The Indian Medical Association has raised formal objections to the promotional content of Sunny Deol’s upcoming crime drama Suryaa: Ant Se Aarambh Tak, expressing concern over its portrayal of the medical profession — a development that has now snowballed into a certification headache for the film.
In a formal communication, the IMA questioned whether the film’s depiction of alleged corruption and violence against healthcare workers could contribute to negative perceptions of doctors and hospital personnel, according to Bollywood Hungama. The association outlined four key areas of concern: the generalisation of alleged misconduct across the medical fraternity, the depiction of physical assaults on healthcare workers, the safety of medical personnel, and the potential impact on doctor-patient trust.
“Risks normalising violence”
The IMA cautioned against portraying individual instances of wrongdoing in a manner that could reflect on the wider medical community: “The portrayal risks creating the impression that corruption, unethical practices” are widespread, it said, adding that “the actions of a few must not be used to tarnish the reputation of countless honest and dedicated doctors.”
The association was bluntest on the violence question: “Scenes depicting physical assaults on doctors, nursing staff, and hospital personnel, particularly when presented as heroic or justified acts, risk normalising violence against those committed to saving lives.” It warned that content appearing to glorify attacks on medical professionals “may encourage hostility and further endanger those providing essential healthcare services.”
Certification delay
The controversy has had real consequences. According to The Hollywood Reporter India, the IMA wrote to Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw — and the Central Board of Film Certification has since noted that the film has not been submitted for certification, putting its scheduled November 20 theatrical release under pressure.
Directed by M Padmakumar and inspired by true events, Suryaa stars Deol as Soorya Pratap Singh, a father who loses his daughter to a personal tragedy and takes on a corrupt medical establishment, confronting figures within the medical and legal systems. The teaser dropped on Deol’s birthday on October 19. Whether the film makes its November date may now depend on how quickly the certification logjam clears.
