Padmaavat, the film
See also Padmavati/ Maharani Padmini
This film was originally known as Padmavati and was to be released in early Dec. 2017. However, at the suggestion of Indian film censors, the title was changed to Padmavat, which will now be a 2018 film. Shortly thereafter the name of the film was further respelt as Padmaavat.
L-R: Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh; Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmini @ Padmavati; and Ranveer Singh as Sultan Alauddin Khilji
This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content. |
The auteurs
Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor in Padmavat
Director
Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Screenplay
Prakash Kapadia, Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Dialogues
Prakash Kapadia
Producers
Sanjay Leela Bhansali ...
Shobha Sant ...
Music
Sanchit Balhara
Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Cinematography
Sudeep Chatterjee ...
Costume Design
Ajay
Maxima Basu
Harpreet Rimple
Chandrakant Sonawane
Cast
Deepika Padukone as Padmavati
Ranveer Singh as Sultan Alauddin Khilji
Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh
Aditi Rao Hydari as Mehrunissa
Sharhaan Singh as Vijaydaan Singh
Jim Sarbh as Malik Kafur
Raza Murad as Jalaluddin Khilji
Padmavati Rao as Kunwar Baisa
Anupriya Goenka as Nagmati
Fashion trends revived by Padmavati
5 trends from Padmavati that are here to stay| November 20, 2017 | IndiaTimes/ The Times of India
Here's a look at 5 trends that have made a comeback after glimpses from the movie made their way to the Internet.
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The unibrow
While Deepika Padukone is indeed slaying as 'Rani Padmini of Chittor,' it's her unibrow, that has captured the attention of one and all. According to make-up artists all across, the trend is here to stay because Deepika is truly rocking it.
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The bindi
The graceful red bindi is back, courtesy Padmavati, only this time it needs to be worn high on the forehead.
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Winged eyeliner
Yes, it's back and this time we've got to thank Ms Padukone for the same. The most important part of smokey make-up, the edgy eyeliner is already a favourite with wedding make-up artists.
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The exquisite jewellery
From the magnificent raanihaar that covers the complete neckline of a woman to well-rounded chandbalis set in the form of two crescent moons next to each other, from bell-shaped borla or maang tikka to the stunning hath phool that covers all the fingers of the hand, Deepika has literally left us with some serious antique jewellery goals. Each piece is art crying out to be a part of every woman's jewellery trunk.
Pad ghoomar
Rajwada clothes
Rajwada clothes or the royal heirloom is suddenly big, so much so that a lot of would-be brides are ordering these traditional gota-patti pieces for their weddings. The vintage designs are a big hit with us and the ladies.
GAGGING Padmavati, THE FILM
The main incidents
Jan 2017- Nov 15, 2017
Sanjay Leela Bhansali assaulted on the sets in Jaipur
Even before the vandalism on the sets, there was another disturbing incident that happened while the ‘Padmavati’ team was shooting at Jaigarh fort in Jaipur. A local outfit called the Rajput Karni Sena stormed the shooting spot on January 28 2017 and roughed up the crew. Even as the guards and crew tried to stop the mob; the angered mob caught hold of the respected filmmaker and slapped him. The outfit alleged that Sanjay was distorting facts for his film and that they found it unacceptable. Finally, the two parties were able to work out a compromise but not before the issue became a national debate.
Bollywood celebs protest against the assault
As soon as the news of the assault broke out, Bollywood celebs didn’t shy away from expressing their outrage. The biggest reaction came from actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who dropped Rajput from his name as a mark of protest and to express his shame. It was because the people who assaulted Bhansali were Rajputs themselves. Other than him a lot of celebs from the industry such as Karan Johar, Vishal Dadlani, Sonam Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, Huma Qureshi, Anurag Kashyap, Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal, Arjun Kapoor and Dia Mirza expressed their anger on the issue and called the incident shameful and infuriating.
‘Padmavati’ sets vandalized in Kolhapur
In March 2017, as the cast and crew of the film was shooting at the Masai Pathar, located around 35 kms from Kolhapur, an unidentified group of men vandalized the sets of the film. The designer costumes for the film as well as animal feed had been torched resulting in damages worth crores. There were suspected to be a total of twenty culprits and the reason for this vandalism remained a mystery. However, this incident left Sanjay Leela Bhansali and the Bollywood fraternity really distraught as they felt that it was a direct attack on their creative liberties.
Deepika Padukone's 'Padmavati' first look ignites a new threat from Rajput group
The first look of Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmavati was unveiled on social media on Thursday morning and she looked stunning in all her regal glory.
However amidst all the awe and applause, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming period drama 'Padmavati' was in for more trouble by the Rajput Karni Sena.
It was reported that a member of the Rajput Karni Sena allegedly stated that they will not allow distorted facts to be shown in the film at any cost, and will see to it that the film is not screened in half of India. According to them, the filmmakers have tried to defame Padmavati by distorting historical facts.
Rajput Karni Sena founder Lokendra Singh Kalvi also told IANS that they've asked the film to be screened for historians and intellectuals to decide if facts have been misrepresented in any way.
Early in 2017, members of the Rajput fringe group reportedly disrupted the film's shoot in Jaipur, vandalized the sets and manhandled Mr Bhansali. After the incident, SLB shifted the shooting destination to a place near Mumbai's Film City.
From Hindustan Times
‘Padmavati’: Jai Rajputana Sangh threatens to burn theatres if Rani Padmini is insulted in any way
The controversies surrounding Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmavati’ just does not seem to end. With only a month from its release, another Rajput group has threatened violent action against the film.
According to reports, a group called Jai Rajputana Sangh threatened to burn cinema halls if there is any romantic relationship shown between Rani Padmini and Sultan Alauddin Khilji. They also threatened violence if the queen or Rajasthani people are insulted in any way. The filmmaker had already clarified that there would no such sequence in the film. However, that has not deterred the Sena from causing problems for the film’s release.
Meanwhile, their demand is that the film should be shown to them before and after their approval only if it should be allowed to release. It remains to be seen how the situation pans out for the Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh film when it hits theatres on December 1.
Smriti Irani ensures Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmavati' will release without any trouble
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmavati' has been facing many issues since it started rolling. Many controversies came up one after another surrounding the film. Fringe political outfits like the Rajput Karni Sena has continued with its tirade against the film and has declared that they will boycott the release of the film.
However, recently, Information and Broadcasting minister, Smriti Irani said that the film will face no trouble during its release. While replying to Karan Johar's comment about 'political pressure' on the film, at an event, she assured that the state government will ensure the law and order and will not allow any miscreants to disrupt any kind of interaction or display. She said, "I am sure law and order will be under control. The State government will ensure no miscreants disrupt any kind of interaction or display. I don’t envisage any problem. If there is any challenge, the State government will meet it.”
She added that miscreants without cover create such controversies and if the filmmaker communicates it properly then it is taken care of. She also said that to say something will happen is kind of "localised fear" these days.
Deepika Padukone urges Smriti Irani to take action against 'Padmavati' vandals
In a recent turn of events, Deepika Padukone, lead star of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next titled 'Padmavati' has broken her silence on the vandalism surrounding the film's release based on the life of Rani Padmini from Chittor.
The actress taking to her Twitter handle condemned the ongoing vandalism against the film and has also gone ahead to urge Broadcast Minister Smriti Irani to put an end to this. Here's what she said, "Absolutely heart breaking to see the recent attack on artist Karan and his artwork!disgusting and appalling to say the least! Who are these people?Who is responsible for their actions?For how long are we going to let this go on? Allow them to take law into their own hands & attack our freedom & right to individual expression time & again!? This has to stop NOW & action must be taken!@smritiirani."
Amidst all the awe and applause, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming period drama 'Padmavati' was in for more trouble by the Rajput Karni Sena. Karni Sena allegedly stated that they will not allow distorted facts to be shown in the film at any cost, and will see to it that the film is not screened in half of India. According to them, the filmmakers have tried to defame Padmavati by distorting historical facts.
Early this year, members of the Rajput fringe group reportedly disrupted the film's shoot in Jaipur, vandalized the sets and manhandled Mr Bhansali. After the incident, SLB shifted the shooting destination to a place near Mumbai's Film City. by Shreya Thakur
'Padmavati' row: Karni Sena vandalise theatre in Rajasthan following Deepika Padukone's remarks
With the film's release date nearing, the situation of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus 'Padmavati' seems to be getting unpleasant by the day. Commenting on the uproar that the film has triggered, Deepika Padukone recently questioned the state of the country and also stated that "we have regressed" as a nation. In retaliation to her comments, members of Rajput Karni Sena on Tuesday vandalised a theatre in Kota in Rajasthan, after rumours of the trailer of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming film being shown surfaced.
According to reports, the protestors pelted stones and broke windowpanes, gates and the ticket counter, and damaged some office furniture between 3.30 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the theatre. They also allegedly shouted slogans against Bhansali. Police apparently resorted to mild lathi-charge to disperse the protestors and detained eight persons. Though police did not confirm it, Sena sources claimed that the protest was held as the theatre was showing a trailer of the film.
‘Padmavati’: Rajput leader agrees to support the film if their delegation is satisfied with it
As the release date of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmavati’ draws near, the protests against the film only seem to be intensifying. However, in the midst of all the drama, it seems some of Rajput protest groups can perhaps be reasoned with. According to reports, R.P. Singh, leader of Akhand Rajputana Seva Sangh claims to support the film if it satisfies the sensibilities of the members of his group. Apparently, the leader got in touch with people from Bhansali Productions who assured to screen the film especially for them between the 15th and 18th November. Singh also added that a delegation of eleven men will be watching this special screening and if they are satisfied, then his group will offer full support to ‘Padmavati’. Starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, ‘Padmavati’ is all set to release on December 1, 2017.
‘Padmavati’: Queen of Bundi raises no objection to the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film
Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has been battling a lot of controversies stirred up by fringe groups and political parties. However the director now has a reason to smile after the Queen of Rajasthan's Bundi, Mayuri Singh has come out in his support and the release of the film.
In an interview with ANI, the Queen said, "Let the movie Padmavati release first, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has assured us of nothing demeaning (of the Rajput clan has been shown) in it."
However, she has warned the makers of a protest if the director has not lived up to his word. She said, “If after release, we think something is objectionable, then we will protest.”
The period drama starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles, has been facing a lot of opposition from the Rajput Karni Sena, a few politicians and even the royal family of Mewar that claimed Bhansali’s film has various inaccuracies that transgress the limits of dramatic license.
'Padmavati' row: Mewar royals write to PM Modi, CBFC to withhold permission to release the film
Days after the Supreme Court refused a plea seeking to ban the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial historical drama 'Padmavati' featuring Deepika Padukone as the Rajput goddess queen, the royal family of Mewar has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministry of information and broadcasting and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to withhold permission to release the film on December 1.
M K Vishvaraj Singh of Udaipur-Mewar royal family said in his letter that although Bhansali claimed the film is "well researched, factual and true to history", it is based on a text that's not regarded as accurate.
Stating that the filmmaker has relied on 'Padmavat' by Malik Muhammad Jayasi, a Sufi poet, he says, "The work is replete with poetic imagery and even has a talking and thinking parrot."
Apart from the story, the royal family also claimed that the song 'Ghoomar' and publicity material establishes gross inaccuracies that transgress the limits of dramatic license.
Adding that the important events in the film have wrongly been depicted he claimed that there were only three 'jauhars' (self-immolation) in the 1,400-year-old recorded history of Mewar.
He also condemned the use of the family name without seeking permission
President of Shri Rajput Sabha warns that Sanjay Leela Bhansali might get beaten up
Things don’t seem to be getting anywhere better for Sanjay Leela Bhansali and his upcoming magnum opus ‘Padmavati’.
After the Supreme Court dismissed the stay plea on the release of ‘Padmavati’, Girraj Singh Lotwara, the president of Shri Rajput Sabha reportedly said that they won't be responsible if the director Sanjay Leela Bhansali is beaten up by any youth whenever and wherever he is seen.
Earlier too, the director was given threats against the release of the film, especially in Rajasthan and cases of vandalism on the sets of his film has also been reported.
This picture shows the sets of Padmavati vandalised and torched
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmavati’ release to be postponed due to political reasons?
After months of silently dealing with a number of controversies propagated by various fringe groups, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali came on record to crush allegations about his film ‘Padmavati’. In a video message that he released on Wednesday evening, the director assured everyone that his film upholds the honour of the Rajputs and does not depict anything that may hurt anyone's sentiments.
