Indian Doctors' Association Asks CBFC to Reject Certification of Sunny Deol Film Due to Depiction of Violence Against Medical Staff

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has approached the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) requesting that the Hindi film 'Suryaa: Ant Se Aarambh Tak,' starring Sunny Deol and Ravi Kishan, be denied certification. The film is scheduled for release on November 20th.

IMA objects to the teaser released on October 19th. It depicts a father who lost his daughter, claiming that doctors 'issue commission slips' instead of prescriptions, after which he questions how long people will tolerate such a situation. The teaser further shows this father attacking doctors and medical staff inside a hospital, an act that IMA considers to be portrayed as heroic and justified.

In a statement dated November 4th, the national president of IMA, Dr. Anilkumar J. Nayak, strongly urged the board to reject certification under Section 4(2)(v) in conjunction with Section 5B(1) of the Cinematograph Act of 1952, as well as according to the 2026 certification guidelines.

The association emphasized that the controversial content is the main theme of the film and cannot be removed by simple cutting of scenes. IMA demands that the board refuse certification for any trailer, teaser, or promotional material that depicts violence against doctors, nurses, or hospital staff, or contains dialogues accusing doctors of class-wide corruption.

Furthermore, IMA requested the opportunity for its representatives to view the film under Section 7C, the presence of an IMA-appointed medical expert during the examination committee's review, and the holding of hearings before any decision is made. The association stated that if any certificate is recommended, the chairman must send the film to a reviewing committee in accordance with Rule 25(1) of the Certification (Cinematography) Rules 2024. They insist on the removal of all scenes of violence against healthcare workers presented as justified or heroic, as well as dialogues about corruption. They also require the placement of a prominent disclaimer stating that the film does not represent the medical profession and that such violence is punishable.

The association asked for a written, reasoned decision and to have the request considered on priority, given the film's release date, while reserving the right to approach the courts.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has voiced objections regarding the upcoming film 'Surya - From End to Beginning' starring Sunny Deol. The organization sent a letter to the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, demanding an inspection of the depictions of doctors and medical staff in the movie.

IMA asserts that the portrayal of corruption within the medical field in the film could negatively affect the reputation of the entire profession. Furthermore, the association expressed dissatisfaction with scenes depicting violence against healthcare workers, thus requesting a preliminary review of the film before its release.

The film 'Surya' received a teaser on October 19th, released on Sunny Deol's 69th birthday. In the movie, Sunny plays a police officer whose life changes after his daughter's death. While investigating this case, he uncovers irregularities in the medical system.

In the letter addressed to the central minister, IMA outlined its concerns. The organization believes that the film's promotional content might form a negative perception among viewers about the entire medical profession. In an official statement, IMA emphasized its serious concern over how medical personnel are presented in 'Surya - From End to Beginning'. There is a threat that the depiction of healthcare corruption, violence against medics, and impact on public trust and worker safety could have adverse consequences.

IMA highlighted four main issues in the letter to the minister: first, the unjustified defamation and damage to the reputation of the medical profession; second, the depiction of violence against medical workers; third, issues related to the safety of medical personnel; and fourth, the potential impact on the trust between doctor and patient.

The medical organization demanded an impartial assessment of how the film and medical professionals are portrayed. They also stated that if these concerns are confirmed during the review, the filmmakers must make the necessary changes.

As for the film itself, Sunny Deol stars in 'Surya - From End to Beginning'. M. Padmakumar directed it, with Dipak Mukut, Hemant Mukut, and Lokesh Mukut as producers. This film is a Hindi remake of the 2018 Malayalam crime thriller 'Joseph', whose screenplay was written by Shahik Kabir. It is reported that the film is based on real events. 'Surya - From End to Beginning' is scheduled for theatrical release on November 20, 2026.