New Delhi:
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming period drama 'Padmavati', which is happened to be one of the most anticipated movies of the year, has managed to be in the headlines since inception. From vandalisation of film set to the rangoli demolishment at a mall during film's promotion, the movie has been mired in controversy for obvious reasons. It seems like debates and controversies have refused to die down over the release of the flick.
According to sources, Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena is staging protests against film Padmavati in Bengaluru. Thousands of Karni Sena workers took out a rally from town hall to freedom park on Wednesday.
Talking about the same, Sukh Dev Singh, national president of Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena said to News Nation, we will not allow the movie to be released anywhere, otherwise, we will create rucks and break down those theatres.
"Will take decision this afternoon. Our union won't support person who distorts history for publicity of his film, will demand ban. If Bhansali doesn't agree, our union won't let him shoot any film," BJP MLA & head of Film Studio Setting & Allied Majdoor Union, Ram Kadam was quoted while interacting with ANI.
Will take decision this afternoon. Our union won't support person who distorts history for publicity of his film, will demand ban. If Bhansali doesn't agree, our union won't let him shoot any film: BJP MLA & head of Film Studio Setting & Allied Majdoor Union, Ram Kadam #Padmavati pic.twitter.com/ZDZzuDCVoV
— ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2017
The bad luck of the movie did not stop here, ranging from Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh the scene of protests have reached right to the doorsteps of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Juhu office where the women's wing of Akhand Rajputana Sewa Sangh had threatened to launch mass scale protests.
Police have tightened security outside his office and home.
Meanwhile, Indian Film and Television Director's Association Convener Ashoke Pandit writes to Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in order to express gratitude for providing security to Bhansali.
Indian Film and Television Director's Association Convener Ashoke Pandit writes to Maharashtra CM, express gratitude for providing security to #SanjayLeelaBhansali . #Padmavati pic.twitter.com/VKxWn1vxb1
— ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2017
Earlier this year, fringe group Rajput Karni Sena vandalised the sets of the film in Jaipur and roughed up the director, while in a fresh event, members of Hindu fringe group Karni Sena have vandalised Akash mall in Kota, Rajasthan.
The miscreants entered Akash mall and broke the glass doors after receiving the information that Padmavati trailer is being played in the theatres inside the mall.
Karni Sena also destroyed the sets in Kolhapur and set costumes on fire.
They have allegedly threatened to burn the theatres if the film is played in cinema halls before it is shown to them.In the absence of the crew, around 50 protesters appeared with petrol bombs and destroyed the whole set thereby injuring several animals.Â
Also Read: 'Padmavati' second song shows godly bond between Padmini, Ratan Singh
The protestors allege that Bhansali has distorted historical facts to sell the film. Sources say that the character of Padmavati has been shown dancing and there is a sequence that shows Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji in intimate moments which is severely objected by Rajput organisations.
Recently, a PIL has also been filed in Supreme Court against its release and the petition reads, as reported by Times Of India, "The trailer of the film shows Rani Padmavati doing a 'ghoomar' dance. The depiction of Rani Padmavati in the said dance sequence is contrary to how the dance is performed traditionally. The queens never used to do ghoomar and the thumkas (hip movement) themselves and the revelation of skin by actress Deepika Padukone, in her portrayal of Padmavati, has hurt the sentiments of the Rajput community’’.
He further added, "Rani Padmavati was known for her pious lifestyle and her character was beyond reproach but in order to serve the prurient interests of certain sections of the audience, filmmakers have shown the Queen dreaming about Alauddin Khilji and in love with him. It is reprehensible that in order to earn some profit, the producers have stooped to such a level wherein they have stopped caring about our rich cultural history and have indulged in her character assassination. This has created great angst among Hindus in general and the Rajput community in particular".
Also Read: 'Padmavati' not submitted to CBFC for clearance yet?
However, the apex court rejected the plea and announced that CBFC has sufficient guidelines to grant certificates for films.
Amidst these controversies and debates, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali took to the official Facebook page of the film 'Padmavati' to give a short clarification regarding the storyline of the film, but it has failed to satisfy the group of protesters.
Rajput community, the Jaipur Royalty, BJP MPs and MLAs are still staging protests against the film from across the country.
However, several members in and outside the industry have come forward to back the Deepika Padukone-starrer. From Salman Khan to Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, celebrities have requested people to watch films as films and not judge it before its release.
Also Read: Irrfan Khan opens up on controversies over 'Padmavati' release
Starring Shahid Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh in key roles, the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial is scheduled to hit the screens on December 1, 2017.