However, if latest reports are anything to go by then the makers of the historical drama are allegedly being pressured to postpone the release of the film, citing political reasons. According to online reports, the makers have been intimated by members of the ruling party in Gujarat to delay the release because of the upcoming assembly elections on December 9 and 14. The party allegedly doesn’t want to lose the favour of the right-wing groups, who are opposing the release of the film. However, no official communication has been sent out to the producers.
Calling the film ‘Padmavati’ a “tribute to the sacrifice, valour and honour of Rani Padmavati,” Sanjay shared a video that featured him saying, "I've made this film 'Padmavati' with a lot of sincerity, responsibility and hard work. I have always been inspired by Rani Padmavati's story and this film salutes her valour and sacrifice. But because of some rumours, this film has become a subject of controversy."
Pointing out that the root cause of the trouble was an alleged dream sequence involving Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s characters, he said, “Through this video, I am reiterating that in our film, Rani Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji have no such scene together which will hurt anyone's sentiments.”
Ranveer Singh speaks about incidents of vandalism on the sets of 'Padmavati'
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmavati' which stars Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles, created a storm when its trailer was launched and instantly got accolades for its presentation. But the film had already made headlines for vandalism incidents which took place on the sets during the filming phase.
Talking about the incidents in an interview with Filmfare magazine, Ranveer opened up about it saying, "I do have strong opinions on this subject (vandalism), which I wish to express. But I’ve been requested by the team to not voice it to avoid further hurdles. I channeled the angst into my performance. These are issues none of us anticipated. It’s unfortunate."
He further added, "Apart from all these external issues, I knew this whole process would be ball-busting. I was ready for the testing times. Sometimes, it’s difficult to pick yourself up and go back to work next morning because it’s so draining. It takes a toll on your physical and mental health. But it’s all for a greater purpose. These films are for posterity."
‘Padmavati’: Union minister Giriraj Singh challenges Sanjay Leela Bhansali to make films on other religions
Right from the time it went on floors, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's ‘Padmavati’ has been facing opposition and protests. Now, with less than a month before its release, the woes for the director and his team seem far from over.
According to reports, Union Minister Giriraj Singh made a rather scathing remark on the director and the film. He challenged Bhansali to make films on other religions as he said, “Does Sanjay Bhansali or anyone else have the guts to make films on other religions or comment on them? They make films on Hindu gurus, gods and warriors. We won't tolerate this anymore.”
Political leader Uma Bharti also pitched in her thoughts on the matter saying that facts cannot be tapered while making a historical film. She also suggested that a committee should be made comprising of historians, filmmakers, censor board members and protestors so that they can reach a consensus. She feels that in this way the issue can be resolved without making it a big political matter.
BJP leaders seek ban on ‘Padmavati’ in Gujarat from Election Commission ahead of state elections
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming magnum opus ‘Padmavati’ has been grabbing headlines since the time of its announcement. Right from disrupting shooting to vandalising sets, Karni Sena of Rajasthan has been going out and about to ensure ‘Padmavati’ doesn’t see the light of the day. And to add to it, reports are that Kshatriya community leaders from BJP have apparently written to the Chief Election Commissioner demanding the stalling of ‘Padmavati’ release ahead of Gujarat elections.
According to reports, BJP vice-president I.K. Jadeja has received representations from Kshatriya community in 17-18 districts of Gujarat expressing concern about distortion of history in the movie. He reportedly feels that Rani Padmavati has been presented in a poor light and in order to ensure that no community is offended, the censor board should review it again and release it with appropriate certification. The BJP leader also reportedly accused Sanjay Leela Bhansali of generating controversies for publicity of his movies.
‘Padmavati’: Mystery royal woman in Deepika Padukone’s song ‘Ghoomar’ revealed!
The first song from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Ghoomar’ has been applauded by fans and critics alike. Deepika Padukone, in particular, received a lot of praise for pulling off her dance routine to the folk song. However, apart from Shahid Kapoor, another interesting thing seen in the video was a royal woman sitting and watching Rani Padmini dance. Many have since wondered who this mystery woman was. And now the secret is out.
It turns out that this royal woman is actually the first wife of Maha Rawal Ratan Singh named Rani Nagmati. The makers recently announced that it is actress Anupriya Goenka who is seen essaying the role. This new detail, of course, adds a lot more excitement for the film as it will be interesting to see how this character will affect the story’s dynamics.
Murderous threats, because a mob leader, who has not seen the film, has a hunch: 2017
Nov 19: Karni Sena chief announces his hunch
Haven’t watched it, but have a ‘hunch’: Karni Sena chief | 19 Nov 2017| The Times of India
The Rajput Karni Sena kept up its attack on filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and his latest offering, the yet to-be released ‘Padmavati’, even though its chief admitted in public that he had not watched the film but had a “hunch” what it was about.
In a press conference in Gurgaon to voice their protest against the film, Sena founder Lokender Singh Kalvi termed the movie “trash”. “Bhansali had promised to show us the movie. He did not. As per Section 6 of the Cinematography Act, the makers cannot even release the trailer before approval from the Censor Board,” he said.
Kalvi also declared he had a hunch that there was an “attempt to depict intimate relations” between Alauddin Khilji, the14thcentury Delhi sultan and Queen Padmavati (historians say Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi created the queen in an allegorical poem, but the Karni Sena insists she was part of history, not mythology, and hence a real person).
Kalvi claimed he was the 37th descendant from Padmavati’s line. “Historians say there is no Padmavati. Then who am I? A ghost?” he asked. The rightwing group alsojustified manhandling Bhansali this year, saying they had the right to “respond to the insult meted out to their mother”.
Asked why they want to protest before watching the film, he said, “Because we believe they (the filmmakers) are attempting to depict a romantic relationship between the two.”
Rajput Karni Sena threatens to chop off Deepika’s nose
L-R: Alauddin Khilji (?), King Ratansen (Jairaj) and a reflection of Padmini (Anita Guha)
Director: Jaswant Jhaveri, story adapted by Bootaram Sharma
As the film's release nears, Rajput Karni Sena has intensified its protestations against the film. Few days back, they called for nationwide bandh and Bhansali was later provided police protection by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Rajput Karni Sena member Mahipal Singh Makrana issued a fresh threat today in a self-made video. He said, "Rajputs never raise a hand on women but if need be, we will do to Deepika what Lakshman did to Shurpanakha." On the other hand, Lokendra Singh Kalvi, Rajput Karni Sena chief said they will call for a bandh on December 1, 2017, the film's release date. He said, "We will gather in lakhs, our ancestors wrote history with blood we will not let anyone blacken it; we will call for Bharat bandh on December 1."
Kshatriya Mahasabha, BJP official offer ₹10 crore each for her whole head, with Bhansali’s
Protester offers ₹5cr for heads of Deepika, Bhansali I 16 Nov 2017 | The Times of India
Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Yuva Mahasabha chief Thakur Abhishek Som offered Rs 5 crore to anyone who would “behead” her and the director of ‘Padmavati’, Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Padukone has now been given special security by Mumbai police.
Meanwhile, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said Thursday “filmmakers should not distort historical facts”.
BJP’s media cell coordinator Suraj Pal Amu was booked on 21 Nov 2017 for offering a Rs 5cr bounty on ‘Padmavati’ star Deepika Padukone and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. (The Times of India)
2018: A few months later, Amu returns as BJP’s spokesperson
Man who put bounty on Deepika’s head back in BJP TIMES NEWS NETWORK Chandigarh:10 Oct 2018
Little known politician from Haryana, Suraj Pal Amu, who had hit the headlines last year after he announced a Rs 10 crore bounty on the heads of actress Deepika Padukone and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is back in the BJP. He will be the party’s spokesperson ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Amu, who is also a leader of the Rajput Karani Sena, had announced the bounty over allegations that the movie ‘Padmavat’ showed Rajput queen Padmavati in a bad light. Caught in the eye of the storm, he resigned from the party.
BJP’s state unit president, Subhash Barala, has written to Amu saying his resignation has been rejected. “You are hereby requested to take up the responsibility of the party’s spokesperson like earlier,” says the October 5 letter. Barala told TOI that Amu had realised his mistake after which the party decided to reject his resignation. Numerous attempts to contact Amu failed.
Burn Deepika alive, get Rs 1 crore reward: Kshatriya Mahasabha
The Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha (ABKM) has also put a reward of Rs 1 crore to anyone burning the Bollywood actress alive.
Stating that the actress should realise how it feels when Rani Padmavati had performed Jauhar to save her modesty, the ABKM President reportedly said that Deepika would know the real character of Rani Padmavati when she is burnt alive. He also added that they will give Rs 1 crore to anyone forcing her to do so.
Karni Sena founder receives threat call from Pakistan
Shri Rajput Karni Sena: the organisation now claims that their patron and founder Lokendra Singh Kalvi has received a threat call from Pakistan. Mahipal Singh Makrana, state president of Shri Rajput Karni Sena said, "Our spokesperson received a threat call from Pakistan, asking us not to oppose release of 'Padmavati', otherwise Kalvi would be blown off."
He added, "We approached Special Operations Group (SOG) on Thursday to file a complaint. They listened to us and asked us to approach the Director General of Police and Jaipur police commissionerate and file a complaint there too." SOG IG Dinesh MN has confirmed that people from the Karni Sena did approach them with a complaint and that they are now looking into the matter.
Nov 24: Padmavati link to body found hanging in Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur
From ANI/ The Times of India
A body was found hanging from the ramparts of Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur, with a sentence scratched on a rock nearby that implied anger over the upcoming release of the film Padmavati, reported ANI.
The scratching on the rock on the precincts of the Nahargarh Fort was in Hindi.
[Hum sirf putley nahin latkaatey: Padmavati ] "We don't just hang effigies [puppets/ statues]," it said. Below that sentence was scratched the word, "Padmavati".
The police have identified the body as that of a 40-year-old local Chetan Saini.
The deceased's brother refused to believe that Saini took his own life, or that he had anything to do with the sentence scratched on the rock.
"My brother cannot commit suicide, it appears to be murder. We will demand an investigation into the death. He has nothing to do with it (the note written on the rocks)," ANI quoted Ram Ratan Saini as saying.
Court orders, decisions
Supreme Court refuses plea to ban the release of 'Padmavati'
November 10, 2017: The Supreme Court refused a plea seeking to ban the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial ‘Padmavati’ epic drama featuring Deepika Padukone as a Rajput queen. The court said it could not intervene since the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) was yet to decide about its certification.
SC rejects criminal prosecution of film’s makers; asks CMs/ others to stop passing remarks till CBFC clears the film
‘It Amounts To Prejudicing CBFC Members’
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has taken strong exception to people in “responsible posts”, such as ministers and chief ministers, rushing to comment on “Padmavati” even before the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has cleared the controversyhit Bollywood movie.
With several states banning the film, the apex court said the film was being prejudged and the actions of those in office could prejudice the minds of CBFC members and pulled up the petitioner for filing a frivolous plea. “Padmavati” director Sanjay Leela Bhansali said reports that the film was being released abroad were incorrect and added that he would await certification.
“The movie is before CBFC and a decision has not been taken yet. But people holding responsible posts are commenting on it. CBFC is a statutory body and it should be allowed to take a call as per rules and guidelines. Nobody should comment on the film. This is not done,” a bench of CJI Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said on Tuesday.
The court’s remarks assume significance with the chief ministers of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh banning the film.
‘CBFC shouldn’t be influenced by netas’
The SC bench’s comments came while it was hearing a plea seeking criminal proceedings against Bhansali and the film’s producers for defaming a “historical figure” in the queen of Mewar.
The petitioner alleged Bhansali has “distorted and twisted historical facts” in the movie. It was argued that the filmmaker wrongly depicted Rani Padmavati in the movie, causing anger among people and screening of the film in its present form would cause law and order problems.
The bench said the censor board should not be influenced by the opinion of politicians. The court said it had earlier refused to examine the issue as it did not want to pre-judge the case but people in power were getting involved in the controversy and expressing opinions in violation of rule of law.
“One thing we must say that no one who is holding public office should comment on whether the board should grant certificate or not. That amounts to prejudicing the minds of board members. If the court cannot pre-judge the movie, then can others pre-judge it? We should bear in mind that we are governed by basic tenets of rule of law. When the matter is pending, responsible people in power should not say something which violates the principle,” the court said. At the outset, senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for Bhansali, told the bench that the film will not be released in other countries till it was cleared by the censor board. He said speculation that the film was to be released in the UK on December 1was wrong.
The court also pulled up advocate M L Sharma for filing a frivolous petition against the directors and producers of the film. It had earlier dismissed two similar petitions saying the CBFC had the statutory power to examine the film before it was released for public screening and the court could not usurp the board’s power to judge the film.
