Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Documentary Examines Umar Khalid’s Imprisonment and Enduring Presence
Prisoner No.
626710 Is Present is a documentary about Umar Khalid, a student leader who is in prison.
He was arrested in 2020 in connection with an alleged plot related to the Delhi riots.
The film’s title uses the number given to him in prison.
It also says that he is still present in the thoughts and lives of people who care about him.
The documentary was first shown at a film festival in Kerala in 2024.
It has since been shown in India and other countries.
The reviewer watched it in London.
The film looks at the allegations against Khalid and at how his imprisonment has affected his friendships.
Lalit Vachani’s documentary, Prisoner No. 626710 Is Present, focuses on student leader Umar Khalid.
Khalid was arrested on 13 September 2020 in connection with an alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 Delhi riots.
The film’s title refers both to Khalid’s prison number and the idea that he remains present in people’s lives.
The documentary premiered on 29 July 2024 at the International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala and has screened in India and abroad.
The reviewer says the film moves between examining allegations against Khalid and depicting the effects of his imprisonment on his friendships.
- Who
- Student leader Umar Khalid and filmmaker Lalit Vachani.
- What
- A documentary examines the allegations against Khalid and the impact of his imprisonment on his friendships.
- When
- Khalid was arrested on 13 September 2020; the documentary premiered on 29 July 2024.
- Where
- The film premiered at the International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala and was screened at Birkbeck, University of London.
- Why
- The documentary explores what it means for Khalid to remain present in public memory and personal relationships while imprisoned.
- Documentary
- Prisoner No. 626710 Is Present
- Filmmaker
- Lalit Vachani
- Subject
- Umar Khalid
- Arrest date
- 13 September 2020
- Premiere
- 29 July 2024
- Premiere venue
- International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala
- Reviewer’s screening
- Birkbeck, University of London