Misleading Use of Real Government Footage in “Dhurandhar: The Revenge”
Issued by: Helpful Foundation (NGO – Legal Support Services)
By: Dr. Ishtdev Sharma, Chairman
📌 Background
Helpful Foundation has taken cognizance of serious concerns regarding the teaser titled:
“TEASER NO. 02 | FILM – DHURANDHAR THE REVENGE”
This content has been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) under:
- Certificate No.: DIS/3/7/2026-MUM
- Date: 19 January 2026
- Category: A
The teaser is presented as a fictional cinematic work.
⚠️ Key Concern
It has been observed that the said content incorporates actual audiovisual footage of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi within a fictional narrative.
👉 The issue is not the use of fiction.
👉 The issue is the blending of real government footage with fictional storytelling without clear disclaimers.
This creates a false impression of authenticity, potentially misleading viewers into believing fictional events are real or officially connected.
⚖️ Legal Violations
Such depiction raises serious concerns under multiple legal and regulatory frameworks:
- Cinematograph Act, 1952 (Sections 5A & 5B) – Prohibits certification of content that misleads or distorts factual reality
- CBFC Guidelines under Section 5B(2) – Mandate clear distinction between fact and fiction
- Principles of misrepresentation and deceptive communication
- Information Technology framework relating to misinformation and digital dissemination
- Article 19(2) of the Constitution of India – Permits restriction of speech in the interest of public order and national interest
👉 The absence of adequate disclaimers and the deliberate blending of real and fictional content amounts to misleading representation to the public.
🇮🇳 Impact on Nation & Public Trust
In today’s digital ecosystem, such content can spread rapidly without context, leading to:
- Distortion of public perception of government decisions and actions
- Confusion regarding real vs fictional events
- Spread of misinformation across social media platforms
- Weakening of trust in official communication channels
This type of content creates a blurred reality, where citizens may struggle to distinguish between verified information and dramatized fiction.
🛡️ Impact on National Security Perception & Agencies
The misleading integration of real governmental footage with fictional storytelling may also affect the perception of India’s security and intelligence framework, including agencies such as:
- Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)
- Intelligence Bureau (IB)
- National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO)
Potential Risks:
- Viewers may assume fictional plots represent real intelligence operations
- Misinterpretation of how security agencies function
- Circulation of such content as “real events” on digital platforms
- Creation of false narratives around national security operations
While no classified information may be disclosed, the simulated realism combined with real footage can:
👉 Distort understanding of national security mechanisms
👉 Affect institutional credibility
👉 Enable misinformation or propaganda narratives
Such concerns fall within the scope of public order, national interest, and institutional integrity.
📢 Action Taken by Helpful Foundation
✔ A formal Legal Notice has been issued to the producers
✔ A complaint filed with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
✔ A representation submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
❗ No response or corrective action has been received so far
⚡ Why This Issue Matters
This is not merely about a film or teaser.
It concerns:
- Integrity of public information systems
- Accountability in certified media content
- Protection of institutional credibility
- Prevention of misleading narratives in mass communication
📌 Relief Sought
Helpful Foundation has formally requested:
- Immediate review of CBFC certification
- Removal or modification of misleading content
- Mandatory clear and continuous disclaimers
- Regulatory action for non-compliance with law
🚀 Next Step
In absence of corrective action by authorities, Helpful Foundation will proceed with:
👉 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Hon’ble High Court
🤝 Public Appeal
We urge citizens, media professionals, and stakeholders to:
- Stay aware of misleading content practices
- Demand transparency and accountability in media
- Support lawful and responsible storytelling