HIGHLIGHTS
SC dismissed a plea seeking criminal prosecution of producers and director of 'Padmavati'.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali assured the court that he will not release 'Padmavati' in other countries till the film is certified by CBFC.
SC also said that people holding responsible posts should refrain from passing remarks till the film is cleared by CBFC.
NEW DELHI: Taking strong exception to comments made by people holding public office, including ministers and chief ministers of various states on controversial film Padmavati+ , the Supreme Court said that such people should refrain from passing remarks till the film is cleared by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, and justices A M Khanvilkar and D Y Chandrachud said that the statements made by people holding responsible posts are unwarranted and would create disharmony, and is against principles of law.
SC dismissed a plea seeking criminal prosecution of producers and director of 'Padmavati' and slammed the petitioner for filing a "frivolous petition".
Sanjay Leela Bhansali assured the Supreme Court that he will not release 'Padmavati' in other countries till the film is certified by CBFC. He refuted that the film will be released overseas on December 1.
"All concerned persons holding responsible posts must be guided by rule of law and should not venture out to pass comment on film which has not been cleared by CBFC. It will prejudice the mind of board members while taking a decision on the film," the SC said.
Kalvi defends CMs rebuked by SC
On a day the Supreme Court took exception to chief ministers making statements against ‘Padmavati’, Shri Rajput Karni Sena patron Lokendra Kalvi supported those political leaders who have announced that they would ban the controversial film in their respective states. Kalvi claimed on Tuesday that while five CMs have spoken so far in favour of banning the film, the figure will soon rise to 20. TNN
Political leaders’ outrage: without even seeing the film
Try 'Padmavati' Director For Treason: Arjun Gupta, BJP
The director has denied any intimate scenes or love story between Padmini and Khilji; he released a video earlier this week reasserting his claims.
But among those who have said the film must be previewed by groups that object to it are Diya Kumari, a BJP law-maker whose grandfather was the last maharajah of Jaipur and who commands considerable influence locally. The sets and the director were attacked in January while shooting in the desert state.
The Rajasthan government is considering "the option of forming a committee to look into issues related with Padmavati in Rajasthan," Home Minister Gulab Chand kataria said today. The committee is likely to have historians as members.
Union minister Uma Bharti said recently that the "honour of Indian women" must be correctly portrayed and urged the film-makers to engage with critics, historians and representatives of groups that have objected to the movie.
A member of the censor board who is also a BJP leader says he has written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh demanding that the director be tried for treason for distorting historical facts and hurting national sentiment. "If this is not done, he will continue making such films," said Arjun Gupta, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Earlier this week, a BJP parliamentarian from Madhya Pradesh warned of possible violence if the film is not blocked.
UP Government foresees violence; Congress wants review
One of the things about Bhansali’s Padmavati that have irked the film’s detractors is that the queen, too, has been shown dancing the ghoomar.
The Congress government had commissioned this serial, which was loosely based on Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s book ‘The Discovery of India’ (written between 1942–46). Pt. Nehru belonged to the Indian National Congress.
The government of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday informed the Centre that the film's release will pose a law and order problem in the state. Apparently, the Karni Sena has called for a nationwide bandh on the day of 'Padmavati's' release.
Now, Congress wants 'Padmavati' to go through a review in order to assess whether the movie has some content that could hurt the religious sentiments of certain people. "I have not watched the movie as yet, but definitely the Central Board of Film Certification formulated and formed by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government has seen it and passed it without cuts.
"But any movie that hurts the sentiments of any community... a film is not made to hurt any community," said Congress Spokesperson R.P.N. Singh to a media portal.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is yet to watch the film, as clarified by its chairperson Prasoon Joshi. "The speculative reports a few publications are carrying about I having watched 'Padmavati' are absolutely baseless and untrue. I have not watched the film, not expressed any views regarding it. The film will follow the due process at CBFC," he said.
UP principal secretary (Home), Arvind Kumar wrote a letter to the Information and Broadcasting ministry, stating, "The Censor Board members should take a decision after taking into account people's views. They should be apprised about it. It has come to the notice through intelligence reports that the film's producers have presented the movie for Censor Board clearance. After the release of the trailer of the movie on October 9, various social and other organisations opposed the film." The letter further stated that "in view of the civic polls, polling for which is scheduled on November 22, November 26 and November 29 and the counting on December 1, and also the 'Barawafat' procession by Muslims on December 2, the film's release can pose serious security issues".
BJP minister, BJP spokesman back anti-Padmavati stir
Akhilesh.Singh |BJP breaks its silence, backs Padmavati stir | 16 Nov 2017| The Times of India
Films Mustn’t Distort Facts, Says Gadkari
New Delhi: After a period of careful silence, senior BJP leaders have begun backing the protests against ‘Padmavati’, seeing in it a fit with the party’s view that Hindu icons and traditions have been subject to selective distortion at the hands of politically coloured culture czars.
Highways minister Nitin Gadkari seemed on the same page as the Karni Sena and representatives of the Rajput community who are seeing red over the film’s purported “distortion” of the legend of Padmavati, who according to lore, committed ‘jauhar’ to escape dishonour.
The BJP stance comes at a time when saffronites have dug out former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s poem ‘Bhagwa Hai Padmini ki Jauhar ki Jwala’ and the UP government unambiguously pointed out that the film might incite passions. Vajpayee recited his poem in Lok Sabha and eulogised the “supreme sacrifice” of the Rajput queen of Chittorgarh after her fort was attacked by Alauddin Khilji.
“People have the right to be offended... filmmakers should not distort historical facts. Padmini is part of our history and filmmakers should maintain sensitivity,” Gadkari said at a TV conclave when asked about the controversy and added that right to freedom of expression was not absolute.
Gadkari seemed to give voice to the sentiment in his party even as R S S has been a vocal advocate of “corrections” in history that it sees as tilted in favour of accounts that suppress Hindu traditions or paper over excesses of Islamic rule.
Several BJP legislators have opposed release of the film claiming that Padmavati was being portrayed in poor light and any association with Khilji was unacceptable. BJP’s Gujarat unit had demanded that the film’s release be delayed in the poll bound state, where the Rajput community has been staging demonstrations against the movie.
“Padmavati and Khilji never met in real life,” Gujarat BJP spokesperson I K Jadeja said and asked EC to arrange a prerelease screening for select Kshatriya representatives to provide them a fair opportunity to prevent unnecessary tension ahead of Gujarat polls. BJP’s support to agitating Rajput community, which fits in with its social belief, will have political implications as the community has a decisive presence in many states including Gujarat and UP.
Congress: Tharoor backtracks, says: Respect Rajput sentiments
HIGHLIGHTS
Previously, Tharoor had condemned the actions of Rajput "maharajas" protesting against Padmavati
Facing backlash, he seems to have done an about face and said the Rajput community's sentiments must be respected
He denied that his comments on the "honour" of Rajputs was communal
NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Friday appeared to have backed down from the tough stance he'd taken against Rajput protestors agitating against the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama 'Padmavati'.
Previously, Tharoor had condemned the actions of Rajput "maharajas"+ who are loudly protesting against the movie on the grounds that it is an insult to their honour. The Congress MP pointed out that historically, certain Rajput maharajas had turned tail when faced with the might of the British empire, even striking a bargain for their self-preservation.
However, following backlash from certain sections of society and polity, he seems to have done an about-face. The Congress leader defended his remarks, saying he didn't mean to disparage the Rajput community as a whole.
"I am dismayed that some BJP supporters are claiming I attacked Rajput honour... I spoke about the Maharajahs who made their accommodations with the British. I have never made a communal comment in my life," Tharoor said in a tweet.
Then, without directly refering to the furore over Padmavati, Tharoor said the ruling BJP should address the concerns of the Rajputs and respect their sentiments.
"As for specific concerns of the Rajput community, people's sentiments must be respected in the interests of India's diversity and harmony. Rajput valour is part of our history and is not in question. BJP and its censors should take these concerns into account," he said in a second tweet.
Tharoor's backtracking came only a day after he waded into the Padmavati controversy, when he had said the following at a literary event in Mumbai: "Every single one of these so called valorous maharajas, who today are after a Mumbai filmmaker because their honour is at stake, they were less concerned about their honour when the British were trampling all over it. They scurried to accommodate themselves."
Earlier today, BJP minister Smriti Irani challenged the credibility of Tharoor's charge and wondered what his party colleagues thought of his sweeping remarks.
"Did every maharaja surrender before the British? What will Jyotiraditya Scindia, Digvijay Singh and Amarinder Singh have to say about Shashi Tharoor's comment?" Irani tweeted.
Muslim leaders support ban: to justify their own bans on Rushdie etc.
Ajmer dargah dewan said that Bhansali's conduct has inflamed the Rajput community's feelings and, hence, the protest was valid.
He asked Muslims of the country to support this agitation.
Queen Padmavati is the symbol of Rajput’s woman’s self-respect, such distortion is not acceptable,” he said.
AJMER: Dewan Sayed Zainual Abedin Ali Khan of the dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti on Thursday compared flimmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali to controversial authors such as Salman Rushdie, Taslima Nasreen and Tarek Fatah for allegedly stirring religious sentiments.
This is the first time the dargah dewan has spoken on a controversial matter. Earlier, he had limited himself to condemning terrorism and Pakistan for working against Islam and Sufism. In a statement, the dewan stated that the conduct of Bhansali has inflamed the feelings of religion and, therefore, the protest against movie 'Padmavati'+ was valid. The Muslim community should support the agitation against such movies, he said.
"The character of Bhansali is similar to that of writer Rushdie, Nasreen and Fatah because Bhansali has distorted history to make 'Padmavati'. This is hurting the feelings of Rajput community. This is similar to the act of Rushdie and others as they have also distorted history in the name of their right to expression. Such writers tried to hurt the feelings of Muslims," he said.
Dewan said that the alleged scene between Allauddin Khilji and Padmavati hurt the feelings of Rajput community+ . "Therefore, the protest against movie 'Padmavati' is valid," the dewan said.
He asked Muslims of the country to support this agitation by the Rajput community, adding that the movie was also hampering peace management.
"If some scene in a film is hurting the feelings of any community then such scenes should be re-examined so that the feeling of anyone is not hurt," he said.
Movies should not aim to hurt the sentiments of any community. The dewan demanded the government of India to ban the exhibition of such films+ .
"Such films are made to earn money and nothing else. Queen Padmavati is the symbol of Rajput's woman's self-respect and courage. Such distortion is not acceptable+ in the society," he said.
He further said that the scene in the movie between Khilji and Padmavati has caused massive protests all over India. "Such stories are being told by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) to tourists. It is also written outside the Padmavati Palace in Chittorgarh fort. Why is ASI not stopping such controversy related to history," he asked.
The dargah dewan has, meanwhile, not mentioned whether he had seen the movie 'Padmavati.' He has also not disclosed from where he got the facts about scenes from the upcoming film. He also failed to explain the difference between the feeling of community and that of religion.
Nov 23: Karni Sena backtracks, gives Mewar royals the veto
The Times of India 23 November 2017
Changing its stand on ‘Padmavati’, Shri Rajput Karni Sena (SRKS), which has been spearheading nationwide protests against Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s controversial film, on Wednesday said the movie should be shown to the erstwhile royal family of Mewar, and if they found nothing objectionable, the protests would be withdrawn.
Dec 30: Rajput groups reject CBFC clearance
Rajputs reject CBFC clearance | TIMES NEWS NETWORK| 2017-12-31
Jaipur/Udaipur: The Rajput community continues to oppose the release of “Padmavati” despite CBFC offering to clear the controversial film with a U/A certificate provided director Sanjay Leela Bhansali carries out “modifications” suggested by the board.
Arvind Singh Mewar, a scion of the Mewar royal family who is a member of an advisory panel constituted by the CBFC to review Padmavati, said that all the three members of the committee had strongly objected to the content portrayed in the movie at a meeting called by the board on Thursday.
“The film has real-life characters and historic figures highly revered even today by the people, especially in Mewar. What they want to show by such a movie is beyond my understanding. The movie makers are neither with the Rajputs nor the Muslims, so where lies their loyalty?” said Arvind Singh in a statement.
“I don’t know after how many cuts or modifications the CBFC had passed the certification and cannot predict the results. The certificate won’t carry our signatures. With so much harm already caused, they (movie makers & CBFC ) should be prepared for the consequences,” he added.
Arvind Singh’s nephew Vishvaraj Singh slammed the CBFC and said proposing “cosmetic” measures like a change in the film’s title will not change the fact that the movie refers to real places, his ancestors and other persons in history with their names continuing to remain the same. Vishwaraj said he, too, was part of the panel constituted by the CBFC and was invited for the meeting, but he had sought some clarification before accepting or declining the invitation.
