Filmmaker Raaj Shaandilyaa is set to shed light on one of India’s most controversial legal issues with his upcoming real-life film based on Deeptanshu Shukla’s life —an engineer-turned-advocate who sacrificed his bright career to fight against the rampant misuse of Section 498A.

The makers have officially acquired the life rights of Deeptanshu Shukla, ensuring the film stays true to his powerful journey of resilience and justice. Directed by Anindya Bikas Datta, known for his work in Bangla cinema and now marking his foray into Hindi films, the film will expose how false dowry harassment cases have become a devastating tool of legal abuse, leading to broken families, wrongful imprisonments and tragic suicides.

While Section 498A was introduced to protect women from domestic violence and dowry harassment, its increasing misuse has led to innocent men and their families suffering irreversible damage. The impact is not limited to the accused groom—it extends to his entire family. Mothers, sisters, daughters and even elderly women are being implicated in baseless cases, forcing them into prolonged legal battles that shatter lives. False accusations have turned a law meant for protection into a weapon of harassment, raising concerns about the need for judicial reforms that ensure fairness for all.

The numbers paint a grim reality. Cases of false accusations are on the rise, with devastating consequences. The tragic cases of Atul Subhash, Manav Sharma, Puneet Khurana, Petaru Gollapalli and Nishant Tripathi serve as stark reminders that many men choose to end their lives rather than endure the shame and trauma of being falsely accused. With society quick to judge and legal battles dragging on for years, many see no escape other than taking their own lives.

Atul Subhash, in particular, became a voice for the falsely accused. Unable to bear the stress, he sacrificed his life to spare his family the agony of a prolonged legal battle. But his story is not an isolated one—there are thousands of such painful false cases across the country where the misuse of the law has destroyed lives.

Deeptanshu Shukla’s journey is one of resilience and defiance. After graduating as an engineer from IIT Kanpur, his life took a drastic turn when he was falsely accused under Section 498A. Instead of surrendering to injustice, false cases and the influence of powerful political connections, he sought to understand the law to fight back. Later, he studied Law to become the voice of innocent men trapped in the legal crossfire. Today, he stands as a beacon of hope, proving that one man’s fight can ignite a revolution.

Shaandilyaa, known for his bold storytelling, believes that The Verdict 498A will challenge prevailing narratives and spark a much-needed conversation on legal reforms. “This is not just Deeptanshu’s story—it’s the story of thousands of families suffering in silence, crushed by a system that has turned justice into a weapon. We cannot allow innocent lives to be destroyed under the guise of women’s protection. True equality demands justice for all. Atul Subhash’s tragic end is a heartbreaking reminder that the system is failing the very people it was meant to protect. But giving up is not the answer.”

He adds, “This film will inspire those falsely accused to stand their ground—just as Deeptanshu did. Adds the producer who has directed films like the Dreamgirl franchise and Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, “Life is a gift from God; do not let falsehood steal it from you. Stand up for your family, fight back and together, we must put an end to the devastating misuse of this law. India is a democratic nation, and now is the time to reform our judicial system to ensure it remains unbiased and does not favor any particular gender. I urge the Government of India to take strict action against those who manipulate the law in the name of justice. My humble appeal to the Honorable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi-ji, our nation urgently needs a Men’s Protection Act. Justice must not be selective, it must be fair and equal to all.”

Producer Vimal Lahoti shared: “The Verdict 498A is more than just a film—it’s a mirror to a harsh reality. Through this story, we aim to spark a crucial dialogue on justice, accountability, and the urgent need for legal reform. It’s time to bring the truth to light.”

Director Anindya Bikas Datta added, “False accusations don’t just ruin the accused—they devastate entire families. A single fabricated case can push a man to the brink of suicide. It’s time for society to wake up and demand a fairer system.”

The Verdict 498A is gearing up to go on floors soon. The film will be produced by Raaj Shaandilyaa and Vimal Lahoti. This marks the second film under Kathavachak Films, following Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video. With the film currently in pre-production, the makers have decided on a pan-India release. The film will be shot in Hindi and released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada.

(Used with permission from NIT)

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