Sunny Deol's upcoming action drama Suryaa: Ant Se Aarambh Tak landed in trouble, after the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and resident doctors of AIIMS Delhi have condemned the film's newly released teaser for the alleged portrayal of corruption in the medical profession and justifying violence against doctors and healthcare workers.
The committee demanded for impartial 'review' of the 'content' and asked for appropriate corrective action under applicable law immediately.
"Doctors are healers, not targets of hatred or violence," the IMA said in a statement.
"Every day, thousands of dedicated doctors serve humanity with compassion, commitment and sacrifice, often under extremely challenging circumstances," IMA Finance Secretary Dr Piyush Jain said.
Jain further highlighted that it is fundamental to have the creative freedom of expression, however it should exercised responsibly.
"Glorifying violence against doctors is unacceptable and risks eroding the trust that forms the foundation of the doctor-patient relationship... Enough of vilifying doctors. Protect those who protect lives," Dr Jain said.
The Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of AIIMS alleged that the teaser 'depicts and promotes physical assaults against healthcare professionals.'
In a statement, it said the teaser contains scenes showing the film's protagonist committing acts of severe physical violence and assault against medical personnel inside hospital premises.
"Cinema is a powerful medium that influences public perception and social behaviour, and normalising or glorifying vigilante justice and physical assault against doctors sends a dangerous message to the public," the association said.
"Such sensationalised depictions could misguide people and further escalate the already troubling frequency of violence against healthcare workers across the country," the statement added.
The committee urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the filmmakers to address the concerns.
Separately, the Gujarat branch of the IMA urged the Centre and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to review the film in its entirety ahead of its scheduled release on November 20. The review, it said, should cover dialogues, scenes depicting doctors and healthcare institutions, as well as promotional material.
The branch also called for an assessment of whether the film adheres to applicable certification guidelines, urging legally permissible corrective measures, including changes to objectionable content and a disclaimer clarifying that fictional allegations should not be construed as established facts.
It further urged the authorities to consider appropriate legal action if grounds for such intervention are established.
Also starring Ravi Kishan, Suryaa: Ant Se Aarambh Tak is set to hit theatres on November 20. According to the makers, “The story follows a man drawn into a web of unanswered questions and buried truths. What begins as an investigation soon takes him into territory far more complex than he anticipated, setting the stage for a gripping crime drama driven by mystery, emotion and confrontation.”