The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to give an urgent hearing plea filed by lawyer Manohar Lal Sharma seeking removal of certain scenes from the film Padmaavat.

The top court said it will hear the matter on Monday.Earlier on Tuesday, the apex court refused to modify its earlier order on the Sanjay Leela Bhansali magnum opus.

The top court last week set aside the notification passed by the states of Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat to ban the release of Padmaavat.

The epic drama, based on 16th-century Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi`s epic poem `Padmavat`, is set to hit the cinema halls on January 25.&nbsp;

The plea sought removal of certain scenes from the film

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to give an urgent hearing plea filed by lawyer Manohar Lal Sharma seeking removal of certain scenes from the film Padmaavat. The top court said it will hear the matter on Monday.Earlier on Tuesday, the apex court refused to modify its earlier order on the Sanjay Leela Bhansali magnum opus. The top court last week set aside the notification passed by the states of Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat to ban the release of Padmaavat. The epic drama, based on 16th-century Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi`s epic poem `Padmavat`, is set to hit the cinema halls on January 25.

No more cuts for Padmaavat, SC refuses urgent hearing

The Gurugram Police said on Sunday that a total of 45 miscreants had been arrested including Rewari Karni Sena president Harinder for their involvement in the bus attack on Wednesday following the release of the movie &#39;Padmaavat.&#39;&nbsp;

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3 more miscreants, including Rewari Karni Sena President Harinder, arrested in connection with incidents of violence in Gurugram. So far 45 miscreants arrested. Best efforts being made to identify remaining miscreants involved in the incidents.: Gurugram Police <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/957633472562044928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The officials also informed that maximum efforts are being made to identify and nab the remaining miscreants involved in the incident.

As of&nbsp;Saturday, a total of eight cases had been registered and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been formed to probe the cases where a school bus was attacked and another bus was torched.

Gurugram Karni Sena chief Thakur Kushalpal was detained by the Haryana police on Saturday - a day after arresting Karni Sena national secretary Surajpal Amu from his residence in the posh DLF area - in connection with the incidents of violence during the release of the movie &quot;Padmaavat&quot;.

Around 20-25 students of a leading Gurugram school had a narrow escape when a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-frenzied-mob-attacks-school-bus-in-gurugram-30682">frenzied mob protesting</a> the release of Bollywood film &quot;Padmaavat&quot;&nbsp;attacked their bus.

The GD Goenka World School students were on their way home when a group of around 60 protesters, believed to be members of a fringe group, attacked the bus with bamboo sticks asking the driver to stop the vehicle.

The Gurugram Police have clarified that<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gurugram-police-clarifies-no-muslim-involved-in-attacking-school-bus-30838"> no Muslim boy</a> was detained in relation to the recent acts of vandalism on a Haryana Roadways bus and a School bus in Gurugram. &nbsp;

The officials also informed that maximum efforts are being made to identify and nab the remaining miscreants involved in the tragic incident following the release of the movie 'Padmaavat'

The Gurugram Police said on Sunday that a total of 45 miscreants had been arrested including Rewari Karni Sena president Harinder for their involvement in the bus attack on Wednesday following the release of the movie 'Padmaavat.' 3 more miscreants, including Rewari Karni Sena President Harinder, arrested in connection with incidents of violence in Gurugram. So far 45 miscreants arrested. Best efforts being made to identify remaining miscreants involved in the incidents.: Gurugram Police #Padmaavat — ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2018 × The officials also informed that maximum efforts are being made to identify and nab the remaining miscreants involved in the incident. As of Saturday, a total of eight cases had been registered and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been formed to probe the cases where a school bus was attacked and another bus was torched. Gurugram Karni Sena chief Thakur Kushalpal was detained by the Haryana police on Saturday - a day after arresting Karni Sena national secretary Surajpal Amu from his residence in the posh DLF area - in connection with the incidents of violence during the release of the movie "Padmaavat". Around 20-25 students of a leading Gurugram school had a narrow escape when a frenzied mob protesting the release of Bollywood film "Padmaavat" attacked their bus. The GD Goenka World School students were on their way home when a group of around 60 protesters, believed to be members of a fringe group, attacked the bus with bamboo sticks asking the driver to stop the vehicle. The Gurugram Police have clarified that no Muslim boy was detained in relation to the recent acts of vandalism on a Haryana Roadways bus and a School bus in Gurugram.

Gurugram bus attack: Police arrests Karni Sena president, 44 other miscreants

Karni Sena may have finally withdrawn its protest over the film Padmaavat, but in the past few months, the fringe group has managed to instill fear in the minds of the common man. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-frenzied-mob-attacks-school-bus-in-gurugram-30682">Their recent attack on a school bus </a>is, perhaps, one of the most heinous acts of violence that modern India has seen.&nbsp; 
 
While the protest around the film has died down, comedy collective AIB has made a satirical video on the Karni Sena which is disturbingly accurate.&nbsp; 
 
Featuring a bunch of child actors, dressed in school uniform, the video has them singing about how it is easy to target children because they don&#39;t form the vote bank. The lyrics hold a mirror to the polity of the country right now, highlighting how the police and government overlooked the incident initially.&nbsp;

Watch the video here:&nbsp; 
 
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fTIkoRdreZM" width="560"></iframe>

&nbsp;

The lyrics hold a mirror to the polity of the country right now

Karni Sena may have finally withdrawn its protest over the film Padmaavat, but in the past few months, the fringe group has managed to instill fear in the minds of the common man. Their recent attack on a school bus is, perhaps, one of the most heinous acts of violence that modern India has seen. While the protest around the film has died down, comedy collective AIB has made a satirical video on the Karni Sena which is disturbingly accurate. Featuring a bunch of child actors, dressed in school uniform, the video has them singing about how it is easy to target children because they don't form the vote bank. The lyrics hold a mirror to the polity of the country right now, highlighting how the police and government overlooked the incident initially. Watch the video here:

AIB's satirical ode to Karni Sena is sadly on point

Refuting earlier reports of Karni Sena withdrawing its protest against &#39;Padmaavat&#39;,&nbsp;Karni Sena leaders Lokendra Singh Kalvi and Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi on Saturday said they will continue their protest.&nbsp;

