CBFC flags screening of Umar Khalid documentary at IIIT-Hyderabad

CBFC flags screening of Umar Khalid documentary at IIIT-Hyderabad Notes public exhibition of an uncertified film violates Cinematograph Act.

Key points

• 2 min read New Delhi Updated: Sep 18, 2026 04: 39 AM IST.
• 626710 is Present , is directed by filmmaker Lalit Vachani.
• 626710 is Present is based on former JNU research scholar Khalid.
• It additionally tagged IIIT-Hyderabad, stating the institute's authorities "may take note for necessary action".

Prisoner No. 626710 is Present is based on former JNU research scholar Khalid. He was arrested in September 2020 in connection with the alleged larger conspiracy behind the northeast Delhi riots.

For context, a PROPOSED screening of a documentary on jailed activist Umar Khalid at IIIT-Hyderabad has probable been cancelled after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) flagged the programme, stating that publicly exhibiting an uncertified film would violate the Cinematograph Act unless a specific exemption has been obtained.

Meanwhile, the documentary, " Prisoner No. 626710 is Present ", is directed by filmmaker Lalit Vachani. It was scheduled to be shown by a group of students at the institute's KRB Auditorium at 8 pm on Friday.

"Public screening of a documentary film that has not yet been certified by the CBFC is a violation of the Cinematograph Act unless a specific exemption has been sought under the Act, " the CBFC posted on X. It additionally tagged IIIT-Hyderabad, stating the institute's authorities "may take note for necessary action".

Taken together, the developments around CBFC flags screening of Umar Khalid documentary at IIIT point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.