Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has become the latest hotspot for controversy over film titles and narratives that communities feel target them. Following the backlash against Netflix’s ‘Ghooskhور Pandit’, the upcoming movie ‘Yadav Ji Ki Love Story’ has ignited fury among the Yadav community. On Wednesday, hundreds took to the streets in Sambhal district, burning posters of the film and demanding its immediate ban.
The protesters, predominantly from the Yadav community, argue that the film’s title and storyline portray their society in a derogatory light. ‘This is a deliberate attempt to mock and stereotype us,’ shouted one demonstrator as crowds trampled effigies and posters underfoot. The unrest highlights a growing sensitivity around cinematic representations of caste and community identities in India.
Directed by Ankit Bhadana, ‘Yadav Ji Ki Love Story’ is billed as a romantic thriller set for release on February 27, 2026. It stars Pragati Tiwari as ‘Simple Yadav’, a quiet, homely girl, alongside Vishal Mohan and a character named Wasim Akhter. The plot revolves around an inter-community love story, which critics from the community claim distorts their cultural values.
Protests have spread beyond Sambhal, with similar demonstrations reported in other parts of Uttar Pradesh. Cinema hall owners have received warnings against screening the film, and memorandums have been submitted to local administrations urging a halt to its release. ‘We will not tolerate our community being ridiculed on screen,’ affirmed a protest leader.
This wave of opposition echoes recent incidents where films faced bans or edits due to community pressures. As the release date approaches, authorities are on high alert, monitoring the situation to prevent escalation. The controversy raises broader questions about creative freedom versus cultural respect in Bollywood.