Kalvi heads Shree Rajput Karni Sena and Gogamedi is the chief of the other group with a similar name - Shree Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karni-sena-withdraws-protests-against-padmaavat-says-movie-glorifies-rajput-valour-31653"> Karni Sena withdraws protest against </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karni-sena-withdraws-protests-against-padmaavat-says-movie-glorifies-rajput-valour-31653">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karni-sena-withdraws-protests-against-padmaavat-says-movie-glorifies-rajput-valour-31653">, says movie glorifies Rajput valour</a>

&quot;There were two issues: one related to the&nbsp;faith and the other with history. The filmmaker has made changes with respect to the faith of the Rajput community but the distortion of historical facts cannot be denied,&quot; he told reporters at a separate press conference.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/never-felt-like-giving-up-sanjay-bhansali-on-padmaavat-31601">Never felt like giving up: Sanjay Bhansali on &#39;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/never-felt-like-giving-up-sanjay-bhansali-on-padmaavat-31601">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/never-felt-like-giving-up-sanjay-bhansali-on-padmaavat-31601">&#39;</a>

Kalvi added that his group still opposed the film and the &quot;janta curfew&quot; imposed at movie theatres will continue.

On Friday, there were media reports saying that the Mumbai branch of &#39;Shree Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena&#39; had withdraw&nbsp;its protest citing that the movie glorifies Rajput valour.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-continues-its-dream-run-at-the-box-office-earns-rs-150-crores-31559">Shahid Kapoor on Ranveer Singh&#39;s performance in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-continues-its-dream-run-at-the-box-office-earns-rs-150-crores-31559">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-continues-its-dream-run-at-the-box-office-earns-rs-150-crores-31559">: Would have played Khilji differently&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

A few of Sena&#39;s members had watched the movie in Mumbai on Friday, after which the announcement was made.&nbsp;

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-knew-my-character-an-underdog-in-padmaavat-shahid-kapoor-31210"> Knew my character was an underdog in &#39; </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-knew-my-character-an-underdog-in-padmaavat-shahid-kapoor-31210">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-knew-my-character-an-underdog-in-padmaavat-shahid-kapoor-31210">&#39;: Shahid Kapoor</a>

Mumbai branch of Gogamedi&#39;s group sent a letter, signed by Mumbai leader Yogendra Singh, to the production of the film saying they were&nbsp;withdrawing the&nbsp;protest

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-continues-its-dream-run-at-the-box-office-earns-rs-150-crores-31559">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-continues-its-dream-run-at-the-box-office-earns-rs-150-crores-31559"> continues its dream run at the box office, earns Rs 150 crore</a>

However, Gogamedi later said on Saturday that no such direction was issued to the Mumbai Branch and that people who had their names and signs in the letter have been expelled.

News agency ANI reported Gogamedi as saying that the letter was being circulated on social media and misleading the public.&nbsp;

Kalvi added that his group still opposed the film and the 'janta curfew' imposed at movie theatres will continue

Refuting earlier reports of Karni Sena withdrawing its protest against 'Padmaavat', Karni Sena leaders Lokendra Singh Kalvi and Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi on Saturday said they will continue their protest. Kalvi heads Shree Rajput Karni Sena and Gogamedi is the chief of the other group with a similar name - Shree Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena. Also read: Karni Sena withdraws protest against Padmaavat, says movie glorifies Rajput valour "There were two issues: one related to the faith and the other with history. The filmmaker has made changes with respect to the faith of the Rajput community but the distortion of historical facts cannot be denied," he told reporters at a separate press conference. Also read: Never felt like giving up: Sanjay Bhansali on 'Padmaavat' Kalvi added that his group still opposed the film and the "janta curfew" imposed at movie theatres will continue. On Friday, there were media reports saying that the Mumbai branch of 'Shree Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena' had withdraw its protest citing that the movie glorifies Rajput valour. Also read: Shahid Kapoor on Ranveer Singh's performance in Padmaavat: Would have played Khilji differently A few of Sena's members had watched the movie in Mumbai on Friday, after which the announcement was made. Also read: Knew my character was an underdog in ' Padmaavat': Shahid Kapoor Mumbai branch of Gogamedi's group sent a letter, signed by Mumbai leader Yogendra Singh, to the production of the film saying they were withdrawing the protest Also read: Padmaavat continues its dream run at the box office, earns Rs 150 crore However, Gogamedi later said on Saturday that no such direction was issued to the Mumbai Branch and that people who had their names and signs in the letter have been expelled. News agency ANI reported Gogamedi as saying that the letter was being circulated on social media and misleading the public.

Protest against 'Padmaavat' will continue: Karni Sena leaders

There seems to be no respite for Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat. Even though the film has managed to release in most parts of the country on January 25th, the film is being called out for its regressive content. Many have felt Bhansali, despite giving a disclaimer in the beginning, glorifies the archaic practice of Jauhar. Critics, thinkers and writers have also condemned the director for glamourizing the climax making the Jauhar scene look larger than life.&nbsp;

Actress Swara Bhaskar, who is known to speak her mind on pertinent&nbsp;issues, is the latest to call out Bhansali&#39;s regressive script. In an open letter for a&nbsp;news website, Bhaskar condemned Bhansali for&nbsp;glorifying&nbsp;Jauhar&nbsp;in his film.

Beginning by&nbsp;congratulating Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the film, Swara Bhaskar wrote that how she has batted for him and his film and spoken on the importance of artistic freedom. Bhaskar wrote that she had worked with Bhansali in a small role in&nbsp;Guzaarish, and how she had observed the director&#39;s precision over minutest details.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-how-sanjay-leela-bhansali-plays-to-the-gallery-with-padmaavat-30890">Also read: How Sanjay Leela Bhansali plays to the gallery with Padmaavat</a>

Attaching&nbsp;a video of her speaking in favour of Padmaavat, Swara reminded&nbsp;Bhansali how she always took a stand for him.