In a letter sent to CBFC chairman Prasoon Joshi on Saturday, he said: “Contrary to all civilised conduct, the CBFC, by suggesting such changes, has reduced itself to endorsing the propagation of fiction about heroic personalities and living families. The chairman’s stating one thing and doing another renders the board to be just as ignoble as those distorting and seeking to profit from the history of this country.”
Shree Rajput Karni Sena patron Lokendra Singh Kalvi said as many as six of the total nine members who were part of the special CBFC panel had not seen the film yet.
The impact of the murderous threats, protests
A nation and its polity are split by a film they haven’t even seen
Shivraj Declares Ban In MP, Didi Supports Film
Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday became the first Congress CM to oppose Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Padmavati” even as his BJP counterpart in
Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan declared that he would not allow the controversial film to be screened in his state.
However, “Padmavati” received backing from
West Bengal, ruled by Trinamool Congress, and Congress-ruled
Karnataka with the state even assuring security to actress Deepika Padukone’s family. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said: “These sort of threats, especially towards women, are yet another sign of growing intolerance and bigotry in the country. I condemn the culture of intolerance and hate perpetuated by BJP.”
But the Punjab CM said cinematic licence could not be used to distort historical facts. With Amarinder and Shivraj joining the anti-Padmavati bandwagon, a total of four state governments have opposed the film so far. BJP-ruled Rajasthan and UP governments have already opposed the release of the film in its current form.
Amarinder Singh, the scion of the erstwhile royal family of Patiala whose family members are also married to other royal families in the country, chose to sing a tune different from the Karnataka CM. “I have myself studied history and even been to Chittor. Cinematic licence does not give anyone the right to twist historical facts. Those feeling hurt by distortion of facts had the right to protest. The protests were a justified recourse in a democratic system,” he said.
Hailing Maharani Padmavati as ‘rashtramata’ (mother of the nation), Chouhan said a memorial would be established in Bhopal to display her ‘valor and sacrifice’. “People working for the betterment of women will be conferred with #RashtrmataPadmavatiPuraskar,” said a tweet from the twitter handle CMO Madhya Pradesh, which was re-tweeted by Chouhan.
Chouhan, who met a delegation of Rajputs, said he would not allow the release of Bhansali’s magnum opus in Madhya Pradesh. “An Indian woman can turn herself into ashes to protect her honour. And a film on a character which is worshipped by people should not be distorted. If the character is fictional then there is no resistance, but if facts get mutated, it will not be tolerated,” he said.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said the ‘Padmavati’ controversy was a “calculated plan of a political party to destroy the freedom to express ourselves. We condemn this super emergency”.
Meanwhile, two days after Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje wrote to Union I&B minister Smriti Irani not to screen ‘Padmavati’ without changes.
Padmavati's makers 'voluntarily’ defer release date
HIGHLIGHTS
Padmavati will no longer hit screens on December 1, 2017 as the makers have decided to voluntarily defer the release date
A new release date will be announced once the "requisite clearances" are in place: Viacom 18
Viacom18, producers of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama Padmavati, say they have voluntarily deferred the film's release date+ . The film was set to hit the screens on December 1.
The company emphasised its "respect and regard for the law of the land and all our institutions and statutory bodies including the Central Board of Film Certification."
A new release date will be announced once the "requisite clearances" are in place, the production house added.
Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali had sought to clear the air about the alleged romance between queen Padmini and Khilji, saying he was careful in depicting the "Rajput honour and dignity" in the film. The producers had also arranged a private screening of the movie and invited those concerned regarding the film's content, but the agitating Rajput outfits remained unappeased.
The Karni Sena had called for a countrywide 'bandh' on December 1 to protest the release of Padmavati.
Desperate filmmakers offer Mewar ‘royal’ ‘hefty sum’ to clear the film
Rohan.Dua | Mewar royal: Was offered hefty sum to OK ‘Padmaavat’ |30 11 2018| The Times of India
Udaipur:
Former Lok Sabha MP and the scion of the erstwhile Mewar royal family, Maharana Mahendra Singh, has disclosed that “someone” approached him and his son with a hefty sum of money to secure the royal family’s go ahead for the release of controversial ‘Padmaavat’ earlier this year.
‘Padmaavat’, a film on the life of queen Padmavati, wife of the 13th century Rajput ruler Rawal Ratan Singh, was opposed by members of the community in several states. While the film was allowed to be released in some states after some modification and emphasis by its director Sanjay Leela Bhansali that it was a work of fiction, ‘Padmaavat’ continues to be banned in Rajasthan [in Nov 2018, 11 months after its all- India release]. Singh, 77, is the senior most living descendant of Rawal Ratan Singh.
The erstwhile Mewar royal family, along with other members of the Rajput community, had also opposed release of ‘Padmaavat’ earlier this year.
Singh told TOI: “There was an unforgivable scene when someone came to me with the offer that if I stopped objecting to the film they would give me a lot of money. I could have nearly slapped the man and thrown him out. I am sorry about this, I am not a violent person.”
However, Singh, former MP from Chittorgarh, did not reveal the identity of the person or the amount offered. He also said the makers of the film and the censor board approached him to seek his sanction for the film but the move was belated.
“The filmmakers themselves approached us. That was before the movie release. Censor board people came to us. I said it’s too late. Finally, I told them, ‘If we are going to make a suggestion, how much of it you are going to accept?’ They bungled up. We were going into unspoken impasse. There was a breakdown,” he said.
Singh said the objection to the movie was not just by Rajputs but all sections of society in the Mewar and neighbourhood regions. “I have not seen the movie. I am not going to see it either. From the reports I got, there are still scenes objectionable. People thought there was nonsense in the movie which is not going to be liked,” he said.
ASI covers plaque outside Padmini Mahal, Chittorgarh fort
Threatened by the members of the Shri Rajput Karni Sena, the plaque outside the Padmini Mahal in Chittorgarh fort, now has been covered by a cloth.
The plaque, which was put up by the Archelogy Survey of India (ASI), stated that the Padmini Mahal was the spot where Allahudin Khilji had a glimpse of Padmini. Objecting to this, the SRKS had demanded that the plaque be removed. Fearing a violence, the department has now covered it with a red cloth.
"The plaque was covered after approval taken from the higher authorities at regional office at Jodhpur. This is the only place in the entire fort which says that Khilji had seen Padmini," said an ASI officer at the fort requesting anonymity. The Rajput community has been demanding that all references related to mirror—academic (books, brochures etc) and material (plaque, signboards etc) should be removed as they are distorted fact of the history.
It had asked the ASI to remove glasses from the Padmini Palace, rewrite the official ASI literature and prevent guides from using the mirror narrative on February 13, 2017 by the end of the month. The ASI didn't react to the threat which resulted into glasses broken by the activist on March 6. Since the act of vandalism the doors of the Padmini Palance dome has been locked. The local guides too have stopped mentioning the mirror narrative.
"I welcome the step taken by the ASI. The next step which they should take it to made necessary changes in their literature immediately. The official textbook of the ASI still has the objectionable references," said Lokendra Singh Chundawat, spokesperson, Jauhar Sewa Sansthan. He added that ASI should better omit the objectionable content from all its publications. The dome building of Padmini palace or the spot where Padmini was shown to Khilji has been locked up since the Karni Sena members damaged the glasses.
Official (as opposed to mob-level) restrictions
The official censors (the Central Board of Film Certification)
Nov 17: Film ‘returned’ due to technical issues
Censor board returns 'Padmavati' to makers due to technical issues| Nov 17, 2017 | PTI
HIGHLIGHTS
According to the CBFC, the movie will be reviewed as per the set norms once it is sent back to the board after sorting out the issue.
COO of Viacom 18 Motion Pictures confirmed that the film is with the CBFC and added that it is merely a minor technical issue.
MUMBAI: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has sent Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed "Padmavati" back to the makers as the application for the certification was "incomplete".
According to the CBFC, the movie will be reviewed as per the set norms once it is sent back to the board after sorting out the issue.
"The film was submitted for certification last week. We examined the documents, as we normally do. It was conveyed to the makers that their application was incomplete. They had to rectify and send it back, we will view it when it comes back to us," a source in the CBFC told PTI.
"When they (makers) rectify the deficiency we will again scrutinise it once more and when the turn comes we will examine it (film for certification)," the source added.
The source, however, refused to divulge details about the "deficiency in the application" on account of which it was returned to the makers for rectification.
When asked about the date for screening of the film, the source said, "When it comes back to us we will put it in queue and see when the turn comes, there will be no exception (in case of 'Padmavati')."
‘Padmavati’ screened before approval: CBFC | 19 Nov 2017| The Times of India
CBFC chief and adman-lyricist Prasoon Joshi said on Saturday that it was a matter of concernthat makers of the film were releasing it to the media even before it has been reviewed, approved and certified by the Censor Board.
Joshi explained that the film has been sent back to its makers for leaving blank a crucial column in its application that requires them to state whether the work is based on fiction or draws from history — a point of contention between the producers and protestors claiming a distortion of the story of the Mewar queen.
TOI had on Friday reported that the sticking point in ‘Padmavati’’s application for certification was Part 7(a) of the form for films produced in India, which mandates that filmmakers “specify whether the film is based on fiction or true incident or true story or mythology or epic or devotional or biographical and if so the source from which it has been made may be mentioned (sic).”
In an official statement issued on Saturday, Joshi clarified that the application form seeking certification for ‘Padmavati’ had left this column blank, leading the board to return the incomplete form. “Padmavati’s application came up this week for review. Makers admit the paper work isn’t complete. The disclaimer whether the film is a work of fiction or historical was left blank and on being asked to provide important documents, they targeted CBFC for ‘looking the other way’. It is surprising,” Joshi said.
Screening of uncensored film irritates censor board chief
‘Padmavati’: CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi lashes out at Sanjay Leela Bhansali and makers of the film
Offended by the fact that the film was screened last night to selected individuals, Joshi reportedly said that Bhansali and the producers are using this process "to subvert the existing norm of film certification". "CBFC is a responsible body, and acts according to the best interests of the nation," Joshi reportedly said to Times Now, adding that in this case, the review came up only this week, and hence the process of certification cannot be completed with incomplete paperwork.
Dec 28: CBFC clears Padmavat, minus the ‘i', and with 5 modifications
From The Times of India
Censor Board suggests title change: 'Padmavati' to become 'Padmavat' | Dec 30, 2017 |PTI
HIGHLIGHTS
An examining committee meeting by CBFC was held on December 28, 2017.
It consisted of the regular committee members, along with CBFC officials and a special advisory panel in presence of Chairman Prasoon Joshi.
NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has decided to give Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Padmavati" a UA certificate and has suggested the director to change the film's title to "Padmavat".
According to a release issued by the CBFC, the board had a meeting of their examining committee on December 28 and decided to give the film a "UA certification along with some modifications and likely change of the film's title on the basis the attributed material/creative source".
Bhansali, has said his period drama is based on the 16th century epic poem "Padmavat" by Malik Muhammad Jayasi.
The board also suggested modifications in disclaimers, pertinently adding one regarding not glorifying the practice of "Sati" and also relevant changes in the song "Ghoomar" to befit the character portrayed, the release further stated.
The meeting took place in the presence of CBFC chairman Prasoon Joshi and was also attended by regular examining committee members, along with other censor board officials.
"The film was approached with a balanced view keeping in mind both the filmmakers and the society," the statement added.
Considering the complexities and concerns around the film, the CBFC appointed a "special panel to add perspective to the final decision of the censor board's official committee."
The special panel included Arvind Singh from Udaipur, Dr Chandramani Singh and professor K K Singh of the Jaipur University.
"The members of the panel had insights and also some reservations regarding the claimed historical events and socio-cultural aspects which were duly discussed at length."
The filmmakers, Bhansali Productions, in a written communication to CBFC, had also requested that a panel of historians/academicians and members of the Rajput community view the film.
The film's final 3D application was submitted on November 28, the CBFC said.
According to the board, the modification details and CBFC's decision regarding this film was shared with the producers Viacom and Bhansali, who attended the feedback session post the screening and are in agreement with the changes.
The certificate as per procedure will be issued once the required modifications are carried out and final material is submitted, the statement added.
Bans imposed by state governments (as opposed to bans by the official censor)
Madhya Pradesh bans 'Padmavati' without seeing the film
In a major development to the ongoing 'Padmavati' crisis, CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan has banned the Sanjay Leela Bhansali flick in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
The Rajput Community had reportedly submitted a memorandum before CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan seeking a ban on 'Padmavati'.
Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab follow suit (before CBFC clearance)
Gujarat is the fifth state in the country to ban the movie following Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. “I have received representation from Rajputs and many other groups. In Gujarat, people in general feel that the film has objectionable content which can hurt sentiments as well as create law and order problems,” Rupani said.
After CBFC clearance: 4 states still ban the film
Manvir.Saini | The Times of India |2018-01-17
Haryana became the fourth state to ban Padmaavat on Tuesday, less than 10 days ahead of the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s controversial film on January 25. Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, which are also ruled by BJP, have already banned the film despite the censor board clearing it. However, the Aditya Nath Yogi government in UP has decided not to ban the film.
The film had faced stiff opposition from some BJP leaders in Haryana. In November, both Vij and Goel had urged information and broadcasting minister Smriti Irani to ban the film.
Controversial Haryana BJP leader Suraj Pal Amu, who had quit as party’s chief media coordinator in November, had led protests against the film and had even offered Rs 10 crore as “reward to behead” Bhansali and the film’s lead actor Deepika Padukone. Accusing the Haryana CM of “humiliating” the Rajput community, Amu had called him “arrogant”.
…but the SC overrules these state-level bans
- The Supreme Court stayed the ban on the release of the film 'Padmaavat' imposed by four states, allowing for an all-India release on January 25
- The top court also restrained other states from issuing such a ban on the exhibition of the film
The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the ban on the release of the film 'Padmaavat' imposed by four states, allowing for an all-India release on January 25.
In its order, the SC also restrained other states from issuing such a ban+ on the exhibition of the film. It stated that all states are constitutionally obliged to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents during the film's screening across India.
A bench of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud observed that the film was cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with a U/A certificate for an all-Indian screening after keeping in mind the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, which prohibits scenes that denigrate women.
It upheld the petitioners' contention that the film formed a part of the filmmaker's freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution.
It said that cinemas are an inseparable part of the right to free speech and expression through the medium of celluloid.
Appearing for the film's director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, senior advocate Harish Salve took advantage of a 2011 judgment of the SC that allowed the screening of Prakash Jha's controversial film 'Aarakshan'.
The petitioners had accused the state governments of bowing down to fringe groups.
2017, Nov.: Parliamentary Committee summons Bhansali (and chief film censor)
Brinda Karat | Did MPs' Committee Cross The Line To Summon Bhansali? | December 02, 2017 | NDTV.com
The Parliamentary Committee on IT may have overstepped its mandate by summoning and examining Sanjay Leela Bhansali the Director of the film "Padmavati" and Prasoon Joshi, the Chief of the Film Censor Board. The Standing Committee also covers the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The agenda was a pre-decided one on the generic topic of "film industry: problems and challenges." On the reported "request" of two BJP MPs, this generalized topic was used to bring into focus the opposition to "Padmavati" by some members of the committee. Bhansali and Joshi were called and grilled.
The question is, was the Standing Committee used to push a sectarian agenda? It is not at all the business of the committee to interfere in the functioning of an autonomous institution like the Censor Board is supposed to be. Even before the Board has seen the film why should its chief be asked to answer questions about the film to the Standing Committee. This amounts to bringing pressure on the institution, if not bullying and intimidation. But this is only the latest salvo on minimum democratic norms in the events which have surrounded the film.
The disgraceful role of the central and state governments has underscored their contempt for minimum democratic norms. Look at the contrast. Every week, there are reports of how young people using social media get picked up by the cops and prosecuted for posts criticizing this or that leader. Such arrests that seek to stifle dissent are condemnable. But not a single arrest has been made of those who have used the most provocative hate-filled language, who have incited violence against those involved in the film, and who have declared a bounty for those who commit acts of violence.
The autonomy of the Censor Board is also under scrutiny, with its present chairman postponing the release of the film on what seem to be flimsy grounds. If it is true as reported that the Chairman intends to set up a committee which will include historians to check the veracity of what is shown in the film, it will be a body blow against the right to freedom of expression and will totally undermine the credibility of the institution he heads. History and its interpretation is one of the most contested areas today, with history books being tailored to edit out distort historical events and even manufacture things that never happened, to suit the sectarian ideology of the ruling regime. For the film censor board to venture into this area is an exercise fraught with the most dire consequences for creative art and entertainment in India.
In this chain of events comes the misuse of a parliamentary standing committee of the IT department. This committee under the chairmanship of Anurag Thakur sent a notice to Sanjay Bhansali and Prasoon Joshi to appear before it. The rules governing the functioning of these committees are explicit as reported on official website of parliament:
"The term of members of these Committees is one year. With reference to the Ministries/Departments under their purview, the functions of these committees are:
(a) Consideration of demands for grants
(b) Examination of Bills referred to by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha or the Speaker, Lok Sabha as the case may be
(c) Consideration of Annual Reports
(d) Consideration of national basic long term policy documents presented to the House and referred to the Committee by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha or the Speaker, Lok Sabha, as the case may be. These Committees do not consider matters of day-to-day administration of the concerned Ministries/Departments."
The summoning of a film director to question him on events which have not even been discussed in parliament, leave alone been part of any official report or policy document, does not fit in with this description on the official website of parliament. A Standing Committee is not a court. It does not have legal sanction to summon citizens randomly on an issue which is not in the purview of parliament. It does not have any powers to take suo moto notice of a public issue. So how did this happen and what kind of precedent does it set?
It is reported that Bhansali was cross-examined as to why there were protests against the film. This is rather odd considering that the Chairman himself has made his protest clear enough. If anyone had to be called, it should be those who are making threats and giving calls for violence. He was also questioned whether his film was based on history or was it fictional. The Chief of the Censor Board was reportedly asked about his approach to the certification for the film.
What has all this got to do with the Standing Committee? Parliamentary committees must stay within the four walls of their mandate and not claim authority in matters which neither the law nor parliamentary practice permit.
Reportedly, some of the members did protest. Raj Babbar, a member of the committee who has a long-time association with the film industry, has expressed his disapproval of the summoning of Bhansali and Joshi. He has also questioned why the two appeared at all, stating that it was not compulsory. Under parliamentary procedure, the proceedings of these committees are confidential; therefore, it is only when members like Babbar believe a matter of principle must be challenged publicly that it gets known that not everyone supports what was done.
Standing Committees are supposed to be non-partisan. But if the subject itself gets selected in such a manner which appears contrary to its mandate and is seen to be partisan, parliamentary committees will have to face public scrutiny and criticism. It is indeed unfortunate that a film should become an instrument that sets negative precedents in the "temple of democracy."
(Brinda Karat is a Politburo member of the CPI(M) and a former Member of the Rajya Sabha.)
2018: Incidents, threats, after CBFC’s (and then Supreme Court's) clearance
Karni Sena vandalises MP school after students perform on ‘Ghoomar’ song
Karni Sena has struck back once again.
According to reports, a school in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam was allegedly vandalised by members of Shri Rajput Karni Sena after students performed on the song 'Ghoomar' from the film. The incident was reported from Saint Paul's Convent School here, where students from grades one to five performed to the song during their annual day function.
Following this, members of the Karni Sena allegedly destroyed school property while the performance was going on. The police were reportedly informed about the incident and reached the spot to investigate.
Allahabad HC issues contempt notice to CBFC chief Joshi
'Padmaavat': Allahabad HC issues contempt notice to Prasoon Joshi | Jan 16, 2018 | PTI
The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday issued a contempt notice to chairman of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over a petition that wants Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmaavat’ banned because it "promoted Sati".
The court’s Lucknow Bench has given CBFC Chairman Prasoon Joshi three weeks to respond.
The case pertains to a petition before the court that claims that Joshi has yet to respond to a representation made to the board on court’s orders.
The petitioner had filed a Public Interest Litigation in the high court in November for a ban on the movie because it “promoted Sati”. India The court dismissed the petition on November 9, 2017, but asked the petitioner to approach CBFC, giving the board three weeks to respond. The petitioner filed a representation before the CBFC on November 13, 2017, but Joshi has yet to respond.
Karni Sena vandalizes theatre in Bihar
Highlights
- The protesters pelted stones and tore the posters at a single screen cinema hall.
- Majority of the single-screen theatres in Patna were apprehensive about screening the movie.
- Karni Sena has been protesting against the movie in Patna and several other places in Bihar over the past couple of months.
PATNA: Despite the Supreme Court imposing a stay order+ on the ban on release of 'Padmaavat' by four states and restraining other regions from issuing any such notification, most cinema halls in Patna are unwilling to screen the controversial movie due to security concerns.
'Padmaavat' to now release on 24 January?
Members of Shri Rajput Karni Sena vandalised a theatre in Muzaffarpur even after the top court paved the way for a countrywide release of the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film.
The protesters pelted stones and tore the posters at a single screen cinema hall.
Except for one multiplex in Patna, majority of the remaining single-screen theatres in the city were apprehensive about screening the "controversial" movie.
The Karni Sena has been protesting against the movie in Patna and several other places in Bihar over the past couple of months.
The founder of the Rajput group, Lokendra Singh Kalvi, had warned+ last week that any theatre screening 'Padmaavat' would face "detrimental consequences".
"We will try not to release Padmaavat owing to security concerns. We do not want to risk any untoward incident at our theatre," said Sharad Kumar, manager of a cinema hall near Gandhi Maidan.
"We will not take the risk of releasing the movie amid protests. The chief minister initially said the movie will not be released in Bihar and the state government did not clear its stand even after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) gave its nod to the movie with certain modifications. It is risky to release the movie under prevailing circumstances," said proprietor of another cinema hall in the city.
Incidentally, state art, culture and youth affairs minister Krishna Kumar Rishi had told TOI last week that Nitish-led government is still undecided on the release of the film.
Rishi had told reporters outside state legislative assembly on November 28 2017 that the movie will not be released in the state "until and unless objectionable scenes are not removed".
The minister's statement came after Nitish told reporters at his chamber on the same day that the moviemakers should clarify their stand on the controversies surrounding the movie.
Rajput women’s group threatens suicide
Women too try to pile on pressure, threaten ‘jauhar’ | 2018-01-19 | The Times of India
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Jaipur: Rajput women threatened to repeat history by committing ‘jauhar’ (self-immolation) on January 24, a day before ‘Padmaavat’s scheduled release, even as another organisation of the community said it would file a review petition in the Supreme Court against its order striking down the ban imposed on the film by four state governments.
Shatrani Manch, an organisation of Rajput women in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, said its members would end their lives at the Jauhar Sthal — the place in Chittorgarh fort where Rani Padmini is believed to have performed ‘jauhar’ according to Rajput folklore.
“Our demand for complete ban on the film will remain irrespective of any order from anywhere. The ‘shatranis’ (Rajput women) will not hesitate in repeating the act of Rani Padmini for maintaining the honour of our community,” Manch coordinator Nirmala Rathore said.
Soon after the SC order, the Manch gave a call for ‘swabhiman march’ on January 21 when women, including members of the erstwhile royal families, would walk up to the Jauhar Sthal. Rathore said the princesses of the Chomu and Udaipur royal families have already given their consent for the march. She said the women will pick up sand from the ‘jauhar’ site and take a pledge to fight “all attempts of disrespecting Rajput women who had committed ‘jauhar’.”
“The ‘shatranis’ will then march towards the Padmini temple and offer the sand as a mark of our promise to stand with the Rani’s supreme sacrifice,” said Rathore. A seminar on Rani Padmini wll also be held in Chittorgarh on January 21.
Another Rajput organisation, Jauhar Smriti Sanstha (JSS), said it would file a review petition against SC’s order. Accusing the Vasundhara Raje government of not presenting properly the opinion of people of Rajasthan in the SC, Kan Singh Suwawa of JSS said: “The court’s decision is always based on presenting facts before the honourable judges, in which we have learnt that the Rajasthan government’s legal team has failed.”
Meanwhile, Vishvaraj Singh, member of the erstwhile royal family of Mewar, wrote a letter to censor board chief Prasoon Joshi, asking him why he had cleared Padmaavat when various court proceedings related to the film were on, including a contempt notice against him.
“Filmmakers have stated that the movie is fiction and is based on the poem Padmaavat. Does freedom of expression include the permission to make a fictitious story that uses and exploits the name of real persons who have led heroic lives, places and events?,” Singh said in the letter.
Rajput Women threaten to make Bhansali commit Jauhar
(This seems to be another group)
Women from the Rajput community warned Sanjay Leela Bhansali that he would have to commit Jauhar (self-immolation) if his film ‘Padmaavat’ is released.
Addressing a press conference hours after Supreme Court paved way for the nationwide release of the film that was banned by four states, including Rajasthan, the women said that the community was firm on its decision for a ban on the film.
