Zee Studios and the makers of the film The India Story: Slow Poison In Progress have recently received a legal notice regarding their promotional material. This notice, sent on June 15 by advocate Hiranya Pandey on behalf of Bhavesh Sodha, the owner of Agri Business Centre, raises important concerns about claims made in the film’s teaser, which stars Shreyas Talpade and Kajal Aggarwal.
The 18-page legal document argues that the film incorrectly presents India’s agriculture sector as a source of “slow poison.” It claims that the film exaggerates issues like pesticide use and food safety, potentially harming the reputation of millions involved in farming, dairy, and poultry sectors.
The notice challenges specific visuals and statements in the film’s teaser. It disputes the notion that India uses a high amount of pesticides compared to other countries and denies claims that most milk in India is adulterated. One particular scene, showing a syringe being used on a dead chicken, is called “scientifically impossible” and misleading. The complainant emphasizes that any claims linking agricultural practices to cancer rates need solid scientific support.
The legal notice also requests that the filmmakers provide proof for the statistics and images used in the film. Additionally, it calls for the rapid removal of the teaser from all platforms and significant revisions before the film is released to the public.
Moreover, the notice has been sent to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), urging them not to grant a certification until the misleading content is removed. The filmmakers have been given seven days to respond to the notice. If they fail to act, the complainant plans to pursue legal action, including seeking a court order to halt the film’s release.