But the actress said that after watching Padmaavat,&nbsp;she felt she was reduced to a vagina. Swara wrote, &quot;I felt reduced to a vagina&ndash;only. I felt like all the &lsquo;minor&rsquo; achievements that women and women&rsquo;s movements have made over the years&ndash; like the right to vote, the right to own property, the right to education, equal pay for equal work, maternity leave, the Vishakha judgement, the right to adopt children&hellip;&hellip; all of it was pointless; because we were back to basics.&quot;

Swara said that a woman had the right to live despite being raped, despite being widowed. &quot;Surely Sir, you agree that&nbsp;Sati, and&nbsp;Jauhar&nbsp;are not practices to be glorified. Surely, you agree that notwithstanding whatever archaic idea of honour, sacrifice, purity propels women and men to participate in and condone such practices; that basically&nbsp;Sati&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jauhar,&nbsp;like the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Honour Killings, are steeped in deeply patriarchal, misogynist and problematic ideas,&quot; the actress wrote.

She further wrote that she understands that the movie is a period film and set in the 13th century where it was normal of a woman to commit Sati or Jauhar than being touched by another man who is not her husband, but it did not mean that it had to be projected in the way Bhansali did in his film. &quot;I understand that&nbsp;Jauhar&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sati&nbsp;are a part of our social history. These happened. I understand that they are sensational, shocking dramatic occurrences that lend themselves to splendid, stark and stunning visual representation; especially in the hands of a consummate maker like yourself &mdash; but then so were the lynchings of blacks by murderous white mobs in the 19th&nbsp;century in the US &ndash; sensational, shocking dramatic social occurrences. Does that mean one should make a film about it with no perspective on racism? Or, without a comment on racial hatred? Worse, should one make a film glorifying lynchings as a sign of some warped notion of hot-bloodedness, purity, bravery &ndash; I don&rsquo;t know, I have no idea how possibly one could glorify such a heinous hate crime,&quot; Swara wrote.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568">Read Padmaava review here</a>

Bhaskar said that despite the story being based in the 13th century, the film had 21st-century context and that glorifying a mass suicide in order to protect one&#39;s honour was not the most accurate way of telling the story. &quot;The&nbsp;context&nbsp;of your film is India in the 21st&nbsp;century; where five years ago, a girl was gang-raped brutally in the country&rsquo;s capital inside a moving bus. She didn&rsquo;t commit suicide because her honour had been desecrated, Sir. She fought her six rapists.&nbsp;

Bhaskar also wrote that how a disclaimer at the beginning of the movie made no sense when the entire film was about Rajput and the community&#39;s attempt at&nbsp;saving honour that was more important than the right to live. &quot;In the climax, breathtakingly shot of course &ndash; hundreds of women bedecked in red like Goddess Durga as bride rushed into the&nbsp;Jauhar&nbsp;fire while a raving Muslim psychopathic villain loomed over them and a pulsating musical track &ndash; that had the power of an anthem; seduced the audience into being awestruck and admiring of this act. Sir, if this is not glorification and support of&nbsp;Sati&nbsp;andJauhar, I really do not know what is,&quot;the letter further added.&nbsp;

Swara Bhaskar called out Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the glorification of Sati and Jauhar in his film

There seems to be no respite for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat. Even though the film has managed to release in most parts of the country on January 25th, the film is being called out for its regressive content. Many have felt Bhansali, despite giving a disclaimer in the beginning, glorifies the archaic practice of Jauhar. Critics, thinkers and writers have also condemned the director for glamourizing the climax making the Jauhar scene look larger than life. Actress Swara Bhaskar, who is known to speak her mind on pertinent issues, is the latest to call out Bhansali's regressive script. In an open letter for a news website, Bhaskar condemned Bhansali for glorifying Jauhar in his film. Beginning by congratulating Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the film, Swara Bhaskar wrote that how she has batted for him and his film and spoken on the importance of artistic freedom. Bhaskar wrote that she had worked with Bhansali in a small role in Guzaarish, and how she had observed the director's precision over minutest details. Also read: How Sanjay Leela Bhansali plays to the gallery with Padmaavat Attaching a video of her speaking in favour of Padmaavat, Swara reminded Bhansali how she always took a stand for him. But the actress said that after watching Padmaavat, she felt she was reduced to a vagina. Swara wrote, "I felt reduced to a vagina–only. I felt like all the ‘minor’ achievements that women and women’s movements have made over the years– like the right to vote, the right to own property, the right to education, equal pay for equal work, maternity leave, the Vishakha judgement, the right to adopt children…… all of it was pointless; because we were back to basics." Swara said that a woman had the right to live despite being raped, despite being widowed. "Surely Sir, you agree that Sati, and Jauhar are not practices to be glorified. Surely, you agree that notwithstanding whatever archaic idea of honour, sacrifice, purity propels women and men to participate in and condone such practices; that basically Sati and Jauhar, like the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Honour Killings, are steeped in deeply patriarchal, misogynist and problematic ideas," the actress wrote. She further wrote that she understands that the movie is a period film and set in the 13th century where it was normal of a woman to commit Sati or Jauhar than being touched by another man who is not her husband, but it did not mean that it had to be projected in the way Bhansali did in his film. "I understand that Jauhar and Sati are a part of our social history. These happened. I understand that they are sensational, shocking dramatic occurrences that lend themselves to splendid, stark and stunning visual representation; especially in the hands of a consummate maker like yourself — but then so were the lynchings of blacks by murderous white mobs in the 19th century in the US – sensational, shocking dramatic social occurrences. Does that mean one should make a film about it with no perspective on racism? Or, without a comment on racial hatred? Worse, should one make a film glorifying lynchings as a sign of some warped notion of hot-bloodedness, purity, bravery – I don’t know, I have no idea how possibly one could glorify such a heinous hate crime," Swara wrote. Read Padmaava review here Bhaskar said that despite the story being based in the 13th century, the film had 21st-century context and that glorifying a mass suicide in order to protect one's honour was not the most accurate way of telling the story. "The context of your film is India in the 21st century; where five years ago, a girl was gang-raped brutally in the country’s capital inside a moving bus. She didn’t commit suicide because her honour had been desecrated, Sir. She fought her six rapists. Bhaskar also wrote that how a disclaimer at the beginning of the movie made no sense when the entire film was about Rajput and the community's attempt at saving honour that was more important than the right to live. "In the climax, breathtakingly shot of course – hundreds of women bedecked in red like Goddess Durga as bride rushed into the Jauhar fire while a raving Muslim psychopathic villain loomed over them and a pulsating musical track – that had the power of an anthem; seduced the audience into being awestruck and admiring of this act. Sir, if this is not glorification and support of Sati andJauhar, I really do not know what is,"the letter further added.

