Mumbai: A legal dispute has emerged ahead of the release of The India Story: Slow Poison In Progress, starring Shreyas Talpade and Kajal Aggarwal, after a notice was served to the film’s producers alleging that its promotional material contains misleading and defamatory claims about Indian agriculture, dairy production and poultry farming.
According to information available, advocate Hiranya Pandey, representing Bhavesh Sodha, proprietor of Agri Business Centre, issued a legal notice on June 15 to Zee Studios, MIG Production & Studios LLP and the makers of the film. The notice raises concerns over the teaser and promotional content, claiming that certain depictions could create a negative perception of India’s farming sector and related industries.
The film, which is positioned as an investigative social drama, has attracted attention for its portrayal of alleged food safety concerns and public health issues. However, the complainant argues that several claims presented in the teaser are either scientifically unverified or exaggerated.
Objections to pesticide and food safety claims
The legal notice specifically challenges the film’s alleged portrayal of Indian agriculture as a source of “slow poison”. It contends that the teaser suggests excessive use of pesticides and links agricultural practices to serious health concerns, including cancer.
According to the complainant, such assertions could unfairly damage the reputation of millions of farmers and stakeholders involved in the agricultural sector. The notice argues that pesticide usage per hectare in India is comparatively lower than in several other countries and therefore should not be portrayed in a misleading manner.
The complainant has also questioned the alleged suggestion that a large proportion of milk available in India is adulterated. The notice states that broad claims regarding adulteration require substantial scientific evidence and should not be presented without proper verification.
Poultry industry portrayal questioned
Another point of contention relates to a scene reportedly featured in the teaser showing a syringe being injected into a dead chicken carcass.
The complainant has described the visual as scientifically implausible and potentially misleading. According to the notice, such depictions may create unwarranted fear among consumers and adversely affect the poultry industry.
Industry representatives have often maintained that visual representations in films carry significant influence over public perception. The notice argues that inaccurate portrayals could harm businesses and livelihoods dependent on agriculture, dairy and poultry sectors.
Demand for evidence and disclosure
The legal notice seeks detailed clarification from the filmmakers regarding the basis of the claims made in the promotional material.
Among its key demands, the notice calls upon the producers to disclose the source material, methodology, research findings and scientific evidence used to support the statistics and visuals presented in the teaser.
The complainant has also sought the immediate removal of the teaser and related promotional content from digital platforms until the disputed claims are adequately substantiated.
In addition, the notice requests substantial corrections to the film’s content before it is released to the public.
CBFC urged to review certification
A copy of the notice has also been sent to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The complainant has urged the certification body to withhold approval for the film or review any certification already granted until the disputed content is examined and supported by credible evidence.
The notice argues that films addressing sensitive subjects such as public health and food safety should ensure factual accuracy and avoid presenting unverified claims as established facts.
Seven-day deadline issued
The filmmakers have reportedly been given seven days to respond to the demands outlined in the notice.
The complainant has warned that failure to comply could result in both civil and criminal proceedings. The notice further states that legal remedies, including seeking an interim injunction from the High Court to restrain the film’s release, may be pursued if satisfactory action is not taken within the stipulated period.
As of now, the producers and makers of The India Story: Slow Poison In Progress have not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the notice.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding The India Story: Slow Poison In Progress has added a new legal dimension to the film ahead of its release. While the filmmakers appear to be presenting a narrative focused on food safety and public health concerns, the complainant maintains that the teaser contains misleading and scientifically unsupported claims that could negatively affect India’s agriculture, dairy and poultry sectors. The matter may now move into the legal arena if the concerns raised in the notice are not addressed within the prescribed timeframe.
