Actor Dev has decided to postpone the teaser release of his upcoming film Khadaan as a mark of solidarity with the ongoing protests in the aftermath of the rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Seeking justice for the victim, the Tollywood star shared a statement from the makers of the film on Tuesday to announce the news.

“In the wake of the tragic and horrifying incident at RG Kar Medical Hospital, we are deeply saddened and outraged. As a team that stands firmly against such atrocities, we have decided to postpone the release of the teaser for our film Khadaan,” the statement reads.

“At this time, our focus should be on seeking justice for the victim. We urge that the guilty be swiftly brought to justice. Our hearts go out to the victim's family, and we stand with them in their pursuit of justice,” the statement also reads.

The teaser of Khadaan was slated to be released on August 14 at 11am. The mahurat of the Soojit Dutta-helmed actioner set in coal mines was held in February. The film will mark Dev’s return to the action genre after a series of family dramas. Joining Dev as the female lead of this coal-mine saga will be Idhika Pal. Additionally, the film will also feature Jisshu Sengupta in a pivotal role.

Dev was last seen as a cop in Avijit Sen’s Pradhan, which released in theatres in December, 2023. Also featuring Anirban Chakrabarti, Paran Bandyopadhyay, Soham Chakraborty and Soumitrisha Kundu in key roles, Pradhan had its digital premiere on Hoichoi last week.

While Khadaan is eyeing a Christmas release this year, Dev-starrer Tekka will be hitting theatres during Durga Puja this year. Directed by Srijit Mukherji, the film also features Rukmini Maitra, Swastika Mukherjee and Tota Roy Choudhury.