Swara Bhaskar felt 'reduced to vagina' after watching 'Padmaavat'

First a brief backgrounder. The legendary fabled Rani Padmini / Padmavati / Padmavat the breathtakingly beautiful Rajput Queen who gave her life defending her honour rather than fall prey to a zonked-out mesmerised Turkish Sultan Allaudin Khilji&rsquo;s lustful gaze lives again this time courtesy Bollywood Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, but with drama, passion and hi-jinks played out (both in reel and real life) unmatched in the 600-year-old event, narrated either in history books or folklore.

Bolly-watchers insist that director Bhansali and controversy continue to be made for each other &amp; that it is a deliberate strategy to grab attention curiosity &amp; excitement to trigger footfalls &amp; zoom the film deep north. Both his earlier forays into historical fiction Ram-Leela&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bajirao Mastani followed a similar template to rake in big bucks. His modus operandi (state his detractors) is the way he leverages his presentation method: a spectacular canvas, scale, colour, grandiose and hit-pitched dramabaazi designed to dazzle the eyes and numb the senses. Big-budget extravaganzas starring glam and popular.

Bhansali pulls out the stops to re-define the willful suspension of disbelief-factor [such a critical aspect of the movie-viewing experience] for the dazed, chloroformed viewer. Historical authenticity or accuracy is usually sacrificed at the altar of entertainment, because it is history-as-fiction and popular bharpoor manoranjan that B-town&rsquo;s latter-day Cecil B Demille is aiming for.

Not all buy into this grand plan as is clear in the way Padmavat played out, off-screen. Hysteria met histrionics in high decibel fashion blasting across every available media avenue to keep Bollywood junkies enthralled and others totally perplexed, disgusted and resigned to an uncertain fate for the creative community.

While fringe groups like the Rajput Karni Sena claimed that the cinematic narrative hurts the sentiments of the entire Rajput community and that the outrageous distortion of facts-love scenes between Khilji and their sacred queen as well as the blasphemy driven Ghoomar dance, to name only two&mdash;were unpardonable, other militant bodies jumped into the fray to add fuel to the fire, including some so-called members of Rani Padmini&rsquo;s family, across generations. The harassed director&rsquo;s plea&mdash;on TV&mdash;that the film had only saluted not humiliated the honour and valour of the great Rajput community fell on deaf ears &amp; a total ban was demanded or else bodily harm was threatened to the cast and crew, with large sums of money and chopping of head grabbing headlines in a sensational&nbsp;manner!

Whatever happened to our celebrated and much&mdash;touted 5000-year-old civilisation redolent with a rich heritage, tradition and legacy of peace &amp; non-violence? At another level, is this the way a tomorrows super-power behaves in the face of a creative piece of work? What is the Government doing about it? Is the creative community&mdash;Bollywood as the softest target&mdash;under siege, forced to listen to the diktats of goons &amp; bullies &amp; settle matters either when big money exchanges hands or toe the line drawn by the political big-wigs of the state?

Respected Veteran film-maker Shyam Benegal is both confused and upset at the way things have played out. &ldquo;If you remember, I had two segments dedicated to Rani Padmini in my late 1980&rsquo;s serial BHARAT EK KHOJ and no one batted an eyelid. Why this sudden madness and chaos? It has been cleared by the Censor board and if any state refuses to play it, it is unlawful. Law and order being a state subject, it is the duty of the authorities to maintain it to the best of their abilities.

It seems to be a clear case of politics coming into play, with the election coming up and appeasement, a seductive, driving force. The climate of intolerance&mdash;real or manufactured&mdash;is also not helping the creative community or right-thinking people who prefer to embrace confluence, not conflict. Reputed Film critic Saibal Chatterjee adds his evolved bit. &ldquo;This is just hooliganism paraded as honour to fulfil a political agenda. It&rsquo;s amazing that the loudest yells have come from people who have not seen the film &amp; refuse to recognise the fact that Padmini was a fictional character &amp; remain hell-bent on insisting that Rajput honour has been tampered with &amp; is non-negotiable. While the supreme court has squashed all State nay-sayers &amp; ordered it to be shown everywhere, the point is : What message does this Padmavat&mdash;even the name was forcibly changed&mdash;madness send out to the creative community? Beyond the Censor Board, do political parties, leaders, goons &amp; activists have to compulsorily be in the framework before even starting any film or creative work? Are we a banana republic &amp; not the world&rsquo;s largest democracy?

As Padmavat gets ready to unspool its wares to a viewership curious and excited in equal measure, right-thinking individuals have much to ponder about. Why were the powers&mdash;that&mdash;are hemorrhaging with its power-packed rhetoric suddenly converted to the silent movies mode? Whatever happened to the basics of democratic rights and freedom of speech, and expression? Has it been hollowed out and emptied of all meaning? Are immediate, extractive, short-term gains to nurture avaricious and opportunistic thrusts, the new name of the game? Has our inability to live entirely in the present combined with our ability to see the future make us strange, in-between creatures&mdash;neither beast nor prophet? Are we&mdash;finally&mdash;railroaded to offer polite prosaic, factual precision when a feral howl is the need of the hour? Our time starts&mdash;now!

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

The hooliganism around the film raises the question if India is turning into a banana republic from the world’s largest democracy.

