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to review the family’s concerns before granting certification. Justice Sachin Datta instructed the CBFC to consult the Army if necessary, ensuring that grievances are considered before the film is cleared for release.
Director Aditya Dhar has maintained that Dhurandhar is not based on Major Mohit Sharma’s life. The production team insists the film is a fictional espionage thriller, though the family remains unconvinced given the similarities highlighted in public discussions.
Major Sharma served with 1 Para (Special Forces) and was killed in action in 2009. He was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, for his bravery and sacrifice. His story continues to inspire Army aspirants and remains a symbol of courage within the Special Forces community.
With the film’s release days away, the row underscores the tension between creative freedom and the sensitivities of families of national heroes. The Sharma family’s demand for clarity highlights the importance of respecting the legacy of martyrs while balancing artistic expression.
