The upcoming film The India Story: Slow Poison In Progress has landed in controversy even before its release. A legal notice has reportedly been sent to the film’s producers, Zee Studios, MIG Production & Studios LLP, and the makers of the movie, raising serious objections to its teaser and promotional material. The film stars Shreyas Talpade and Kajal Aggarwal and has already attracted attention for its bold subject matter.
The legal notice was sent on June 15 by advocate Hiranya Pandey on behalf of Bhavesh Sodha, the owner of Agri Business Centre. According to the complaint, the teaser and promotional content of the film contain claims that are misleading, damaging and not supported by proper scientific evidence. The complainant argues that the film presents Indian agriculture, dairy farming and poultry businesses in a negative light and could create unnecessary fear among the public.
One of the main concerns raised in the notice is the film’s alleged suggestion that food produced in India is becoming a source of “slow poison” because of excessive pesticide use and food adulteration. The complainant claims that these statements unfairly target millions of farmers, dairy producers, poultry businesses and agricultural suppliers who depend on these industries for their livelihood.
The notice also challenges several scenes and statistics shown in the teaser. It disputes claims that India uses pesticides at unusually high levels and argues that pesticide use per hectare in India is actually lower than in many other countries. The complaint further questions the film’s alleged claim that most milk sold in India is adulterated. Another scene showing a syringe being injected into a dead chicken has also been criticized, with the complainant calling it scientifically inaccurate and misleading.
In addition, the notice objects to what it describes as an attempt to directly connect farming practices with rising cancer cases. According to the complainant, such a serious claim should only be made if it is backed by strong scientific research and verified evidence.
The filmmakers have been asked to provide the sources, research methods and scientific proof behind the statistics and visuals used in the film. The notice also demands that the teaser and all promotional content be removed from online platforms until these concerns are addressed.
A copy of the notice has also been sent to the Central Board of Film Certification. The complainant has requested the board not to certify the film, or to reconsider certification if it has already been granted, until the disputed content is reviewed.
The filmmakers have been given seven days to respond. If they fail to do so, the complainant has warned of possible civil and criminal legal action, including approaching the High Court to seek a stay on the film’s release.