First a brief backgrounder. The legendary fabled Rani Padmini / Padmavati / Padmavat the breathtakingly beautiful Rajput Queen who gave her life defending her honour rather than fall prey to a zonked-out mesmerised Turkish Sultan Allaudin Khilji’s lustful gaze lives again this time courtesy Bollywood Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, but with drama, passion and hi-jinks played out (both in reel and real life) unmatched in the 600-year-old event, narrated either in history books or folklore. Bolly-watchers insist that director Bhansali and controversy continue to be made for each other & that it is a deliberate strategy to grab attention curiosity & excitement to trigger footfalls & zoom the film deep north. Both his earlier forays into historical fiction Ram-Leela and Bajirao Mastani followed a similar template to rake in big bucks. His modus operandi (state his detractors) is the way he leverages his presentation method: a spectacular canvas, scale, colour, grandiose and hit-pitched dramabaazi designed to dazzle the eyes and numb the senses. Big-budget extravaganzas starring glam and popular. Bhansali pulls out the stops to re-define the willful suspension of disbelief-factor [such a critical aspect of the movie-viewing experience] for the dazed, chloroformed viewer. Historical authenticity or accuracy is usually sacrificed at the altar of entertainment, because it is history-as-fiction and popular bharpoor manoranjan that B-town’s latter-day Cecil B Demille is aiming for. Not all buy into this grand plan as is clear in the way Padmavat played out, off-screen. Hysteria met histrionics in high decibel fashion blasting across every available media avenue to keep Bollywood junkies enthralled and others totally perplexed, disgusted and resigned to an uncertain fate for the creative community. While fringe groups like the Rajput Karni Sena claimed that the cinematic narrative hurts the sentiments of the entire Rajput community and that the outrageous distortion of facts-love scenes between Khilji and their sacred queen as well as the blasphemy driven Ghoomar dance, to name only two—were unpardonable, other militant bodies jumped into the fray to add fuel to the fire, including some so-called members of Rani Padmini’s family, across generations. The harassed director’s plea—on TV—that the film had only saluted not humiliated the honour and valour of the great Rajput community fell on deaf ears & a total ban was demanded or else bodily harm was threatened to the cast and crew, with large sums of money and chopping of head grabbing headlines in a sensational manner! Whatever happened to our celebrated and much—touted 5000-year-old civilisation redolent with a rich heritage, tradition and legacy of peace & non-violence? At another level, is this the way a tomorrows super-power behaves in the face of a creative piece of work? What is the Government doing about it? Is the creative community—Bollywood as the softest target—under siege, forced to listen to the diktats of goons & bullies & settle matters either when big money exchanges hands or toe the line drawn by the political big-wigs of the state? Respected Veteran film-maker Shyam Benegal is both confused and upset at the way things have played out. “If you remember, I had two segments dedicated to Rani Padmini in my late 1980’s serial BHARAT EK KHOJ and no one batted an eyelid. Why this sudden madness and chaos? It has been cleared by the Censor board and if any state refuses to play it, it is unlawful. Law and order being a state subject, it is the duty of the authorities to maintain it to the best of their abilities. It seems to be a clear case of politics coming into play, with the election coming up and appeasement, a seductive, driving force. The climate of intolerance—real or manufactured—is also not helping the creative community or right-thinking people who prefer to embrace confluence, not conflict. Reputed Film critic Saibal Chatterjee adds his evolved bit. “This is just hooliganism paraded as honour to fulfil a political agenda. It’s amazing that the loudest yells have come from people who have not seen the film & refuse to recognise the fact that Padmini was a fictional character & remain hell-bent on insisting that Rajput honour has been tampered with & is non-negotiable. While the supreme court has squashed all State nay-sayers & ordered it to be shown everywhere, the point is : What message does this Padmavat—even the name was forcibly changed—madness send out to the creative community? Beyond the Censor Board, do political parties, leaders, goons & activists have to compulsorily be in the framework before even starting any film or creative work? Are we a banana republic & not the world’s largest democracy? As Padmavat gets ready to unspool its wares to a viewership curious and excited in equal measure, right-thinking individuals have much to ponder about. Why were the powers—that—are hemorrhaging with its power-packed rhetoric suddenly converted to the silent movies mode? Whatever happened to the basics of democratic rights and freedom of speech, and expression? Has it been hollowed out and emptied of all meaning? Are immediate, extractive, short-term gains to nurture avaricious and opportunistic thrusts, the new name of the game? Has our inability to live entirely in the present combined with our ability to see the future make us strange, in-between creatures—neither beast nor prophet? Are we—finally—railroaded to offer polite prosaic, factual precision when a feral howl is the need of the hour? Our time starts—now! (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Is Padmaavat turning into the Rani of controversy?

With independence, the people of India fantasised about breathing freely; the Indian Constitution brushed aside all vestiges of subordination which the tyranny of the alien rulers had imposed upon them, declaring all laws inconsistent with the fundamental rights to be void.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

However, within a year or so, the constitutional dream was diluted with the First Amendment of the Constitution that equipped the government with wider powers to stifle liberty by incorporating the phrase &ldquo;Public Order&rdquo; and the Press Objectionable Matters Act, 1951, like those passed during 1910 and 1931. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

With Indira Gandhi becoming the prime minister, the period saw the strident confrontation between the government and the press. Central Censorship orders were passed under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act 1971. The Defence of India Act 1971 and other Acts came into force during this period. The Press Council (Repeal) Act 1976 repealed the Press Council Act and abolished the Press Council. The Parliamentary Proceeding (Protection of Publication) Act, 1976 was too repealed to curb the freedom of the press.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Some curative measures were taken by the ensuing government but the executive under the existing laws is still adequately equipped to restrain the liberty of the press. However, right since its inception, the free speech clause has always been an endearing fundamental right for the Indian Supreme Court. Starting with Romesh Thapar, and Brij Bhusan cases to recent Shreya Singhal v. Union of India, which quashing section 66A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, we can say that Supreme Court has always come to rescue free speech whenever it was endangered.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

