Dhurandhar Row: Major Mohit Sharma’s Brother Says Parents ‘Want Only Clarity, Not Benefits’

Aditya Dhar’s upcoming espionage thriller Dhurandhar has found itself at the centre of legal scrutiny, with the parents of late Major Mohit Sharma approaching the Delhi High Court for a stay on the Ranveer Singh-led film. The family alleges that the movie draws from the life, service, and sacrifice of the decorated Special Forces officer — without consent.

Major Mohit Sharma of 1 Para (Special Forces), who was martyred in 2009 during a counter-insurgency operation and posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, remains an enduring inspiration for generations of Army aspirants. His legacy carries immense emotional and national significance, which is precisely why the family now seeks answers.

Family Questions Similarities After Online Comparisons Surge

Although Dhar has previously denied any connection to the officer’s life, the growing online speculation prompted Major Sharma’s brother, Madhur Sharma, to seek clarity — and later, legal intervention. Speaking to HT City from abroad, Madhur explains that the concern was born out of widespread chatter, “Ever since the film was announced, there is a lot of information on social media suggesting it is based on my brother. Reputed media channels and influencers with millions of followers have drawn correlations. We just want the producers to clarify and tell us the reality.”

The Writ Petition: Privacy, Military Sensitivity, and ‘Commercialisation’ Concerns

Represented by advocates Roopenshu Pratap Singh and Manish Sharmaa of Samaanta Law Firm, Major Sharma’s parents — 77-year-old Sushila Sharma and 75-year-old Rajendra Prasad Sharma — filed a writ petition on November 28.
The matter was heard on December 1 by Justice Sachin Datta.

The petition argues that the film appears to have used their son’s story as a “commercial commodity” without family consent or Army authorisation. Citing reports from Bar and Bench, the plea says this amounts to a violation of their privacy rights under Article 21 and may raise national-security issues if operational details or Special Forces tactics are inaccurately depicted or sensationalised.

Why the Petition Was Filed Despite Dhar’s Denial

Social media comparisons escalated further after the trailer dropped, with many — including Madhur — tagging the filmmakers to seek clarity. When asked why they proceeded legally despite Dhar’s denial, Madhur clarifies that the sequence of events explains it.

Hi, sir – our film Dhurandhar is not based on the life of braveheart Major Mohit Sharma AC(P) SM.
This is an official clarification.
I assure you, if we do make a biopic on Mohit sir in the future, we will do it with full consent and in complete consultation with the family,…

— Aditya Dhar (@AdityaDharFilms) November 26, 2025

“There is a 36–48 hour difference between my tweet and Aditya Dhar’s reply. The petition was filed during that time,” he says.

‘We Only Want the Truth’: Family Emphasises Their Appeal Is Not Financial

Madhur stresses that the family is simply asking for acknowledgement — not compensation, “There is no benefit the parents are looking for. We want people to take a sympathetic, empathetic perspective. This is not just for us but for every family that has lost a son (in military operations). We just want due diligence. If the film is based on him, just say, ‘Sorry ma’am, we didn’t inform you.’ If not, say the hype is untrue.”

He also insists they are not opposed to a cinematic tribute to the officer. “We would be proud if a film is made on him… He has left a legacy, and it should live on.”

Court Allows Release but Flags Concerns to CBFC

Dhurandhar, which stars Ranveer Singh alongside Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal and Sara Arjun, is slated for a theatrical release on December 5. The Delhi High Court did not stay the film’s release but has directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to expedite its review.

The court further instructed the CBFC to carefully consider the family’s objections and consult the Indian Army if necessary before granting final clearance — leaving the responsibility of due diligence squarely with the certifying authority.