Legal Issues Arise for 'The India Story: Slow Poison In Progress' Ahead of Release

The film 'The India Story: Slow Poison In Progress' is embroiled in legal issues as it faces allegations of misleading representations about India's agriculture sector. A legal notice claims that the film unfairly portrays farming practices as harmful, raising concerns about pesticide use and food safety. The Central Board of Film Certification has been alerted, and the filmmakers have been given a week to respond to the demands outlined in the notice. Failure to comply could lead to further legal action, including a potential injunction against the film's release. This controversy highlights the delicate balance between artistic expression and factual representation in cinema.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 17, 2026, 19:23 IST

Legal Troubles for 'The India Story'

The upcoming film The India Story: Slow Poison In Progress, featuring Shreyas Talpade and Kajal Aggarwal, is facing legal challenges prior to its release. The film's producers have received a legal notice claiming that the teaser and promotional content make misleading and defamatory assertions regarding India's agriculture, dairy, and poultry industries. This notice was issued on behalf of Bhavesh Sodha, the owner of Agri Business Centre, who argues that the film inaccurately depicts Indian farming methods as hazardous.

Details of the Legal Notice

On June 15, a legal notice was sent, highlighting concerns about what the complainant describes as scientifically unverified and misleading representations in the teaser of The India Story: Slow Poison In Progress. The 18-page document alleges that the film portrays India's agricultural system as a source of 'slow poison' by addressing issues like pesticide use, food contamination, and cancer risks. The complainant contends that such portrayals could harm the reputation of countless Indian farmers, dairy producers, poultry businesses, and agro-input suppliers.

One of the main points of contention is the film's implication that India excessively uses pesticides. The notice argues that pesticide application per hectare in India is significantly lower than in many other nations, suggesting that the teaser's portrayal lacks necessary context.

Additionally, the complainant disputes claims regarding widespread milk adulteration. A particular visual depicting a syringe being injected into a deceased chicken carcass has also faced backlash, with the notice labeling the scene as scientifically implausible and potentially misleading for audiences. Another significant issue raised is the film's apparent attempt to connect agricultural practices with increasing cancer rates.

Involvement of CBFC

The controversy has also attracted the attention of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). A copy of the legal notice has been forwarded to the certification authority, requesting a thorough review of the film's content before it is cleared for release. The complainant has urged the CBFC to deny certification unless the allegedly misleading elements are either removed or properly substantiated. Furthermore, if certification has already been granted, the Board is asked to reconsider its decision until the issues are resolved.

The legal notice demands that Zee Studios, MIG Production & Studios LLP, and the filmmakers respond within seven days to the outlined requests. Key demands include the immediate removal of the teaser and related promotional content from online platforms, as well as corrections to any material deemed misleading or defamatory. The notice also seeks clarity regarding the data and scientific evidence utilized in the film.

If the filmmakers fail to comply within the specified timeframe, they may face further legal repercussions. The complainant has warned that civil and criminal actions could be initiated against them, and the matter may escalate to the High Court, where an interim injunction could be sought to prevent the release of The India Story: Slow Poison In Progress.