The ongoing uproar on an exhibition of the movie Padmaavat is a blatant specimen of the fact that Indian soil is not yet prepared to nurture the freedom of speech. The film is facing massive protests from fringe groups like &lsquo;Rajput Karni Sena&rsquo;. They publicly and bizarrely exhibited the courage to issue death threats to producer and actors of the film and blocked the historic Chittorgarh Fort for tourists and called for Bharat Bandh on 1 December 2017. Instead of taking stern action against these fringe elements, the government of Rajasthan and some other states obliquely encouraged them to do more mischief.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Any alleged distortion of historical facts must be dealt with in accordance with the procedure established by law. The Indian Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules 1983 empower the Central Board of Film Certification &ldquo;the Censor Board&rdquo; to grant permission to exhibit the film with conditions, without conditions or refuse permission as it thinks appropriate.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

To bring objectivity in its decision and to study the impact of a film on the public, it is mandated that Board may hold a seminar of film critics, writers, historians, community leaders and persons engaged in the film industry. The central government is also vested with revision powers under the Act to deal with any exigencies. Failing all, we have our constitutional courts which uphold freedom of speech as an uninhibited marketplace of ideas in which truth will ultimately prevail, rather than allow monopolisation of that market whether by the government itself or a private licensee.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Following the due process, the censor board conferred Padmavati&nbsp;a UA certificate and suggested to change the film&rsquo;s title to &ldquo;Padmaavat&rdquo;&nbsp;besides making four other modifications. The board also advised modifications in disclaimers, pertinently adding one regarding not glorifying the practice of&nbsp;Sati&nbsp;and also relevant changes in the song &lsquo;Ghoomar&rsquo; to befit the character portrayed. Incorporating these modifications, the film was proposed to be released on 25th January 2018.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

But, fringe elements sustained its disorderly behaviour and, consequently, governments of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana imposed a ban on screening of the Film &lsquo;Padmaavat.&rsquo; The producer has to approach the Court for implementation of its fundamental right.&nbsp; The bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice D. Y. Chandrachud and Justice A. M. Khanwilkar, preserving its pledge, rightly granted an interim injunction against the decision of four states to ban the release and public exhibition of the film Padmaavat.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

People have the right to protest but by constitutional means. The government is bound to ensure that rule of law would reign in all circumstances and at any cost. The subsistence of private armies like Karni Sena is frightening and must be outlawed. &nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

People have the right to protest but by constitutional means. The subsistence of private armies like Karni Sena is frightening and must be outlawed.

With independence, the people of India fantasised about breathing freely; the Indian Constitution brushed aside all vestiges of subordination which the tyranny of the alien rulers had imposed upon them, declaring all laws inconsistent with the fundamental rights to be void. However, within a year or so, the constitutional dream was diluted with the First Amendment of the Constitution that equipped the government with wider powers to stifle liberty by incorporating the phrase “Public Order” and the Press Objectionable Matters Act, 1951, like those passed during 1910 and 1931. With Indira Gandhi becoming the prime minister, the period saw the strident confrontation between the government and the press. Central Censorship orders were passed under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act 1971. The Defence of India Act 1971 and other Acts came into force during this period. The Press Council (Repeal) Act 1976 repealed the Press Council Act and abolished the Press Council. The Parliamentary Proceeding (Protection of Publication) Act, 1976 was too repealed to curb the freedom of the press. Some curative measures were taken by the ensuing government but the executive under the existing laws is still adequately equipped to restrain the liberty of the press. However, right since its inception, the free speech clause has always been an endearing fundamental right for the Indian Supreme Court. Starting with Romesh Thapar, and Brij Bhusan cases to recent Shreya Singhal v. Union of India, which quashing section 66A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, we can say that Supreme Court has always come to rescue free speech whenever it was endangered. The ongoing uproar on an exhibition of the movie Padmaavat is a blatant specimen of the fact that Indian soil is not yet prepared to nurture the freedom of speech. The film is facing massive protests from fringe groups like ‘Rajput Karni Sena’. They publicly and bizarrely exhibited the courage to issue death threats to producer and actors of the film and blocked the historic Chittorgarh Fort for tourists and called for Bharat Bandh on 1 December 2017. Instead of taking stern action against these fringe elements, the government of Rajasthan and some other states obliquely encouraged them to do more mischief. Any alleged distortion of historical facts must be dealt with in accordance with the procedure established by law. The Indian Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules 1983 empower the Central Board of Film Certification “the Censor Board” to grant permission to exhibit the film with conditions, without conditions or refuse permission as it thinks appropriate. To bring objectivity in its decision and to study the impact of a film on the public, it is mandated that Board may hold a seminar of film critics, writers, historians, community leaders and persons engaged in the film industry. The central government is also vested with revision powers under the Act to deal with any exigencies. Failing all, we have our constitutional courts which uphold freedom of speech as an uninhibited marketplace of ideas in which truth will ultimately prevail, rather than allow monopolisation of that market whether by the government itself or a private licensee. Following the due process, the censor board conferred Padmavati a UA certificate and suggested to change the film’s title to “Padmaavat” besides making four other modifications. The board also advised 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. Incorporating these modifications, the film was proposed to be released on 25th January 2018. But, fringe elements sustained its disorderly behaviour and, consequently, governments of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana imposed a ban on screening of the Film ‘Padmaavat.’ The producer has to approach the Court for implementation of its fundamental right. The bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice D. Y. Chandrachud and Justice A. M. Khanwilkar, preserving its pledge, rightly granted an interim injunction against the decision of four states to ban the release and public exhibition of the film Padmaavat. People have the right to protest but by constitutional means. The government is bound to ensure that rule of law would reign in all circumstances and at any cost. The subsistence of private armies like Karni Sena is frightening and must be outlawed. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Debate over Padmaavat has devolved into a fight between freedom and fanatics

Karni Sena protestors have once again taken the law into their hands after they vandalised a cinema hall in Muzaffarpur city in Bihar on Thursday.&nbsp;

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Protesters vandalize a cinema hall in Bihar&#39;s Muzaffarpur. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> <a href="https://t.co/MlleJsFBkE">pic.twitter.com/MlleJsFBkE</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/953954580525494274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This comes in the wake of Supreme Court&#39;s judgement against ban on Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s film &quot;Padmaavat&quot; in four states namely Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The court ruled in favour of the makers of the film who said that the film had got a release certificate by the Central Board of Film certification and a blanket state ban on the film did not make sense.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-cleared-by-the-supreme-court-in-four-states-stays-ban-29917" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;When Bandit Queen can release, why not </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-cleared-by-the-supreme-court-in-four-states-stays-ban-29917" target="_blank">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-cleared-by-the-supreme-court-in-four-states-stays-ban-29917" target="_blank">, says Supreme Court</a>

Reacting to this news, Karni Sena called for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-should-not-be-screened-appeal-to-public-to-impose-curfew-karni-sena-chief-29942" target="_blank">&quot;Junta Curfew&quot;</a>&nbsp;(public curfew) and vandalised cinema halls in Muzaffarpur.&nbsp;

A leader of the group talking to IANS said that they&nbsp;would reach out to cinema hall owners across the country, asking them to not show the movie or face the consequences.

