‘Padmavati’ Alert: Gujarat government seeks ban on the Deepika-Shahid-Ranveer starrer?

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmavati’ has been facing a lot of troubles since the time it went on floors. First, the director and the team of the film were attacked in Jaipur by Karni Sena, then the sets of the film were vandalised in Kolhapur, and just recently a rangoli inspired by ‘Padmavati’ poster was destroyed at a mall.

The latest news coming in according to Times Of India, the BJP state government in Gujarat has asked for a ban on the movie or they want the release date to be postponed in Gujarat as the film hits the screens ahead of the elections. They have written to the Election Commission of India and the Chief Electoral Officer, Gujarat “to arrange for a pre-release viewing of the film by select Rajput representatives to alleviate their raised tempers and provide fair opportunity to prevent unnecessary tension ahead of polls.”

The spokesperson of the political party and Kshatriya leader I K Jadeja said, “We have received representations from Khastriya, Rajput communities opposing any purported distortion of history and character of Rani Padmavati in the movie. History says that Padmavati never met Allaudin Khilji. Any distortion in the movie which hurts sentiments of Rajput Kshatriya community should be avoided as Gujarat is going to polls in December.”

The elections in the state are scheduled on December 9 and 14 respectively, and the movie hits the screens on December 1.

Bhansali productions have always maintained that there’s no romantic scene between Sultan Alauddin Khilji (Ranveer Singh) and Rani Padmavati (Deepika Padukone) in the film. On more than one occasion statements have been issued to clarify the same.

https://twitter.com/bhansaliprod_fc/status/826113266820620288

Shree Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena has also sent a letter to the Multiplex Owners’ association – Gujarat (MOAG). The letter states, “The upcoming film – Padmavati – directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali tinkers with the history of Hindu and Rajput communities. It is an issue of violation of the dignity of women of these communities. The release of the film is stayed in Rajasthan and if the film is released in Gujarat, it would invite strong protests against the move. There may be damage and destruction to the property as well.”

The president of MOAG, Manubhai Patel, said, “There is still a month to the release of the film and such disputes are usually resolved. However, we don’t know what the outcome will be considering the upcoming elections in the state.”

A few days ago, I & B minister, Smriti Irani had stated that the film will get a smooth release. We wonder what she has to say now.

The major chunk of the film has been smoothly shot in Mumbai and only a few portions of the movie are left which will also be wrapped up this week. ‘Padmavati’ is slated to release on December 1, 2017, and it looks like controversies revolving the movie are not ready to take a backseat.  (Also Read: ‘Padmavati’: Deepika and Aditi wrap up their work, receive a special gift)

Murtuza Iqbal

‘Eat Sleep Bollywood Repeat’ is his life Mantra. Dance is his first love and Rani Mukerji is his eternal crush. He is someone who loves being himself, and as for the ones who don’t agree, his reply? “Talk to my hand!”