Karni Sena threatens to use batons, petrol at theatres
There seems to be no respite for the makers of 'Padmaavat'. As the release date inches closer, Karni Sena members are increasing their threats against the movie that has been mired in controversy for months. In spite of the Supreme Court ordering all states in India to release the movie without any fear, Karni Sena members in a number of states have threatened that they will go ahead and vandalise theatres that dare screen the movie. So much so, that the members even threaten to use batons and petrol.
Four states — Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar — are said to be where Karni Sena members are demanding a ban on the movie. Authorities are naturally worried about the law and order situation in cinema halls. The latest threat has made most film distributors in Rajasthan to think twice about screening the movie fearing dire consequences. The situation is similar in Gujarat where multiplex owners are afraid of bearing losses due to vandalisation.
Speaking to a leading daily, Manubhai Patel (President, Multiplex Owners Association, Gujarat) said, "Unless the safety of people and our property is assured, we will not release 'Padmaavat'. In accordance with the SC order, the government must provide adequate security and protection."
However, the state police have said they will ensure no untoward incident takes place when the movie is screened. Rajasthan seems to be affected the most because cinema hall owners aren't even willing to speak on record. On the condition of anonymity, a Kota-based cinema owner told a leading daily, "Only a week is left for the release. It is not possible for any distributor to coordinate with 300 cinema screens and nearly 200 cinema hall owners to release the film. Even if a large number of policemen are deployed, the damage to the film is already done."
While the Karni Sena members have called for a janta curfew in Ujjain, Sanskriti Bacha Manch members have said they will vandalise cinema halls since they aren't insured.
“Bhansali has insured the film, but cinema halls are not insured. SC has done its job, we will do ours,” warned Chandra Shekhar Tiwari of Sanskriti Bachao Manch. In Ujjain, Shri Rajput Karni Sena gave a call for ‘janata curfew’ on the day of release and asked people not to watch the movie. “Can anyone screen the movie against the wishes of the state government?” asked Karni Sena chief Lokendra Singh Kalvi in Ujjain.
Most cinema hall owners in Patna have expressed their reluctance to screen the film. “The SC order notwithstanding, protests and threats are on. We do not want to take any risk,” said manager of Mona cinema hall in Patna, Sharad Kumar. After the SC order on Thursday, Karni Sena members vandalised a cinema hall and tore the movie’s posters in Muzaffarpur.
Owning responsibility for the vandalisation, Karni Sena’s Bihar unit president Dhirendra Kumar said, “The SC has not given its verdict on the Ayodhya issue in decades, but passed an order on Pandmaavat in 7 hours.”
Members of the Rajput community in Chhattisgarh threatened action against cinema halls where the film is released. Sarv Kshatriya Samaj chief Rakesh Singh said, “Community members will burn down cinemas that screen Padmaavat. No changes hereafter, we want complete ban.”
BJP MLA from Telangana threatens violence
Now, threat of violence from Telangana BJP MLA
TIMES NEWS NETWORK/ The Times of India 20 January 2018
Ahmedabad/ Lucknow/ Hyderabad: Even as the SC rejected the appeal for the second consecutive day on Friday on the ‘Padmaavat’ issue, Rajput groups in Gujarat threatened to burn down theatres in the state if the film is released while a BJP MLA from Telangana issued an appeal on the same lines in the form of a video.
Raj Shekhawat, Gujarat president of Shree Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena said, “Our members will resort to undemocratic means if needed. We won’t let the film release at any cost and torch all those theatres which release the film.”
SRRKS members blocked traffic movement on several roads and highways across Saurashtra on Friday by burning tyres. They also stoned many buses on the Bhavnagar-Ahmedabad highway. In Hyderabad, BJP MLA from Goshamahal, Raja Singh, said, “I request the people to boycott the movie. You can even burn and vandalise the theatres as part of boycott.”
The [latest] one to bear the brunt of the protestors was senior advocate Harish Salve who represented the producers of the film in the court of law against the ban imposed on the release of the film by various states in India.
After the advocate in the court proved that the states have no power to issue such notifications banning the exhibition of a film when CBFC has given a certificate for its release, he has been reportedly receiving several threatening calls from the fringe outfits. According to the reports, Karni Sena members called Salve to threaten him of dire consequences if the film is released on January 25 and have also dared him to complain against them.
Rajput organisations threaten CBFC chief of “severe consequences” for attending Jaipur Literary Festival
‘Will not let censor chief attend litfest’
TIMES NEWS NETWORK The Times of India | 20/01/2018
Jaipur: Three Rajput organisations on Friday threatened that Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Prasoon Joshi will face “severe consequences” if he attends Jaipur Literary Festival (JLF) next week. The litfest begins on January 25 and Joshi is scheduled to address a session, ‘Main aur Woh: Conversations with Myself ’, on January 28.
“Prasoon Joshi said many wrong things about our kings, he will not be allowed to attend the session in Jaipur,” said Naryan Singh Devrala, district president of Rajput Karni Sena. A splinter group of this organisation, Shree Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena,said Joshi and all others who supported the controversial film will not be allowed to enter Rajasthan. Its president, Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi, said: “We don’t care about the litfest.”
Leader of another splinter group, Karni Sena, Ajeet Singh Mandoli, said: “It seems that Bollywood personalities are taking us very lightly. Karni Sena members will welcome them with shoes and chappals wherever we come across them.”
The Jaipur police are planning to deploy more than 400 cops on JLF duty. “We are prepared to meet any challenge,” said DGP OP Galhotra. “This time, we will take extra security measures to stop miscreants from disrupting the festival,” another official said.
Violence intensifies
Padmaavat protests: Buses torched, vehicles attacked | 2018-01-22 | TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Protests against the release of ‘Padmaavat’ by right-wing fringe outfits continued, with Karni Sena members blocking busy roads in Gurgaon and vandalising unmanned toll booths in Noida, blocking highways and attacking public and private vehicles in Surat and other parts of Gujarat.
Thousands of people were stranded and traffic came to a standstill on the Ahmedabad-Udaipur highway after the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation stopped services fearing violence. Traffic on Mundra-Mandvi highway in Kutch was stalled for nearly 10 hours following protests.
In Gujarat, the state government said strict action would be taken against those who resort to violence. Ahmedabad Police threatened to impose Section 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) of IPC (IPC) for violence inside malls, multiplexes and other enclosed spaces.
More than 500 Rajput women, waving swords, marched from Jauhar Sthal at Chittorgarh fort to Jyoti Temple at Jauhar Smriti Sansthan . The women had originally planned to set themselves on fire, but dropped the plan on January 24. They will now file a petition, seeking to commit mass suicide, at the SC.
“Is Rani Padmini only a mother figure for Rajputs? Is she not the same for Sarva Samaj? PM Narendra Modi must act before the sentiment of Hindus are hurt,” said a protestor in Chittorgarh.
Around 200-250 men, who called themselves members of Gurgaon’s Karni Sena, blocked the busy Sohna road stretch and threatened theatre owners against showing the film by invoking “Rajput pride”. They then blocked the MG Road metro station entrance — where police allegedly made no effort to stop them — shouting slogans like “Don’t go to watch ‘Padmaavat’, you won’t return alive” and “We’ll burn down the hall if the film is released”.
More than 100 protesters reached unmanned toll booths, beat up guards, damaged cabins and cameras on DND Flyway in Noida. The protestors uploaded a six-minute video clip of the rampage on DND Flyway on a Facebook page.
The Jauhar Smriti Sansthan, a socio-cultural Rajput body, which aims to restore the pride of Mewar rulers, issued a “final version” on the life of queen Padmini after a discussion in Chittorgarh on Sunday. The JSS demanded the version be adopted into history textbooks. JSS joint secretary Kan Singh Suwawa said they will share the version with the HRD ministry and fight till it is adopted verbatim in textbooks.
Man threatreans to ‘destroy Parliament, SC’
Bareilly: Police have lodged an FIR under sedition charges against an unidentified person for uploading an inflammatory video on Facebook on Sunday evening against the release of Padmaavat. In the video, the man has allegedly threatened to destroy Parliament and Supreme Court if the film was released and screened.
A day after people of the Kshatriya community in Sambhal sent a letter written in blood to the President and PM to protest the release, the video turned up on social media and was widely circulated.
“I have gone through the video, in which the person has used hateful words against the government and threatened to destroy its institutions if the movie is screened on January 25, which is its scheduled date of release,” said Vikram Singh, in-charge of Bareilly Junction police outpost.
Station house officer Ajay Kumar Singh told TOI, “SI Vikram Singh took suo motu cognizance of the video on Facebook and lodged an FIR against an unidentified person under sections 124-A (sedition) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of IPC and section 67 of IT Act.”
In the video, a person identifying himself as Bhuvneshwar Singh, state chief of Kshatriya Sabha, can be seen saying, “The SC has made a big mistake comparing Padmaavat with Bandit Queen. If the movie is released, we will destroy SC and Parliament. Besides, if our Kshatriya leaders including home minister Rajnath Singh don’t resign from their posts, we will ensure they are shown the door in the next elections.” Akhil Bhartiya Kshatriya Mahasabha has also carried out protests across the state,. announcing a Rs 1 crore bounty to anyone who “throws actor Deepika Padukone in a fire pit”.
Amid stir, theatres in MP & Raj refuse to show Padmaavat
Three days before its scheduled release, “Padmaavat” faced uncertainty on Monday in at least four states, Rajasthan, MP, Gujarat and Jharkhand, with a majority of distributors and exhibitors unwilling to take the risk of releasing Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s controversial film in the face of protests by Rajput groups and threats to theatre owners.
In Indore, the Central Cinema Circuit Association (CCCA) announced that its members cannot screen the film in MP and Rajasthan for fear of violence. CCCA is an umbrella body of 2,000 film distributors and exhibitors of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, MP and Rajasthan.
Guj theatres fear damage to property
In Gujarat, many cinema hall owners didn’t want to release the film despite assurances by cops as they feared damage to their property.
CCCA president Jai Prakash Choukse told TOI that Padmaavat may turn out to be a blockbuster in south India, West Bengal and the Seven Sisters, but “the possibility of its release in MP and Rajasthan is nearly zero”.
“The governments in these two states are not only supporting the protest but standing as mute spectators to the open violation of law and contempt of court by these outfits. The statements by those who oppose the film are clearly disrespectful of the Sc’s order and are also in violation of reasonable restrictions on speech. The filmmakers must screen the movie on television or launch it on the web,” Choukse said.
Sources said in Jaipur, some exhibitors had a meeting with the distributor who was supposed to release Padmaavat in Rajasthan as well as with others who had distributed Bhansali’s films earlier. All of them concluded at the meeting that there was no point in releasing the film in the current volatile scenario. They didn’t seem to be convinced by assurances by Jaipur police commissioner Sanjay Agarwal that strict action will be taken against those taking law into their hands.
“Because of the reluctance shown by the over 200 screens in Rajasthan about screening the film, we have decided not to release it in the state,” said Raj Bansal, a leading film distributor. This decision has been communicated to various cinema halls across the state and the film producers. However, they said they would reverse their decision if things change for the better in the coming days and issues between protesting Rajput outfits and filmmakers are sorted out.
Multiplexes in Ahmedabad and elsewhere developed cold feet as protests against the film continued to rage on in Gujarat for the fourth consecutive day. At least eight multiplexes in Ahmedabad have refused to screen the film despite K L N Rao, special commissioner of police, saying that “all malls and multiplexes in western Ahmedabad –irrespective of whether they screen Padmaavat – have been given security cover”.
Protests by Rajput oufits continued in various parts of the state. Nearly half of state transport buses originating from places in North Gujarat remained off the roads, fearing attacks by agitators.
In Rajasthan’s Bhilwara, a Rajput youth, with a bottle of petrol in his hand, climbed on a 350-foot-tall mobile tower, demanding a ban on the film. . The Jharkhand wing of Shree Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena issued letters to cinema hall owners to not screen the film. In Dehradun, members of the Uttarakhand Kshatriya Mahasabha claimed they had received assurances from four prominent multiplexes that the film will not be screened.
Theatres in MP & Rajasthan too scared to screen the film
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Three days before its scheduled release, “Padmaavat” faced uncertainty on Monday in at least four states, Rajasthan, MP, Gujarat and Jharkhand, with a majority of distributors and exhibitors unwilling to take the risk of releasing Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s controversial film in the face of protests by Rajput groups and threats to theatre owners.
In Indore, the Central Cinema Circuit Association (CCCA) announced that its members cannot screen the film in MP and Rajasthan for fear of violence. CCCA is an umbrella body of 2,000 film distributors and exhibitors of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, MP and Rajasthan.