On Tuesday, Karni Sena had taken out a massive rally in Rajasthan&#39;s Dholpur to demand a countrywide ban on &quot;Padmaavat&quot;, which is scheduled for release on January 25.

They have <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-women-of-kshatriya-community-threaten-to-perform-jauhar-if-the-films-release-is-not-stalled-29572" target="_blank">threatened</a> mass immolation if the film is not banned.

&nbsp;

This comes after Supreme Court of India ruled against ban on the film as it has been granted a clearance certificate by the CBFC

Karni Sena protestors have once again taken the law into their hands after they vandalised a cinema hall in Muzaffarpur city in Bihar on Thursday. Protesters vandalize a cinema hall in Bihar's Muzaffarpur. #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/MlleJsFBkE — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2018 × This comes in the wake of Supreme Court's judgement against ban on Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film "Padmaavat" in four states namely Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan. The court ruled in favour of the makers of the film who said that the film had got a release certificate by the Central Board of Film certification and a blanket state ban on the film did not make sense. Also Read: When Bandit Queen can release, why not Padmaavat, says Supreme Court Reacting to this news, Karni Sena called for "Junta Curfew" (public curfew) and vandalised cinema halls in Muzaffarpur. A leader of the group talking to IANS said that they would reach out to cinema hall owners across the country, asking them to not show the movie or face the consequences. On Tuesday, Karni Sena had taken out a massive rally in Rajasthan's Dholpur to demand a countrywide ban on "Padmaavat", which is scheduled for release on January 25. They have threatened mass immolation if the film is not banned.

Padmaavat: Karni Sena workers vandalise Bihar cinema hall

Members of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-women-of-kshatriya-community-threaten-to-perform-jauhar-if-the-films-release-is-not-stalled-29572">Rajput community</a> have refused to accept the decision of the Supreme Court allowing the screening of Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat.

&quot;We do not accept the decison of Supreme Court on Padmaavat. Our protest will continue,&quot; said Vikramaditya Singh, state president of Sarv Rajput Kshatriya Mahasabha in Raipur.

&quot;Members of the Rajput community have submitted a memorandum to Chhattisgarh Home Minister Ramsewak Paikra demanding ban on Padmaavat in the state. Cinema halls screening the film would be burnt down. No changes hereafter are acceptable. We want a complete ban. This is our final warning,&quot; he added.

The Supreme Court on Thursday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-cleared-by-the-supreme-court-in-four-states-stays-ban-29917">cleared the decks</a> for the all-India release of controversial movie &#39;Padmaavat&#39; on January 25 and stayed notifications and orders issued by Rajasthan and Gujarat prohibiting exhibition of the film in their states.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra also restrained any other state from issuing such notifications and orders prohibiting exhibition of the movie.

&quot;We direct that there shall be a stay of operation on the notification and orders issued and we also restrain other states from issuing such notifications or orders in this matter,&quot; the bench said in its interim order.

Senior advocates Harish Salve and Mukul Rohatgi, representing Viacom 18 and other producers of the movie, told the bench that states have no power to issue such notifications banning exhibition of a film when the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has given a certificate of release.

Governments of Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-now-rajasthan-bans-the-film-keeping-public-interest-in-mind-29892">Rajasthan</a> had declared that they will not allow screening of the movie, which stars Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in lead roles.

The producers submitted <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-producers-move-supreme-court-against-states-banning-release-29802">before the Supreme Court</a> that the movie has undergone changes including in its title as suggested by the CBFC.

Asserting that the film has been cleared by the CBFC, the plea has said that the states cannot impose a blanket ban on a film and its screening can be suspended in a particular area or areas on account of law and order problem, not across the states.

The film is based on the saga of the historic battle of 13th century between Maharaja Ratan Singh and his army of Mewar and Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi.

The set of the movie was vandalised twice - in Jaipur and Kolhapur, while its director Sanjay Leela Bhansali was roughed up by members of the Karni Sena last year.

(With PTI inputs)

The Supreme Court on Thursday cleared the decks for the all-India release of controversial movie 'Padmaavat' on January 25.

Members of the Rajput community have refused to accept the decision of the Supreme Court allowing the screening of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat. "We do not accept the decison of Supreme Court on Padmaavat. Our protest will continue," said Vikramaditya Singh, state president of Sarv Rajput Kshatriya Mahasabha in Raipur. "Members of the Rajput community have submitted a memorandum to Chhattisgarh Home Minister Ramsewak Paikra demanding ban on Padmaavat in the state. Cinema halls screening the film would be burnt down. No changes hereafter are acceptable. We want a complete ban. This is our final warning," he added. The Supreme Court on Thursday cleared the decks for the all-India release of controversial movie 'Padmaavat' on January 25 and stayed notifications and orders issued by Rajasthan and Gujarat prohibiting exhibition of the film in their states. A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra also restrained any other state from issuing such notifications and orders prohibiting exhibition of the movie. "We direct that there shall be a stay of operation on the notification and orders issued and we also restrain other states from issuing such notifications or orders in this matter," the bench said in its interim order. Senior advocates Harish Salve and Mukul Rohatgi, representing Viacom 18 and other producers of the movie, told the bench that states have no power to issue such notifications banning exhibition of a film when the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has given a certificate of release. Governments of Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan had declared that they will not allow screening of the movie, which stars Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in lead roles. The producers submitted before the Supreme Court that the movie has undergone changes including in its title as suggested by the CBFC. Asserting that the film has been cleared by the CBFC, the plea has said that the states cannot impose a blanket ban on a film and its screening can be suspended in a particular area or areas on account of law and order problem, not across the states. The film is based on the saga of the historic battle of 13th century between Maharaja Ratan Singh and his army of Mewar and Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi. The set of the movie was vandalised twice - in Jaipur and Kolhapur, while its director Sanjay Leela Bhansali was roughed up by members of the Karni Sena last year. (With PTI inputs)

'Final warning, Padmaavat should not be released', say protesters after Supreme Court order

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhoopendra Singh said that people should not even play Padmaavat&nbsp;songs.

