The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has written to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, requesting an urgent review of the film Suryaa – Ant Se Aarambh Tak over its portrayal of the medical profession and alleged violence against healthcare workers.
In its letter, the IMA expressed concerns about the film's depiction of corruption in the healthcare system, alleged unethical conduct by medical professionals and scenes showing violence against doctors, nurses and hospital staff. The association called for an impartial assessment of the film and appropriate action if warranted under the law.
The IMA said the film's portrayal could create the impression that corruption, unethical practices and misconduct are widespread throughout the medical profession. It emphasised that individual wrongdoing should be investigated and punished without damaging the reputation of honest and dedicated doctors.
The association also raised concerns about scenes depicting physical attacks on healthcare professionals, particularly when such acts appear to be presented as heroic or justified. According to the IMA, this could contribute to the normalisation of violence against those who work to save lives.
The letter highlighted the existing safety and security challenges faced by doctors and other healthcare workers in hospitals. The association warned that content appearing to glorify attacks on medical professionals could fuel hostility and put healthcare workers providing essential services at greater risk.
The IMA further cautioned that such portrayals could erode public confidence in the doctor-patient relationship by encouraging unwarranted suspicion and hostility towards doctors. It stressed that mutual trust and cooperation between patients and medical professionals are essential for effective treatment and healthcare delivery.
Clarifying its position, the association said it does not condone corruption, unethical medical practices or professional misconduct. However, it maintained that individual cases of wrongdoing should be addressed through appropriate legal and disciplinary procedures rather than being attributed to the entire medical fraternity.
“India needs more dedicated and motivated doctors to meet the healthcare needs of its growing population,” the letter stated. The IMA argued that negative portrayals could demoralise medical students, discourage aspiring doctors from joining the profession and undermine the dignity of a vocation built on years of hard work, sacrifice, compassion and service to humanity.
SURYAA TEASER RELEASED ON SUNNY DEOL'S BIRTHDAY
The controversy follows the release of the teaser for Suryaa on Monday, timed to coincide with veteran actor Sunny Deol's birthday.
According to the filmmakers, the teaser begins with a deeply personal loss that leaves the central character grappling with the scars of his past. He is subsequently drawn into a disturbing sequence of events linked to the medical system.
The film features Ravi Kishan, Pragya Jaiswal, Tanushree Chakraborty, Manish Wadhwa, Tinu Anand, Virti Vaghani, Jisshu Sengupta, Khalid Siddiqui, Anoop Trivedi and Rohit Tiwari alongside Sunny Deol.
Suryaa – Ant Se Aarambh Tak is scheduled to arrive in theatres on November 20.
