No end to the woes of ‘Padmaavat’: Protests continue in Uttar Pradesh over its release

Today, the honourable Supreme Court dismissed pleas by Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh governments to ban the release of director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmaavat’. Perhaps, this didn’t go down well with the organisations who are against this epic period drama movie. There are reports that protests are being held in several towns and cities of Uttar Pradesh. In Barabanki town, Muslims have protested and even burnt an effigy of filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and the posters of the film.

A protestor has quoted to the media, “We will not allow the film to distort history, even if it is about a Hindu queen.” After Supreme Court’s verdict on ‘Padmaavat’,  Lokendra Singh Kalvi, chief of the organisation Shri Rajput Karni Sena has said, “It is disheartening to know that the Supreme Court hasn’t respected the public sentiments. However, now we are standing the in people’s court and are confident that people will support us to observe junta curfew.” (Also Check: As Padmaavat release nears, Deepika Padukone seeks blessings at Siddhivinayak Temple)

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The supporters of this group Shri Rajput Karni Sena have carried out a protested in Allahabad and tried to set on fire a city bus near the Mayo Hall. They have even vandalised public property.

The protests are reported to be held in Agra, Hathras and some other parts of western Uttar Pradesh as well. The Police officials have said that the film would be allowed to be screened at theatres in view of the Supreme Court orders on the issue.

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According to a report in a agency, the cinema owners in the state capital have sought police security to ensure peaceful screening of the movie though they refused to come on record, saying they do not want more trouble than is already brewing.

The film starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles is set to release on coming Thursday.

Inputs from IANS

Amod Pandit

Quiet, resonant, and creative, he can be seen immersed in his own world, and puts in his heart and soul into the one passion that he has, Bollywood. His line for survival? Feel happy to be a part of it.