Surya Ant se Aarambh tak: I&B ministry asks CBFC to examine doctors' concerns before certification

New Delhi: Amid the strong objections from medical fraternity, the Sunny Deol-starrer movie 'Surya-Ant se Aarambh Tak' has now come under the scanner of the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

After receiving a representation by the United Doctors' Front (UDF) objecting to the film’s teaser and promotional material, particularly the alleged 'glorification of violence against doctors', the Ministry has asked the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to examine and consider the concerns raised by the doctors' body before certification of the film.

"Please find attached a representation dated 19.10.2026 received from the United Doctors Front (UDF) regarding the film "SURYAA - Ant Se Aarambh Tak". As directed, it is requested that the issues raised in the representation may kindly be examined and taken into consideration while processing the film for certification," the Ministry said in a communication addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the CBFC on 04.06.2026. The Ministry has forwarded UDF’s representation dated 19 October 2026 and requested examination of the issues raised by the organisation.

In its representation, UDF had raised concerns regarding the scenes depicting assaults on doctors and hospital staff in the film’s teaser and promotional material, particularly whether their presentation could glorify violence or portray physical assault as an acceptable response to alleged medical malpractice.

Welcoming the Ministry’s communication, UDF Chairperson Dr. Lakshya Mittal said, "Exposing medical malpractice is necessary, and UDF supports strict accountability for anyone who exploits patients. Our objection is to making violence against healthcare workers appear heroic or justified. A doctor or hospital accused of wrongdoing must face lawful investigation. Beating healthcare workers cannot become a public message of justice."

Dr. Mittal added that misconduct by particular individuals must not become a sweeping indictment of the medical profession. He called on the filmmakers and lead actor Sunny Deol to publicly condemn violence against doctors and hospital staff.

Meanwhile, commenting on the matter, Dr. Rakesh Beniwal, the Joint Secretary of UDF, said, "We approached the authorities because patient–doctor trust and the safety of healthcare workers deserve serious consideration. Cinema can expose wrongdoing while making clear that assault is unacceptable. We welcome the Ministry’s request to CBFC and expect our concerns to be examined meaningfully during certification. UDF will follow up for the outcome and action taken."

The association emphasised that its concerns extend to patient welfare. Assaults and intimidation within hospitals can disrupt treatment, endanger other patients and undermine the environment needed for safe care. Portrayals that reinforce hostility towards healthcare workers therefore require careful consideration in their full context.

The organisation reiterated that films addressing unethical practices can contribute to public awareness and accountability. It called for a clear distinction between exposing wrongdoing and legitimising retaliation, with patient grievances directed towards effective complaints, independent investigation and lawful remedies. UDF has requested that the outcome of the examination and any action taken be communicated to the organisation.

Meanwhile, a petition seeking removal of the controversial teaser of the movie is pending before the High Court and is listed for hearing on November 16. Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the plea has been filed by Dr Soni and other office-bearers of Doctors of Corporate Society. They have sought directions to the authorities to remove the teaser of the movie from all online platforms until such examination and certification under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 is complete. They argued that the teaser promotes a false portrayal of doctors in private and corporate hospitals as organ traffickers and commission-driven actors, and it also justifies violence against medical professionals.

Also Read: Delhi HC Issues Notice on Doctors' Plea Against Suryaa Movie Teaser

Further, the plea sought directions to the authorities to examine the Film, and every teaser, trailer and promotional material of the Film, in accordance with Section 5B(1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the 2026 Guidelines, with particular reference to the content identified in paragraph 10 of the petition, to require such excisions and modifications as are necessary in law, to require the Film and each such teaser and trailer to carry a disclaimer that the Film is a work of fiction and is not based on true events, and that violence against doctors and healthcare workers is a punishable offence, and to disclose to the Court the status of certification of the Film.

The film 'Surya: Ant se Aarambh Tak' is scheduled to be released on November 20, 2026. Ever since the release of the movie's teaser, it has received strong criticism from the members of the medical fraternity. On October 22, 2026, the Indian Medical Association wrote to Ashwini Yadav, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, requesting an urgent review of the film- especially its portrayal of medical professionals and instances of violence against healthcare workers.