Hansal Mehta’s acclaimed courtroom drama, “Shahid,” which won a National Award in 2013, has finally made its way to a streaming platform, 13 years post its theatrical debut. The film features Rajkummar Rao in the role of Shahid Azmi, a lawyer who defended individuals accused under anti-terror legislation in the aftermath of the 1992 Mumbai riots. After its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2012, the film was released in select Indian theaters the following year, despite being produced on a modest budget of Rs 35 lakh. Both Mehta and Rao received National Awards for Best Director and Best Actor, respectively, for their contributions to the film.
The film became available on Prime Video India on Tuesday, prompting co-writer and editor Apurva Asrani to question the timing of its release on social media: “Why now?” He characterized Shahid Azmi as a figure who “fought for due process in an environment where Muslims were frequently presumed guilty without any proof.” Asrani emphasized that Azmi was killed for his bravery.
Asrani went on to discuss the prolonged absence of “Shahid” on streaming platforms, linking it to the political landscape that emerged after its release in 2013. He noted that a climate developed where dissenters, activists, and journalists advocating for the rights of the accused increasingly faced scrutiny. He referenced the case of former student leader Umar Khalid, who was arrested in connection with a 2016 sedition case and has remained incarcerated since his re-arrest in 2020, despite not yet being tried.
Asrani argued that this broader political atmosphere also affected the film industry. “Many of us—filmmakers, actors, and writers drawn to bold narratives like ‘Shahid’—either encountered difficulties in producing such projects or were pressured by the system to create ‘acceptable’ stories that conformed to political standards, often at the cost of quality,” he stated.
In his reflective remarks, Asrani pondered the reasons behind the film’s newfound availability in 2026, questioning whether the societal mood had shifted or if there was a rising opposition to a climate of fear. He expressed pride in the film, acknowledging that it played a significant role in establishing his career as a co-writer and editor, while also reaffirming his commitment to authentic cinema. “If you haven’t seen it, I encourage you to watch it. If you have, consider watching it again,” he urged.
He praised the “wonderful” team behind “Shahid” and described the film as a testament to the kind of daring cinema that should be celebrated. He concluded his message by thanking Prime Video India, accompanied by a fist emoji. The film was co-produced by Anurag Kashyap, Ronnie Screwvala, and Siddharth Roy Kapur, and featured performances from Kay Kay Menon, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Shalini Vatsa, and Vipin Sharma, among others.
Furthermore, “Shahid” signified a pivotal moment in Hansal Mehta’s career trajectory, leading him to create more socially conscious films. This project also initiated his longstanding collaboration with Rajkummar Rao, which continued with titles like “CityLights” (2014), “Aligarh” (2015), “Omerta” (2017), “Chhalaang” (2020), and the ALT Balaji series “Bose: Dead/Alive.”
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