Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming film Padmavati has been in the line of fire ever since it was announced.
The period drama which has been inspired by the legend of Rani Padmini, a legendary Hindu Rajput queen, mentioned in Padmavat, an Avadhi language epic poem written by Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi in 1540, has provoked a strong reaction from certain parties who believe that the film will tarnish the Rajput queen’s image.
According to the Times of India, a petition has even been filed in the Supreme Court by a group of persons seeking a stay on its release for allegedly hurting sentiments of the Rajput community by “distorting and twisting historical facts”.
In response to all the opposition, Bhansali has attempted to clarify his stance through a video message in which he says that he was always been inspired by the story of Rani Padmavati (played by Deepika Padukone). “This [film] is my tribute to the sacrifice, valour and honour of Rani Padmavati. I have made it with utmost honesty, responsibility and hard work.”
“But because of some rumours, the film is being dragged into a controversy,” says the director and producer of the film, referring to the notion of a romance between Deepika and Ranveer in the movie.
He added, “The rumours claim that the film has a dream sequence between Rani Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji — something that I have already denied, even in writing. Now through this video, I am reiterating that in our film, Rani Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji have no such scene together which hurts anyone’s sentiments.”
The director emphasized that the film has been made with a lot of responsibility and that the pride and honour of the Rajputs have been respected.
The film which starres Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles is scheduled to be released on December 1.
This is my tribute to the sacrifice, valour and honour of Rani Padmavati! – Sanjay Leela Bhansali @RanveerOfficial @deepikapadukone @shahidkapoor https://t.co/RfxgTzFtch
— Padmavati (@FilmPadmavati) November 8, 2017