The Delhi High Court has reserved its verdict on a series of petitions seeking to halt the release of the film 2020 Dehli, which is reportedly based on the 2020 northeast Delhi riots. The petitions were filed by student activist Sharjeel Imam and others, citing concerns over the film’s portrayal of the riots.
Justice Sachin Datta, who presided over the hearing, stated that the court would examine the petitions and deliver an appropriate ruling, only after the film receives a certification from Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The hearing involved arguments from legal representatives of the petitioners, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the filmmakers, the Centre, and the Election Commission of India (ECI). The film’s producers informed the court that they had applied for CBFC certification and assured that the movie would not be publicly screened until certification was granted. Initially, 2020 Delhi was slated for release on February 2, just days before the Delhi Assembly elections.
Sharjeel Imam, who is currently facing prosecution in connection with the riots, argued that the film’s trailers and promotional materials insinuate a larger conspiracy behind the violence, potentially prejudicing his ongoing legal proceedings. He urged the court to delay the movie’s release, fearing it could influence public perception and impact his trial and bail applications.
Other than Imam, five other individuals also filed a petition requesting a postponement, arguing that the film could affect legal cases still pending against them. Additionally, Umang, an independent candidate contesting the Delhi Assembly elections, filed a separate petition seeking to stay the release of the movie until the elections concluded, citing concerns over its possible impact on voters.
The film’s producers, however, maintained that 2020 Delhi is a dramatized and fictionalized account rather than a factual recreation of the riots. They assured the court that a disclaimer would be included at the beginning of the film and its trailers to clarify this distinction. The court took note of these assurances, suggesting that such disclaimers could address concerns over potential misrepresentation.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission is separately reviewing whether the movie could influence electoral narratives, with the court deeming it appropriate for the commission to continue its assessment.
2020 Delhi is produced under the banners of Midas Touch Films, Countryboy Films, and Visual Birds Studio. Notably, one of the film’s producers is Amit Malviya, who also serves as the national in-charge of the Information & Technology department for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The movie, filmed in Indore, seeks to recreate the events of February 24, 2020, unfolding, focusing on a 12-hour timeline, including the Namaste Trump event.
The film is reportedly India’s first full-length feature shot in a one-take format—an approach previously seen in Hollywood films like 1917 and Birdman.
Director Devendra Malviya, CEO of Visual Birds—a VFX studio known for its work in Article 15, Thappad, Tanhaji, Mission Mangal, Anek, Rakshabandhan, Thank God, and Ram Setu—described the project as an ambitious endeavor.
“Our goal is to create an immersive thriller by executing an entire feature film in one continuous take,” Malviya said. “The story follows two men trapped in a location on that fateful day. The absence of scene cuts will intensify the tension and realism. It’s a challenging process, but the team has prepared extensively, and we hope to succeed.”
The northeast Delhi riots, which erupted on February 24, 2020, led to violent communal clashes, resulting in at least 53 deaths and numerous injuries.
With Justice Datta reserving judgment, the fate of 2020 Delhi now hinges on the court’s final ruling. If the court sides with the petitioners, the film’s release could face delays. Otherwise, it may proceed as planned after securing CBFC certification.
The film produced under the banner of Midas Touch Films, co-produced by Countryboy Films and Visual Birds Studio, will be shot in a start to finish schedule in Indore.
2020 Dehli is inspired by true events and will showcase the documented reality including the namaste trump event, weaved in the story in an entertaining and thrilling way.
The story based on the 12 hours of the happenings on 24th February, will also touch upon how the whole protest started.
This will be the first full length Indian feature film to be shot in one take method.
Director Devendra Malviya who is the CEO of Visual Birds, the VFX studio behind movies like Article-15, Thappad, Tanhaji, Mission Mangal, ANEK, Rakshabandhan, Thank God and Ram Setu, says, “our endeavour is to attempt a one take feature film for the first time. The story talks about two guys stuck in a place on that fateful day. The experience of a thriller will become much more engrossing when you don’t have a cut in the film. It’s a difficult process but the whole team has prepped a lot and hopefully will succeed.”
Hollywood films like 1917 and Birdman, were one take films that were built on this complex and expensive technique.
