The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has formally approached the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, to seek an urgent review of the upcoming Bollywood film, 'Suryaa - Ant Se Aarambh Tak'. The medical body has raised significant objections regarding the movie's portrayal of the medical profession, citing concerns over how healthcare practitioners and hospital environments are depicted in the narrative. The film, which features actor Sunny Deol in a lead role, is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on November 20.
In a letter addressed to the Union Minister, the IMA highlighted several aspects of the film that have caused distress within the medical community. The association specifically pointed to the depiction of systemic corruption in the healthcare sector, alleged misconduct by medical professionals, and scenes featuring physical attacks on doctors, nursing staff, and other hospital personnel. The IMA has requested that the authorities conduct an impartial review of the content and initiate appropriate action under the law if the grievances are deemed justified.
A primary concern for the association is the potential impact of these portrayals on public perception. The IMA argues that the film may inadvertently suggest that unethical practices and professional wrongdoing are commonplace across the entire medical community. While acknowledging that individual misconduct should be subject to investigation and legal repercussions, the association stressed that such portrayals should not generalize or malign the reputation of the thousands of honest and dedicated doctors serving the population. It warned that portraying the medical profession in a predominantly negative light could damage the essential doctor-patient relationship, thereby hindering the cooperation necessary for effective medical treatment.
The association further expressed alarm regarding scenes that depict physical violence against healthcare workers. The letter cautioned that if such acts are presented on screen in a manner that seems heroic or justified, it risks normalizing hostility toward those who provide life-saving care. Given the existing safety and security challenges faced by doctors and hospital staff in various regions, the IMA fears that such cinematic content could encourage further aggression, putting medical professionals at greater risk in real-world scenarios.
In its communication, the IMA clarified that it does not condone corruption or unethical medical conduct. However, it maintained that such issues must be addressed through established disciplinary and legal channels rather than through narratives that damage the collective dignity of the profession. The letter emphasized the critical national need for motivated and dedicated doctors to serve a growing population, noting that negative media portrayals might demoralize medical students and discourage aspiring professionals from joining the field.
The controversy surrounding the film gained momentum following the release of its teaser on Monday, which coincided with the birthday of lead actor Sunny Deol. According to information provided by the filmmakers, the plot follows a central character who is drawn into a conflict linked to the medical system after experiencing a deeply personal loss. Beyond Sunny Deol, the film features an ensemble cast including Ravi Kishan, Pragya Jaiswal, Tanushree Chakraborty, Manish Wadhwa, Tinu Anand, Virti Vaghani, Jisshu Sengupta, Khalid Siddiqui, Anoop Trivedi, and Rohit Tiwari.
As the November 20 release date approaches, the medical community remains watchful of how the authorities will respond to the formal request from the IMA. The association’s intervention underscores the growing tension between creative freedom in the film industry and the professional image of healthcare workers, who are increasingly sensitive to how their roles are represented in mainstream media.
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