Guj theatres fear damage to property
In Gujarat, many cinema hall owners didn’t want to release the film despite assurances by cops as they feared damage to their property.
CCCA president Jai Prakash Choukse told TOI that Padmaavat may turn out to be a blockbuster in south India, West Bengal and the Seven Sisters, but “the possibility of its release in MP and Rajasthan is nearly zero”.
“The governments in these two states are not only supporting the protest but standing as mute spectators to the open violation of law and contempt of court by these outfits. The statements by those who oppose the film are clearly disrespectful of the Sc’s order and are also in violation of reasonable restrictions on speech. The filmmakers must screen the movie on television or launch it on the web,” Choukse said.
Sources said in Jaipur, some exhibitors had a meeting with the distributor who was supposed to release Padmaavat in Rajasthan as well as with others who had distributed Bhansali’s films earlier. All of them concluded at the meeting that there was no point in releasing the film in the current volatile scenario. They didn’t seem to be convinced by assurances by Jaipur police commissioner Sanjay Agarwal that strict action will be taken against those taking law into their hands.
“Because of the reluctance shown by the over 200 screens in Rajasthan about screening the film, we have decided not to release it in the state,” said Raj Bansal, a leading film distributor. This decision has been communicated to various cinema halls across the state and the film producers. However, they said they would reverse their decision if things change for the better in the coming days and issues between protesting Rajput outfits and filmmakers are sorted out.
Multiplexes in Ahmedabad and elsewhere developed cold feet as protests against the film continued to rage on in Gujarat for the fourth consecutive day. At least eight multiplexes in Ahmedabad have refused to screen the film despite K L N Rao, special commissioner of police, saying that “all malls and multiplexes in western Ahmedabad –irrespective of whether they screen Padmaavat – have been given security cover”.
Protests by Rajput oufits continued in various parts of the state. Nearly half of state transport buses originating from places in North Gujarat remained off the roads, fearing attacks by agitators.
In Rajasthan’s Bhilwara, a Rajput youth, with a bottle of petrol in his hand, climbed on a 350-foot-tall mobile tower, demanding a ban on the film. . The Jharkhand wing of Shree Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena issued letters to cinema hall owners to not screen the film. In Dehradun, members of the Uttarakhand Kshatriya Mahasabha claimed they had received assurances from four prominent multiplexes that the film will not be screened.
Ashutosh.Shukla |Ex-Navyman, IIM grad leading protests in MP | The Times of India
Bhopal: It is not Karni Sena but Madhya Pradesh Rajput Samaj that is spearheading the campaign against Padmaavat in MP. And those at the forefront of the agitation are well-educated, affluent members of society. Their grouse is that films turn heroes and historical characters into caricatures.
The president of Madhya Pradesh Rajput Samaj is Lt Vinay Bhadoria (retd), and IIM-Indore graduate Ramveer Singh Sikarwar heads the organisation’s youth wing.
After serving the Navy, Bhadoria founded a company that is into several businesses, including construction. When asked what the problem with the film is, he said, “It’s simple. Historical characters who are revered should not be portrayed in films in a ‘fictional’ manner. Giving a disclaimer that it’s a work of fiction isn’t enough. Sanjay Leela Bhansali will make money but what about Padmavati, who is regarded as a Goddess in Rajasthan?”
Sikarwar, who worked with US Aid and was adviser to the MP health department before getting into the construction business, said: “Majority of us are professionals. We believe in non-violence... There is a Jauhar Kund in Chittorgarh, and temples to ‘Devi Padmavati’. Why should a film be made on her?”
MP movie buffs head for Delhi, UP
An unannounced ban isn’t going to stop fans from catching Padmaavat. Many Bhopalis are taking the next train or plane out to Delhi or simply driving across the border to UP to watch the movie. The long Republic Day weekend has come as a boon to the scores of people in MP who are determined to point out how bans are futile as a medieval tactic. Piyush Bhalothia, a mass communication student, said, “I have planned a weekend trip to Delhi with my friends so that we can watch the movie.” Anshul Singh, a businessman, saye he has planned a trip to Agra for his entire family over the weekend to catch Padmaavat. TNN
Violent protests in BJP-ruled states
On film release eve, violent protests in BJP-ruled states| The Times of India
MOBS HOLD STATES TO RANSOM OVER PADMAAVAT
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
New Delhi: Mobs vandalised theatres, multiplexes and unleashed large-scale violence, forcing cancellation of the special screening of ‘Padmaavat’ in many parts of the country on the eve of the release of the Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film.
Even as paramilitary forces conducted a flag-march in Ahmedabad, violence continued unabated in many parts of Gujarat on Wednesday. At least three state-run buses were vandalised in Saurashtra and north Gujarat, while mobs jammed the Ahmedabad-Vadodara expressway and Bhavnagar-Una highway.
In Pune, 17 Karni Sena members were arrested for damaging a truck and deflating tyres of heavy vehicles on the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway. The police stopped members of Karni Sena from entering the Gangapur dam in Nashik to perform ‘jal samadhi’, and arrested at least 43 protesters. On the eve of the nationwide release of the film, terror-struck Gujarat Multiplex Owners Association (GMOA), Cinematograph Exhibitor’s Association of Gujarat (CEAG) and Multiplex Association of India (MAI) announced that ‘Padmaavat’ would not be screened in 120 cinemas across the state. The Gujarat government, which had earlier appealed to people to voluntarily boycott watching the movie, expressed gratitude to cinema owners for their “no-show” decision.
In Rajasthan, Karni Sena members blocked the Jaipur-Delhi highway, burnt tyres and shouted slogans against Bhansali and ‘Padmaavat’. Arson erupted in several parts of MP as protesters torched vehicles and clashed with the police. Hundreds of Karni Sena members resorted to vandalism in Indore and Ujjain.
Livestreaming Padmaavat, to cause loss to its makers
Chandigarh: A group from Haryana virtually live streamed on Facebook a large part of Padmaavat on Thursday, apparently because they were upset at the movie not being banned and wanted to hurt the producer’s revenues. At one point, TOI noticed that at least 19,000 people were watching the 12 pm to 3 show live on the FB page which had around 5,000 likes.
The video was live for almost 80 minutes, from the opening titles to the point where the characters of Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor discuss whether they should accept their attacker’s proposal. Hundreds of people shared a link of the page with their friends while viewing the movie. This TOI reporter also received the link on his Facebook feed.
Rajput outfits burn 50 vehicles in Ahmedabad
Rajput outfits burn 50 vehicles in Ahd | The Times of India
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Ahmedabad: At least 200 vehicles and eight shops were damaged when mobs affiliated to Rajput outfits unleashed arson and violence on Tuesday night on five multiplexes that had insisted on screening ‘Padmaavat’. In all, more than 50 vehicles were set ablaze.
The Gujarat government’s claims of increased security at multiplexes went up in flames as CCTV footage showed the audacity with which protesters took the law into their hands. Ahmedabad fire and emergency services (AFES) teams were sent to multiple locations to tackle blazes.
Many areas of the city plunged into lawlessness as mobs attacked shops, torched vehicles and pelted stones at Wide Angle and Gulmohar Park Mall in Satellite, PVR Cinemas at Acropolis, Himalaya Mall on Gurukul Road and Ahmedabad One Mall in Vastrapur. The fire spread to eight shops outside Himalaya Mall.
Cops were seen swinging into action only after the mobs had unleashed unprecedented violence on cinema halls. Police fired two rounds in the air outside Himalaya Mall, which reported maximum damage to vehicles and property, to scare off the miscreants.
Frenzied mob attacks school bus in Gurugram
- 30 Students and three teachers of Gurugram School became target of an unruly mob on Wednesday afternoon.
- The mob of around 50 people was protesting the release of Padmaavat movie on Sohna Road.
GURUGRAM: 30 students and three teachers of GD Goenka World School, Sohna Road became the targets of an unruly mob on Wednesday afternoon in Bhondsi. The mob of around 50 people was protesting the release of the film 'Padmaavat' on Sohna Road. The bus was headed towards Gurugram city when the incident took place. Apart from the teacher and students, a caretaker was also present on the bus.
According to officials, the incident took place around Ghamroj village when a mob carrying lathis and stones attacked the bus.
"The mob had just attacked a Haryana Roadways bus and the school bus belonging to GD Goenka World School which was passing by also came under attack. The mob pelted stones at the school bus due to which the window panes broke. However, there were no injuries in the incident which took place around 3 pm," said Gurugram deputy commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh.
"As soon as we came out of the school, the bus was attacked. Even the police could not control them. The children somehow took cover inside the bus," ANI quoted one of the staff members as saying.
The school authorities too confirmed that the students did not receive any injuries.
"The bus was going towards Gurugram and was near Gamhroj when a mob attacked the bus. The accompanying teachers ensured that all the children were safe and asked them to take shelter under the seats. After this incident was reported, the school called back all the other buses and informed parents to come and collect their children," said a school official.
(With inputs from ANI)
Brave Rajputs attacking innocent young school children. What an example of bravery. Tomorrow these braves may attack some pre-nursery babies also. Mukund
Commonman Commonman Congratulations to "BRAVE" Karni Sena of Rajputs. You have today proven your bravery by attacking innocent young children in a school bus. So far society kept quiet thinking it is your personal tamasha so why interfere. But today when you have touched children, now you will understand that only Rajputs do not have patents on bravery.
Sourav Bhaduri - Calcutta, India Karni sena should be immediately declared a terrorist group...
Rahul Kumar Please shoot at sight
Anupama – rajputs are worried about the samman of rani padmavati sho died almost 700years ago, whom they have not seen.....but.. They are not worried about the samman of girls who are daily getting raped and tortured.... bravo great community of men
Then why was the nation riven and held to ransom?
Film Doesn’t Hurt Sentiments: 2 historians on Karni Sena’s panel
Two historians on ‘Karni panel’ clear film | 2018-01-30 | The Times of India
‘Padmaavat Doesn’t Hurt Sentiments
Bengaluru/Jaipur: Two of the four historians that Shree Rajput Karni Sena had named in a six-member panel to decide the fate of Padmaavat ahead of its release last week gave a green signal to the controversial film after watching it in Bengaluru on Monday. They claimed the movie does not hurt the sentiments of any community.
Historians R S Khangarot and B L Gupta, who had been contacted by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Prasoon Joshi last month, saw the movie at the ashram of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. They were specially invited by him to watch Padmaavat as an attempt to resolve the row over the film.
“Historically, the film is zero... I don’t think the movie will hurt any section of society. The film has nothing to do with history. We both arrived at the same conclusion,” Prof Khangarot told TOI. When asked about representation of Rani Padmini in the film, Khangarot, who is the principal of a college in Jaipur, said the character in the film is not like the one in history. “I can only talk about the movie in terms of story or the plot with reference to history, nothing else. Cinematography is not my subject,’’ he added.
Gupta, who is a retired professor of history in Rajasthan University and has written numerous books on India’s medieval history, said, “I personally feel nothing in the movie is hurtful to the sentiments of any particular caste. Nobody should have a problem with this film.”
The two maintained that this was their personal opinion and that they do not represent any organisation or community. “We speak only for ourselves,” they emphasised.
“I was not in the country when CBFC invited me to watch this move. Now, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has taken the initiative; so I watched the movie,” said Prof Khangarot.
Last month, the censor board had sought the opinion of the two historians by inviting them to view the film. However, Khangarot did not attend the preshow as he was in Dubai. Gupta too couldn’t go for the screening due to his busy schedule.
Two days before the movie’s release on January 25, SRKS had named the six-member panel, demanding that the movie be screened for them. Apart from Gupta and Khangarot, the other two historians named in the panel are Jaipur’s Roshan Sharma and Delhi’s Kapil Kumar. Member of the erstwhile royal family of Mewar, Vishwaraj Singh, and his counterpart in Banswara, Jagmal Singh, were the other two members in the panel. However, the local Rajput community is upset with Khangarot and Gupta.
Indpaedia adds: Khangarots are Suryavanshi Kacchawaha Rajputs
2 Feb 2018: Karni Sena (faction) withdraws protest against the film
The battle between the Shri Rajput Karni Sena and ‘Padmaavat’ director Sanjay Leela Bhansali finally came to an end with the fringe group voicing its support for the film. The year-long row took an unexpected turn with one of the groups saw the film on Friday 2 Feb 2018 evening and came out stating that the courage and sacrifice of the Rajputs have been showcased in the movie.
A letter signed by Shri Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena's national vice-president Yogendra Singh Katar and Sena's Maharashtra coordinator Jeevan Singh has reportedly been handed over to Bhansali production, claiming that they do not have any objection over screening the movie now.
