Kajal Aggarwal and Shreyas’s ‘The India Story’ embroiled in controversy before release, legal notice sent to makers

The India Story Movie: Kajal Aggarwal and Shreyas Talpade starrer much awaited film ‘The India Story: Slow Poison in Progress’ seems to be embroiled in a big controversy even before its release. A legal notice has been issued against this film which will be released in theaters on July 24. It is alleged that the promotional material and teaser of the film has presented the Indian agriculture, dairy and poultry industry in a wrong, misleading and negative manner, which may affect the image of millions of farmers and people associated with the agriculture sector.

After the release of the teaser of the film, it was discussed a lot on social media. Serious issues like food safety, use of pesticides, milk adulteration and increasing cancer cases have been raised in the film. However, now the makers of the film are facing legal challenges regarding these subjects.

What is the whole matter?

According to the information, on June 15, advocate Hiranya Pandey has sent a legal notice to the producers and presenters of the film on behalf of Agri Business Center owner Bhavesh Sodha. This notice has been addressed to Zee Studios, MIG Production and Studios LLP and other responsible parties associated with the film. The complainant alleges that many such claims and scenes have been shown in the teaser and promotional content of the film which defame the Indian agricultural sector and are beyond scientific facts. He says that such material can create confusion and fear among the general public.

Objection to calling agricultural system ‘slow poison’

The biggest objection raised in the legal notice is regarding the topic and theme of the film. The complainant claims that the film presents India’s agriculture and food production system as ‘slow poison’. He says that the country’s food system is based on the hard work of millions of farmers and years of scientific research. In such a situation, showing the entire agricultural sector in a negative frame is not only misleading, but it can also harm the reputation and trust of farmers.

Questions on claims made regarding pesticides

Many scenes and claims regarding the use of pesticides are also shown in the teaser of the film. The complainant has lodged an objection regarding these. The notice states that the film has created an impression as if pesticides are used in excessive quantities in India. Whereas according to available data, pesticide consumption per hectare in India is relatively low compared to many developed countries. The complainant says that if a topic is being presented factually in the film, then it is necessary to have evidence and scientific data to support it.

Controversy over milk adulteration and poultry industry

Questions have also been raised in the notice on depictions related to milk and dairy industry. The complainant says that the film has hinted at milk adulteration on a large scale, which could affect the image of millions of people associated with the dairy sector. Apart from this, one scene, which shows a syringe being injected into the body of a dead chicken, has become a subject of particular controversy. According to the complainant, this scene is scientifically wrong, exaggerated and misleading. They claim that such portrayal can create unnecessary fear and distrust among the common people towards the poultry industry.

Questions raised on the relationship between cancer and agricultural practices

In the teaser of the film, an attempt has been made to show the connection between agricultural practices and increasing cancer cases. Serious objection has been lodged in the notice on this issue also. The complainant says that linking a disease like cancer to any one cause is a very sensitive subject. This requires extensive scientific research, medical studies and certified data. He argues that if the film is presenting such conclusions, then there should be a credible scientific basis to support it.

Research and evidence sought from makers

The legal notice demands the filmmakers to disclose the research, reports, source material and scientific basis used behind the figures, claims and scenes shown in the film. Apart from this, it has also been said in the notice that if there is not enough evidence to support these claims, then the related scenes and content should be removed or modified.

Demand to remove teaser and stop release

The complainant has also demanded immediate removal of the film’s teaser and other promotional material from digital platforms. The notice states that until the disputed material is factually investigated, it should not be aired publicly. Besides, a demand has also been made to make necessary amendments before the release of the film.

Can the release be affected?

At present, the release date of the film is fixed for July 24 and there has been no official response from the makers on this controversy. However, after receiving the legal notice, this matter has become a topic of discussion both in the film industry and social media. If this controversy increases further in the coming days, the film may have to face additional scrutiny at the level of censor board, court or other regulatory bodies. However, the final decision will be taken only on the basis of related legal processes and arguments of the parties.

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