Censor Board did not ask for any cuts: The India Story director reacts to legal notice
India Story director Chetan DK has denied reports that the CBFC had asked for cuts in the film, saying the team only improved a few scenes. His comments come as the Kajal Aggarwal-Shreyas Talpade starrer is facing a legal notice over its promotional material.
The India Story Director Chetan DK has dismissed reports that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had asked the makers to make cuts in the film. speaking specifically to India TodayThe filmmaker said the team has voluntarily improvised some scenes, even though the courtroom drama faces legal scrutiny ahead of its release due to claims made in its promotional material.
Addressing reports about the film’s certification, Chetan DK said, “No such cuts were made. The CBFC did not ask us to cut or remove anything. But, yes, as a team with Shreyas (Talpade) and Kajal (Agarwal Kitchlu) we brainstormed a few scenes and tweaked it.”
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The director also reacted to the controversy surrounding the film, saying that he expected a strong reaction considering its subject matter.
He said, “If the subject is like that, people are bound to talk. Those who want to criticize will criticize, and those who want to stop it will try to stop it. But it is based on real facts and a real story. After watching the film, people will also understand how pesticides and chemicals should be used, and where the line should be drawn.”
The director said, “We have not targeted anyone. All we are saying is that these chemicals should be used only to the extent necessary. If you use them excessively and put other people’s health at risk, then it is wrong.”
Ahead of the film’s release, the makers have landed in legal trouble after receiving notices over claims made in its promotional campaign. According to reports, Bhavesh Sodha of Agri Business Center has challenged the teaser and other promotional materials, alleging that they present unverified and misleading information about India’s agriculture, dairy and poultry sectors. Notice has also been sent to Zee Studios and MIG Production and Studios LLP.
The complainant has argued that the film’s publicity exaggerates the prevalence of food adulteration, pesticide use and cancer, while portraying Indian agriculture as a “slow poison” without sufficient scientific evidence to support such claims.
The main objections include statements made in the teaser that allegedly suggest widespread use of pesticides by Indian farmers and the contamination of a large portion of the country’s milk supply. The notice also takes issue with the scene of a syringe being injected into a chicken and calls it scientifically incorrect and misleading. It also questions promotional material suggesting a direct link between agricultural practices and rising cancer cases.
The notice reportedly asks the filmmakers to disclose research and scientific evidence supporting these claims. It also demands removal of teasers and other promotional materials from online platforms, apart from demanding changes to the film before its theatrical release.
The report further states that a copy of the notice has been submitted to the CBFC, requesting that the certification be withheld until the disputed content is confirmed or amended.
The filmmakers have been given seven days to respond. If they fail to do so, the complainant has threatened to initiate civil and criminal proceedings, including seeking a stay on the release of the film.
Starring Kajal Aggarwal and Shreyas Talpade, The India Story Explores the issue of food adulteration and its impact on public health. This courtroom drama is set to release in theaters on July 24, 2026.