Revision as of 10:05, 22 November 2017

See also Padmavati/ Maharani Padmini

Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor in Padmavati (2017)

The auteurs

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

Shahid Kapoor, Deepika Padukone in Padmavati (2017)

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

Violence, vandalism, demands for a ban: all without even seeing the film

Murderous threats, calls for ban, based on a mob leader’s ‘hunch’

Khilji (Ranveer Singh) enters his temt in Padmavati (2017)

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 yetto-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.”

The main incidents

‘Padmavati’: Incidents that made headlines about the Deepika Padukone-Ranveer Singh-Shahid Kapoor film TNN | November 15, 2017 | IndiaTimes/ The Times of India

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.

Ranveer Singh plays Sultan Alauddin Khilji, the DC/ Marvel comic-book style super villain of Padmavati (2017)

‘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.

Supporters of Karni Sena obstruct the shooting of Padmavati at Jaigarh Palace in Jaipur
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.

Padmavati’s eight-foot-long rangoli, created by Karan Jariwala, in Surat's Rahul Raj Mall: Before

Padmavati’s rangoli: After vandals destroyed the artwork in October 2017

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.

Supreme Court refuses plea to ban the release of 'Padmavati'

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.

The film, which also stars Shahid Kapoor as Rawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as invader Alauddin Khilji, is set for release on December 1, 2017. The movie has been a subject of many controversies. Some Hindu groups and political parties, including the Congress and the BJP, claiming that the film distorts history and wrongly portrays Padmavati, a contention Bhansali has rebuffed in a recently released online video.

Some people armed with bamboo sticks and petrol bombs decended on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s lavish set in the Masaipathar area, around 15 km from Panhala town in Kolhapur district. They hurled petrol bombs on a few tents and sett them on fire
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.

Try 'Padmavati' Director For Treason: Arjun Gupta, BJP

Try 'Padmavati' Director Bhansali For Treason: Censor Board Member| Edited by Revathi Hariharan | November 10, 2017 | NDTV

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.

Rajput Karni Sena threatens to chop off Deepika’s nose

The mirror sequence of Maharani Padmini (1964)
L-R: Alauddin Khilji (?), King Ratansen (Jairaj) and a reflection of Padmini (Anita Guha)
Director: Jaswant Jhaveri, story adapted by Bootaram Sharma

‘Padmavati’: Rajput Karni Sena threatens to chop off Deepika Padukone’s nose |TNN | Nov 16, 2017 | IndiaTimes/ The Times of India

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 offers ₹5 crore for her whole head (and 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])

Burn Deepika alive, get Rs 1 crore reward: Kshatriya Mahasabha

‘Padmavati’: Incidents that made headlines about the Deepika Padukone-Ranveer Singh-Shahid Kapoor film | TNN | November 20, 2017 | IndiaTimes/ The Times of India

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

Jehana Antia | 'Padmavati' row: Karni Sena founder receives threat call from Pakistan| Nov 18, 2017| IndiaTimes/ The Times of India

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.

UP Government foresees violence; Congress wants review

Episode 26 of Shyam Benegal’s Bharat Ek Khoj (1988) showed Rani Padmini (Seema Kelkar) watching a ghoomar dance, without participating in it or even betraying any sign that was being entertained by the dance.
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.

Pratibha Devasenapathy | Congress wants ‘Padmavati’ to be reviewed! | Nov 16, 2017 | IndiaTimes/ The Times of India

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

Shashi Tharoor backtracks on Padmavati, says Rajput sentiments must be respected| Nov 17, 2017 | IndiaTimes/ The Times of India

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 denounces ‘Padmavati’, likens Bhansali to Rushdie and Taslima | Nov 17, 2017 | IndiaTimes/ The Times of India

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.

The impact of the murderous threats, protests

Padmavati's makers 'voluntarily’ defer release date

Amid growing uproar, makers 'voluntarily defer' Padmavati's release date| Nov 19, 2017 | IndiaTimes/ The Times of India

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.

A nation and its polity are split by a film they haven’t even seen

‘Padmavati’ splits Cong CMs: Sidda backs, Captain opposes | 21 November 2017 | IndiaTimes/ The Times of India

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.

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

Rohan Valecha | ‘Padmavati’: CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi lashes out at Sanjay Leela Bhansali and makers of the film | | Nov 18, 2017 | IndiaTimes/ The Times of India

‘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.

Govt. bans (other than by the official censors)

Madhya Pradesh bans 'Padmavati' without seeing the film

Madhya Pradesh Government bans Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmavati’| Nov 20, 2017 | IndiaTimes/ The Times of India

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'.

The debate

“As a nation… We have regressed,” Deepika Padukone

This is the image of Padmavati (Seema Kelkar), reflected in a mirror, that Sultan Khilji gets to see in Episode 26 of Shyam Benegal’s Bharat Ek Khoj (1988)

Gitanjali Roy | Padmavati Star Deepika Padukone Trolled For Saying We've 'Regressed' | November 15, 2017 |NDTV, With inputs from IANS

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.

Padmavati Row: We've 'Regressed' Says Deepika; Swamy Calls the Actor 'Dutch'| November 14, 2017| News18.com added:

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 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:

Bharati Musale [Oct 2017] (edited)

Movie Ka director Muslim hai [was Jaswant Jhaveri a closet Muslim? 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

From Maharani Padmini (1964)
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’).

An expressionless Padmavati (Seema Kelkar) watches a ghoomar dance in Episode 26 of Shyam Benegal’s Bharat Ek Khoj (1988)

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.

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, fals in love with the Muslim heroine, Sakina.

If Padmavati is about the valour of the Rajputs, Bajirao Mastani was about the bravery of the equally great Marathas. The Hindus hero- worship both martial communities.

Deepika Padukone not only joins the ghoomar dance in Bhansali’s Padmavati (2017), what is worse, she seems to be happy about it.

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 women, of course, are to be loved and won over.

So are Christian women. 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.

In the Indian context Community Pride movements do so.

Danton, celebrated French revolutionary leader, was himself executed after coming to power.

Peter St. Onge adds that Revolutions Eat Their Parents.

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 they banned or put restrictions on the film, without seeing it.

Kamal Haasan’s Vishwaroop[am] 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 .

See also

Padmavati/ Maharani Padmini

Padmavati, the film (2017)