Padmavati row getting uglier by the minute

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Padmavati has been facing controversy for a while now over inferences that it “distorts history” and “demeans” the Rajput Queen Padmavati. Even though the film’s cast and director have vehemently denied the claims, it did nothing to stop the protests.

In the latest development, Chief Minister Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan has banned the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming film in the state.

The Rajput Community had reportedly submitted a memorandum before Shivraj Singh seeking a ban on Padmavati and the CM has reportedly said that he won’t be allowing the release of Bhansali’s magnum opus in his state.

The drama does not end there. A senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced Rs100 million prize for the heads of Bhansali and Deepika Padukone who plays the role of Rani Padmavati. Ranveer Singh, who plays a villain in the film, was also threatened and told that his legs will be broken for working in the movie.

The Central Board of Film Certification has also refused to expedite the process of certification and said that the film will be reviewed as per due process. The CBFC had earlier sent back the film to the producers as the application for the certification was “incomplete”. COO Viacom 18 Motion Pictures Ajit Andhare said that the issue with the application was “minor” and the CBFC could have screened the film but they chose not to.

Meanwhile, the Bollywood film fraternity has expressed their outrage over the prevailing situation.

Veteran actor Shabana Azmi and lyricist Javed Akhtar have called members of Bollywood to refuse to be “puppets in this game of electoral gain, divisive politics and polarisation”. Azmi in an interview expressed her anger saying, “It is extremely enraging to see that there are people openly threatening to cut off Deepika Padukone’s nose, openly threatening that there is Rs 5-crore bounty on her head. If this is not criminal, what is? What is the government doing about it?”

Javed Akhtar also iterated the same point as Azmi and said, “For discussion’s sake, even if one was to accept that somebody’s feelings have been hurt, that she was indeed a historical figure, and so on, what are we doing about it? Are you going to cut somebody’s nose or chop off somebody’s head? Is that how a civilised country will work?”

Twinkle Khanna wrote on her Twitter, “The nation wants to know-Is this 10 crore beheading fee inclusive of GST?” Further adding,”And as far as #Padmavati is concerned I wish it is the biggest hit ever as that would be the befitting rejoinder to all these loony threats!”

Director Gauri Shinde also expressed her thought on Twitter saying, “We are not going to be held ransom by a minuscule group of goons who even threaten murder over a film. It is not the voice of the nation. Never forget the majority of the country believes insanity and the rule of law.”

Actor Riteish Deshmukh wrote, “What kind of a country are we becoming???? Open death threats!!! Hope our Honorable Government takes quick action.”

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta also commented on the inaction of the government in this situation and Tweeted, “Sad that bullies have prevailed again. The government’s stance is disappointing but not unexpected. After all, what is a film compared to elections?”

South Indian actor Prakash Raj also asked,”Will they let  #Padmavati release post-election at least?”

Padmavati starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh was scheduled to release on December 1 but due to the current situation and life threats, the team decided to postpone its release. A new release date hasn’t been announced as yet.

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