Padmavati lands in another controversy

There is something about Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming period drama, Padmavati that is not letting things proceed smoothly. Ever since the film was announced, it has been submerged in one controversy or another. The film, which follows the story of Rani Padmavati has been charged with attempting to distort history. Bhansali has faced protest against the film not just in form of set destruction but was also slapped on the set of the film.

The recent development on the subject is that the director has been asked to show the film to Hindu and Kshatriya leaders prior to its release. If that doesn’t happen, Karni Sena has threatened to burn cinema halls and former Congress leader, Shankersinh Vaghela has also warned the makers of violent protests. This warning has been backed by BJP as well who seek a ban on the film if their demand isn’t fulfilled.

Party’s spokesman and Kshatriya leader, I. K. Jadeja said that either the film shall be banned or its release should be delayed. “We have received representations from Khastriya, Rajput communities opposing any purported distortion of history and character of Rani Padmavati in the movie,” he told Times of India. History says that Padmavati never met Allaudin Khilji.”

The party has written to the Election Commission of India as well as 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.”

Starring Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmavati, Shahid Kapoor as her husband Raja Rawal Ratan Singh, a Rajput King, and Ranveer Singh as Sultan Alauddin Khilji, Padmavati is scheduled to hit cinemas on December 1, this year.