“Udaipur Files” Fails to Draw Audiences Despite Controversy and Wide Release

Mumbai / Delhi – August 12, 2025

A brutal murder that once shook the nation now appears to have lost its cinematic pull. Udaipur Files, a film based on the tragic 2022 assassination of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur, opened to considerable controversy—but surprisingly, negligible box office returns.

Controversy to Courtroom: The Film’s Long Road to Release

The film, which dramatizes how Kanhaiya Lal was brutally slain by two individuals over a social media post, was mired in legal challenges. One of the accused, Mohammad Javed, filed a petition seeking to halt the release, citing potential communal unrest and adverse effect on his ongoing case. Eventually, the Delhi High Court cleared the way after determining the film carried CBFC certification www.ndtv.comThe Economic Times. The film was approved with 55 cuts, including removal of scenes and dialogues deemed inflammatory ABP Newswww.ndtv.com.

Despite the hurdles, Udaipur Files officially released on August 8, 2025, across 4,500 cinema screens nationwide www.ndtv.comABP News.

Box Office Numbers That Shocked the Makers

Contrary to expectations, the film’s box office trajectory has been dishearteningly flat. It earned a mere ₹13 lakh on its opening day, followed by a steep fall to ₹1 lakh on the second day—the day of Raksha Bandhan R.Bharatindiatvnews.com. On its third day, there was only a modest rebound, bringing the total take over the first three days to ₹27 lakh R.Bharat.

According to ABP News, the film failed to cross even ₹1 crore domestically in its entire run, with worldwide earnings capped at ₹1.29 crore—despite its vast screen count ABP News.

Amid Silence at Box Office, Real Pain on Screen

The muted audience response is particularly noteworthy considering the film’s emotional impact on real stakeholders. During the screening, Kanhaiya Lal’s son reportedly broke down in tears when his father’s murder was depicted on screen—a poignant reminder of the tragedy’s real human cost www.ndtv.com.

Why the Disconnect Between Story and Audience?

Industry analysts suggest three main reasons for the film’s underwhelming performance:

Content Fatigue & Controversy Saturation: The film’s heavy subject and prior controversy may have numbed audiences instead of inspiring viewership.

Lack of Promotion: Reports indicate the film had nearly no promotional campaign, leading to poor awareness among potential moviegoers ABP News.

Strong Competition: Its release coincided with successful films like Saiyaara, Dhadak 2, and Mahavatar Narasimha, which dominated theatres and left little room for a low-profile drama to find an audience ABP Newsindiatvnews.com.

A Silent Collapse Despite Emotional Depth

Despite its powerful source material and the emotional gravity portrayed, the film’s box office numbers speak of a disconnect between intention and reality. Released on a broad platform but failing to attract even a modest viewership, Udaipur Files confronts a tough truth: controversy alone doesn’t guarantee cinematic success.

Kanhaiya Lal’s family, who hoped the film would spotlight their quest for justice, now face the irony of emotional resonance paired with commercial indifference.

Conclusion

Udaipur Files stands as an example of how sensitive real-life stories—even those that once gripped the nation—may falter on the screen if not delivered with robust marketing, strategic timing, and audience engagement. At a time when attention spans are fragmented and options plenty, even a film grounded in tragedy can flounder without the right support.