Udaipur Files’ Enthralls Ghaziabad Audience, Sharp Criticism Over 62 Censor Cuts

Only One Screening Despite a Housefull Show, Viewers Express Outrage – Actor Pratap Verma

Report: Ravindra Arya

Ghaziabad.

At Wave Cinema, located in Gaur Mall, Ghaziabad, ‘Udaipur Files’ witnessed an overwhelming response from the audience. During News 31 India’s Rajat Sharma show, the host interacted with viewers who expressed surprise at the heavy turnout. The show was housefull, and many faced difficulty in getting tickets.

Locals lamented that only a single show of the film was running in the entire city. The crowd was so large that even outside the hall, people could be seen discussing the movie.

Outrage Over 62 Censor Cuts

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) removed 62 scenes from the movie, which drew sharp criticism from viewers. Audience member and writer Ravindra Arya said—

“Just as the Congress government, since independence, suppressed the truth and promoted lies, now, under the pretext of religious frenzy, efforts are being made to block the truth. Jamaat-e-Islami filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the truth shown in Udaipur Files, which raises serious questions about democracy in India.”

He further added that in Europe, people can openly oppose extremism, but in India, those raising their voices against Islamic radicalism face censorship and bans.

Actor Pratap Verma’s Revelation

During the screening, actor Pratap Verma, who played the role of Maulana Markazi alias Maulana Madani, attended the show with his family. Speaking to Rajat Sharma, he said—

“I completed my acting diploma in 1975 but had to leave the line due to certain compulsions. However, I have been active for the past seven years—having done 400 TV serial episodes, 12 films, and 10 ad films.”

Making serious allegations, Verma stated—

“My character faced a stay order from the High Court before the film’s release, and many of my scenes were removed. Earlier, the censor board had already cut 52 scenes, and later my encounter scene along with four others were also removed.”

Questions on Rajasthan Government and Police

Audience member Aswani remarked that while the film praises the Uttar Pradesh Police, it also exposes the inaction of the Rajasthan Police and government.

“It’s time for the country and the Hindu society to recognize the jihadi mindset brewing within the minority Muslim community. Parties like Congress have always encouraged such elements. Films that show the truth are cut by the censor board, giving preference to the Muslim side.”

Box Office and Audience Allegations

Despite the controversies, ‘Udaipur Files’ was released on more than 4,500 screens across India and abroad, including the USA, UK, and UAE.

Due to distributor and promotion issues linked to the censor board, the film had a slow start in India—earning around ₹13 lakh on the first day and only ₹1 lakh on the second.

Some viewers accused the distributors of an “Islamic conspiracy” and claimed that Bollywood is dominated by a “maulvi-mafia gang” that is working to block the film’s release and promotion. They said—

“Until a Bollywood-style TV and film industry is established in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, the truth will continue to be suppressed under the name of democracy and humanity.”

• Writer: Ravindra Arya

(Independent journalist analyzing Indian folk culture, history, and strategic awareness)