Speaking to TOI, Katar said, "We saw the movie and do not find anything wrong or defamatory in the movie. So, we have decided to withdraw our agitation against the movie and will allow its release in Gujarat and Rajasthan."
In their letter, the group themselves stated that there is no objectionable scene between the Delhi Sultanate Alauddin Khilji and Queen Padmini of Mewar which hurts the sentiments of Rajputs, one of the main allegations that lead to mass protests in parts of the country. The group also declared that they take back their protest and will help the administration to release the film in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat as well as across all cinema houses in India.
Earlier in the day, the Rajasthan High Court ordered the special screening of 'Padmaavat' on Monday, following a petition filed by film director Sanjay Leela Bhansali to quash an FIR filed against him and actors Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh at Deedwana police station last year in March.
The debate
“As a nation… We have regressed,” Deepika Padukone
Deepika, who stars as Padmini, told news agency IANS, "Where have we reached as a nation? We have regressed. The only people we are answerable to is the censor board, and I know and I believe that nothing can stop the release of this film."
This comment, which should widely be considered reasonable, has been pounced on with glee by trolls and some BJP supporters. These are some of the less distasteful tweets on Deepika and Padmavati.
RaJpUtAnA @RaJpUtAnA_1 [tweeted]
@deepikapadukone dear deepika ..agar padmavati ki release ko koi rok ni skta toh toh humari bandook ki goli ko b koi rok ni skta
[If nothing can stop the release of this film, then nothing can stop a bullets fired by our gun.]
There was also this, which we think is a joke (because with trolls and Twitter, it's really hard to tell sometimes):
Swami @mohitraj
Deepika Padukone height is 1.74m, but Rani Padmavati height was 1.75 m. Bhansali is destroying history so #WeBoycottPadmavati
Despite Sanjay Leela Bhansali's repeated assurances that the film does not romanticise Padmini and Khilji, motley groups have demanded that they be allowed to watch Padmavati before it releases. A BJP leader called for the director to be prosecuted for treason.
BJP leader Subramanian Swamy told CNN-News18 that the actor had no right to give a lecture on regression, adding, "I am told the actress is not even an Indian citizen, she's Dutch."
"The nation can progress when regression is Deepika's view", the Rajya Sabha MP added.
Protesters claimed the upcoming film by Sanjay Leela Bhansali - set in the background of the 1303 siege of Chittorgarh by Alauddin Khilji - "distorted" history and showed the Rajput queen and her community in poor light.
Bhansali too has repeatedly rebuffed rumors about an alleged dream sequence between Padmavati and Khilji and even released a video saying that the film honors the valour of Rajputs and the queen.
Something has changed
India might or might not have regressed, but the fact is that Jayasi’s tale has been told in Indian cinemas and on television several times before, complete with the mirror sequence, without any protests. Jaswant Jhaveri’s Maharani Padmini (1964) and Episode 26 of Shyam Benegal’s Doordarshan serial Bharat Ek Khoj (1988) are two such examples.
However, something has changed. When K. Asif’s Mughal-e-Azam was released in 1960 there were no protests, vandalisation of property, demands for bans or threats to chop off noses. But when the same story was retold in the 21st century, reactions were different. In 2008, activists belonging to the Sri Rajput Karni Sena protested against the screening of Ashutosh Gowarikar’s film Jodhaa Akbar and demanded a ban. Five years later when producer Ekta Kapoor’s television version of Jodha- Akbar started getting aired, in addition to Sri Rajput Karni Sena’s agitation, there were violent protests in places as far apart as Chandigarh, Ambala, Rajasthan, New Delhi, and beyond.
By 2017 protests started getting retrospective as well, as the controversy against Bhansali’s Padmavati (2017) intensified, several months before the film’s release. People wantingto know the story started watching Jaswant Jhaveri’s Maharani Padmini (1964) on YouTube, and abusing it retrospectively: making up for their grandparents’ tolerant, sickular acceptance of the film in 1964.
Samples of reactions in 2017 against Maharani Padmini (1964):
Bharati Musale [Oct 2017] (edited)
Movie Ka director Muslim hai [Was director Jaswant Jhaveri a closet Muslim? Writer Bootaram Sharma, too?] aur ghatiya alluddin khilgi..par duniya isalam premi aur unke girgit ki tarah rang badalnewali chaal se parichit hai...rani padmavati amar hai. .khilji Ki aatma tadapati rahegi jisane devi Ka suhag ujada
Ravi Pratap Narain Singh [Oct 2017]
Too much manipulated & fake story
GOVIND AHIRWAR [Nov 2017]
Fake story...[angry emoticon]
srikumar choudhury [Nov 2017] (edited)
This movie script twisted by some secular brigade, now these secular brigade weakening our country. This story is eye opener for all hindus for future, now at least united and fight the enemy together. Enemy is in side and outside, be prepare for it.. don't become weak and blind.. open your eye.. next war should be last war for enemy. next war will come for sure.. [Secular brigade? In the film Khilji is not only shown as a bad man, in protocol he is shown ranking lower than Ratan Sen. His wife is shown as humbly supplicating Padmini and Ratan Sen.]
Jay Rajputana [Nov 2017]
Ye film nahi chalegi or chalai to kai thethar na jal jaye thayan se chalana aage rajput he ham [This film will not be screened and if it is screened the theatre might get burned. Be careful. We are Rajputs.] But the film was screened in 1964, and no theatres were set on fire then. Incidentally, the film had praised the Rajputs to the skies, not only for bravery and high principles but also for caring for their subjects.
The irony: Bhansali was glorifying Hindus, Rajputs
A shorter version of the section that follows appeared in The Times of India on Dec 1, 2017, under the title Bhansali Rides A Tiger and authored by P Dewan
_enters_the_palace_courtyard.jpg)
Director: Jaswant Jhaveri, story adapted by Bootaram Sharma
Padmavati (Anita Guha, centre) enters the palace courtyard in which many women, led by a dancer (Helen) dressed as Radha and a male dancer dressed as Shri Krishn, have been performing a Holi dance.
Padmavati enters towards the end of the dance and the women promptly shower her with Holi colours. We do not get to see her face during the song, or for half a minute thereafter, because the director wants to reveal her beauty in a dramatic manner.
The point is that like a good sport the Maharani goes to meet her dancing sakhis (girlfriends), with one effeminate- looking male dancer somewhere around, but does not actually dance with them.
The film shows Sultan Alauddin Khilji’s wife as a good woman who befriends Padmini, addresses her as ‘sister’ and King Ratansen as her brother, and tries to dissuade her husband from attacking Chitor. She incites her husband’s army commanders (jathedar) like Saboo to rise against Alauddin. She also makes clear that what Alauddin plans to do is against Islam.
On several occasions the film shows Islam in good light, distancing it from Alauddin’s actions.
Padmavati has several lines of dialogue glorifying the high values and bravery of the Rajputs.
In the film,
King Ratan Sen is heard saying:
Chinta ko talvãr ki nok pe rakhe, voh Rajput
Reit ki nãu lekar samundar se shart lagaye, voh Rajput
Aur jis ka sar katey, phir bhi dharh dushman se larhta raye, voh Rajput
Maharani Padmini adds:
Rajputi kangan mein utni hi taaqat hai jitni Rajputi talvar mein
(The bangles of Rajput women are as brave and powerful as the swords of Rajput men.)
Bhansali’s last two films (Bajirao Mastani , Padmavati) have been about armed conflicts between armies headed by Hindu rulers and armies headed by Muslim rulers. The Muslims are the villains in both films. In Bajirao Mastani the Muslim- led army loses (and this is a historical fact) and in Padmavati the Muslim Khilji is the villain (which he was in real life and even in the Muslim sufi- author Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s ‘Padmavat’).
Bhansali’s Guzaarish (2010) introduced a new genre to Hindi cinema: the modern Muslim villain. The Siddiquis, father and son, are neither terrorists nor mafia dons. They are slick, modern professionals who try to murder the decent hero, Ethan, and cripple him, reducing him to a vegetative state in the process. And this is despite all the help that the decent, trusting Ethan gives them, especially the son.
In Bajirao Mastani, too, the Muslims are not only the enemy but the Nizam is a cheat as well. He invites Bajirao over for discussions but uses this ruse to try to imprison him instead.
In Bajirao Mastani, the Hindu hero, Bajirao, gets the Muslim heroine, Mastani, with whom he lives without marrying her. Mastani then adopts Hindu ways and beliefs. She applies sindoor, says Har Har Mahadev, cites Radha Krishn and calls her son Krishna. Saawariya’s Sakina sings the song Merey bhagwan ho tum, in front of Raj (though the song could have been addressed to Iman). ‘Omaar’ Siddiqui tells Ethan, ‘You are my God.’
The victorious Bajirao observes that it is after a long time that the (Hindus’) saffron flag has fluttered under the sky. The film approves of a Hindu rashtr (nation).
In Saawariya (2007) the Hindu hero, Ranbir Raj, falls in love with the Muslim heroine, Sakina. Raj kisses Sakina’s face but she draws the line at her lips. For a moment she considers spending her life with him (ek pal ke liye main ne socha tumharey saath zindagi bitaoongi). The Khuda-ing sex worker Gulab ji has the hots for Raj.
If Padmavati is about the valour of the Rajputs, Bajirao Mastani was about the bravery of the equally great Marathas/ Chitpawans. The Hindus hero- worship both martial communities.
So, Bhansali is hardly a sickular, bleeding heart liberal. His films have always glorified Hindu martial communities like the Rajputs and Marathas, and shown Muslim men as bad.
Muslim (and Christian) women, of course, are to be loved and won over. Not that that is difficult, because half the time they come crawling on their knees to you.
In Black (2005) the 20-something Michelle McNally has the hots for her 60-something tutor Mr Debraj Sahai, and their relationship touches at least the first base of physicality. In Khamoshi: The Musical (1996) Raj gets Annie.
Thus, through his films, Mr Bhansali has been carrying out his own little Love Yudh.
Rahul Rawail, the director of Jo Bole So Nihaal (2005), and a Sikh himself, had tried to glorify Sikh values and valour in the film, but wound up annoying several Sikh groups. At least two theatres that screened the film (Liberty and Satyam, both in Punjabi-dominated west Delhi), were bombed.
Bhansali is a cultural nationalist. The irony is that the attacks on him have come from fellow nationalists. And those defending his right of artistic freedom are almost entirely from the rapidly dwindling tribe of sickular liberals.
Moral
There obviously is a Moral in all this somewhere. Perhaps several.
i) There is no such thing as controlled chauvinism (or controlled community pride): You cannot fan the pride of a community and then expect the Community Pride that you unleash to remain only at the level at which it benefits your film commercially or your party politically.
The movements in Kashmir and (Indian) Punjab, and in Pakistan and Afghanistan, became far more radical than their leaders and supporters had envisioned.
ii) "The revolution...devours its own children," Pierre Victurien Vergniaud (1753—1793) is believed to have said. Peter St. Onge adds that Revolutions Eat Their Parents. In the Indian context Community Pride movements do both.
Danton, celebrated French revolutionary leader, was himself executed after coming to power.
The national leader who is said to have fanned the Bhindranwale phenomenon and the Indian leader who tried to manage the passions unleashed by Velupillai Prabhakaran, were both engulfed by those movements.
In the case of cinema, Rahul Rawail thought that his film Jo Bole So Nihaal (2005) would benefit commercially from Community Pride, but the Community Pride element got out of his control and singed his exhibitors physically and him financially.
Mr Bhansali had experienced this even before ‘Padmavati.’ He gave his gangster film Ram Leela a religious title, hoping to benefit from the Community Pride associated with this venerable celebration. However, he was forced by Community Pride leaders even more radical than he to change the title to Goliyon ki Raas Leela: Ram Leela (2013).
iii) In India we ban films without seeing them, though they might actually be supporting our cause Prakash Jha’s film Aarakshan supported the Scheduled Caste community and caste- based ‘reservations’ most thoroughly. However, during the build up to the film’s release several state governments and Community Pride leaders assumed that his film would advocate the abolition of caste- based reservations. So UP, AP, Punjab banned it, while others put restrictions on the film, without seeing it. ('Aarakshan' banned in UP, AP, Punjab)
Kamal Haasan’s Vishwaroopam was similarly sought to be banned by Muslim leaders in Tamil Nadu before its release and before they had seen the film, because they assumed that the film would show Muslims as terrorists. It turned out that the film’s hero (leading male character) was a brave Muslim who was regular with his prayers but also fought terrorists.
Therefore, it is ironical—no, perhaps it was only to be expected--that Mr Bhansali would be attacked (and so fiercely) by the very groups whose Community Pride he sought to stoke through Padmavati .
