NEW DELHI: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to refuse a certificate for the upcoming Hindi film Suryaa: Ant Se Aarambh Tak, starring Sunny Deol and Ravi Kishan, alleging that its teaser glorifies violence against doctors and hospital staff at a time when attacks on healthcare workers are a growing concern.In a detailed representation to the CBFC chairperson, the IMA said the film portrays a father who loses his daughter and takes revenge on those he holds responsible, with scenes showing him assaulting doctors and hospital staff inside a hospital. The association objected to dialogues in the teaser that accuse doctors of demanding excessive payments, ordering unnecessary tests and writing commission slips instead of prescriptions.The IMA argued that the film presents violence as a justified response to grievances against hospitals and could encourage attacks on medical professionals. It cited provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, arguing that the content could incite offences, threaten public order and defame registered medical practitioners as a group.The representation comes against the backdrop of repeated attacks on healthcare workers. Citing a survey of 1,566 healthcare workers by experts from VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS, reported in May 2026, the IMA said 58.2 per cent felt unsafe at their workplace, and 78.4 per cent had faced threats while on duty. It also referred to an earlier IMA study that found more than 75 per cent of doctors had faced workplace violence.
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The association cited several incidents, including the killing of 22-year-old intern Dr Vandana Das in Kerala in May 2023, the assault on a doctor at Thamarassery in October 2025 and attacks on resident doctors in Aligarh in May 2026. It also referred to recent assaults in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana.The IMA said violence against doctors disrupts medical services and creates fear among healthcare workers, affecting patients as well. Citing Supreme Court observations on the issue, it has urged the CBFC to deny certification to the film and its promotional material if they depict violence against healthcare workers or portray doctors as corrupt. Alternatively, it has sought referral to a Revising Committee, a screening for IMA representatives and a medical expert, and removal of scenes that glorify or justify such violence. The association has also sought a hearing before the Board decides, citing the film’s scheduled nationwide release on November 20.