The newly announced Bollywood film Operation Sindoor has quickly found itself at the center of a heated debate, following the release of its promotional poster on May 9, 2025. Helmed by filmmaker Uttam Maheshwari and initially linked to production house Nicky Vicky Bhagnani Films, the film has ignited backlash for blending religious symbolism with military themes in what many are calling a provocative and insensitive portrayal.

The poster, which features a female soldier marked with sindoor and carrying a weapon, drew widespread criticism across social media platforms. Many users and influencers accused the creators of leveraging patriotism and religious imagery for shock value and marketing. In response to the mounting criticism, director Maheshwari released an official apology, stating the visual was meant to honor women’s courage in national service and was never intended to hurt religious or patriotic sentiments.

In a dramatic twist, the Content Engineer—a co-producer previously associated with the project—publicly denied any involvement in a screen version of Operation Sindoor. Also, Jackky and Vashu Bhagnani have officially denied any association with Operation Sindoor, clarifying their banner, Puja Films, is not involved in the project."This distancing has raised serious questions about the film’s backing and creative direction.

Amid the uproar, Operation Sindoor has triggered a frenzy within the Indian film industry, with over 30 filmmakers rushing to register similar titles such as Mission Sindoor, Sindoor: The Awakening, and Sindoor: The Revenge. According to reports, big names like John Abraham, Aditya Dhar (Uri fame), and Madhur Bhandarkar have submitted title claims to the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) and IFTPC.

As of now, the film’s cast remains undisclosed, and its future is uncertain. However, the buzz around Operation Sindoor has made it one of the most talked-about Bollywood controversies of 2025. The incident has ignited a larger dialogue on the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers when depicting sensitive cultural and national themes in cinema.