A legal notice has been specifically issued to Zee Studios, MIG Production & Studios LLP and the makers of the upcoming film The India Story: Slow poison in progress. The notice, sent on June 15 by advocate Hiranya Pandey on behalf of Agri Business Center owner Bhavesh Sodha, has taken serious objection to the teaser and promotional material of the Shreyas Talpade-Kajal Aggarwal starrer, alleging that it contains misleading, defamatory and scientifically unverified claims about Indian agriculture, dairy sector and poultry farming.
Exclusive: Shreyas Talpade-Kajal Aggarwal starrer The India Story faces legal notice over ‘slow poison’ claims against Indian farming
The 18-page legal notice argues that the film allegedly portrays India’s agricultural ecosystem as a source of “slow poison” by exaggerating statistics related to pesticide use, food adulteration and cancer. According to the complainant, such portrayals unfairly tarnish the reputation of millions of Indian farmers, dairy producers, poultry businesses and agri-input suppliers while creating unnecessary public fear.
The notice specifically challenges several claims and scenes shown in the teaser. It refutes the perceived suggestion that India uses excessive pesticides, arguing that pesticide use per hectare in India is significantly lower than many other countries. It also took issue with the film’s alleged claim that most milk in India is adulterated and objected to a scene showing a syringe being injected into a dead chicken carcass, calling the scene scientifically impossible and misleading. The complainant has questioned the trailer’s alleged attempt to establish a direct link between agricultural practices and rising cancer cases, saying such claims require strong scientific evidence.
Apart from demanding that the makers disclose the source material, methodology and scientific basis for every key figure and scene used in the film, the notice also demands the immediate removal of the teaser and all related promotional materials from digital platforms. It also demands substantial improvements to the film before any public release.
It is noteworthy that a copy of the notice has also been addressed to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The complainant has urged the Board not to grant certification to the film until the allegedly misleading material is removed and adequately certified, or if the certificate has already been issued, the same be reviewed and withdrawn.
In the notice, the filmmakers have been given seven days to fulfill their demands. Failure to do so, the complainant has warned of civil and criminal proceedings, including approaching the High Court for an interim injunction to stay the release. The India Story: Slow Poison in Progress.