The film has already been banned in Madhya Pradesh.

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MP govt banned <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a>, people shouldn&#39;t even play songs of it. If someone plays a banned song, it must be reported to police &amp; not take matter in your own hands. Action to be taken against culprits: MP HM on school vandalised in Jaora after students performed on song Ghoomar <a href="https://t.co/47LJAfVfC7">pic.twitter.com/47LJAfVfC7</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/953633332503363585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The statement followed the incident where the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/madhya-pradesh-student-injured-as-rajput-karni-sena-vandalise-school-for-padmaavat-performance-29634">Rajput Karni Sena vandalised a school in Madhya Pradesh</a> on Monday.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-women-of-kshatriya-community-threaten-to-perform-jauhar-if-the-films-release-is-not-stalled-29572">Kshatriya women threaten to commit jauhar if Padmaavat release is not stalled</a>

Saint Paul&#39;s Convent School in Madhya Pradesh was vandalised by the Karni Sena as students performed to a song from Bhansali&#39;s magnum opus.

Members of Karni Sena allegedly destroyed school&#39;s property; a student was also reported injured during the mishap.

Deepika Padukone starrer&nbsp;Padmaavat&nbsp;has been banned in four states -- Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and <a href="http://Haryana becomes fourth state to ban 'Padmaavat'">Haryana.</a>

Also read: Padmaavat: Have the makers preponed the release date to January 24th?

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-producers-move-supreme-court-against-states-banning-release-29802">Makers of the movie have moved the Supreme Court</a> against the ban; according to reports, the apex court has agreed to hear the plea.

Padmaavat has been scheduled to release on January 26th and is set to clash with Akshay Kumar&#39;s PadMan.

The movie features Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles.

The statement followed the incident where Rajput Karni Sena vandalised a school in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhoopendra Singh said that people should not even play Padmaavat songs. The film has already been banned in Madhya Pradesh. MP govt banned #Padmaavat, people shouldn't even play songs of it. If someone plays a banned song, it must be reported to police & not take matter in your own hands. Action to be taken against culprits: MP HM on school vandalised in Jaora after students performed on song Ghoomar pic.twitter.com/47LJAfVfC7 — ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2018 × The statement followed the incident where the Rajput Karni Sena vandalised a school in Madhya Pradesh on Monday. Also read: Kshatriya women threaten to commit jauhar if Padmaavat release is not stalled Saint Paul's Convent School in Madhya Pradesh was vandalised by the Karni Sena as students performed to a song from Bhansali's magnum opus. Members of Karni Sena allegedly destroyed school's property; a student was also reported injured during the mishap. Deepika Padukone starrer Padmaavat has been banned in four states -- Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana. Also read: Padmaavat: Have the makers preponed the release date to January 24th? Makers of the movie have moved the Supreme Court against the ban; according to reports, the apex court has agreed to hear the plea. Padmaavat has been scheduled to release on January 26th and is set to clash with Akshay Kumar's PadMan. The movie features Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles.

Even Padmaavat's songs should not be played: Madhya Pradesh Home Minister

&nbsp;A student was injured after members of the fringe group, the Rajput Karni Sena, vandalised a school in Madhya Pradesh&#39;s Ratlam on Monday for performing a song from the film &quot;Padmaavat&quot;.

The students from grades one to five of the Saint Paul&#39;s Convent School were performing the song &quot;Ghoomar&quot; from the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film at their annual day function.

Members of the Karni Sena allegedly destroyed school property during the performance. The police were informed about the incident and reached the spot to investigate. A student was injured in the ensuing quarrel.

The Rajput Karni Sena is vehemently opposed to &quot;Padmaavat&quot;&nbsp;and alleges that the film distorts historical facts and shows Rajput legacy in bad light, a fact that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has repeatedly denied. Its members had previously vandalised the film&#39;s sets in Jaipur. 
 
Also Read - <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-women-of-kshatriya-community-threaten-to-perform-jauhar-if-the-films-release-is-not-stalled-29572">Chittor: Kshatriya women threaten to commit </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-women-of-kshatriya-community-threaten-to-perform-jauhar-if-the-films-release-is-not-stalled-29572">jauhar</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-women-of-kshatriya-community-threaten-to-perform-jauhar-if-the-films-release-is-not-stalled-29572"> if &#39;Padmaavat&#39;&nbsp;release is not stalled</a>

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has banned the film from releasing in the state.

&quot;Padmaavat&quot; features Deepika Padukone in the titular role.The film also co-stars Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Sultan Alauddin Khilji.

The film is up for release on January 25.

 
&nbsp;

The students from grades one to five of the Saint Paul's Convent School were performing the song 'Ghoomar' from the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film at their annual day function

A student was injured after members of the fringe group, the Rajput Karni Sena, vandalised a school in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam on Monday for performing a song from the film "Padmaavat". The students from grades one to five of the Saint Paul's Convent School were performing the song "Ghoomar" from the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film at their annual day function. Members of the Karni Sena allegedly destroyed school property during the performance. The police were informed about the incident and reached the spot to investigate. A student was injured in the ensuing quarrel. The Rajput Karni Sena is vehemently opposed to "Padmaavat" and alleges that the film distorts historical facts and shows Rajput legacy in bad light, a fact that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has repeatedly denied. Its members had previously vandalised the film's sets in Jaipur. Also Read - Chittor: Kshatriya women threaten to commit jauhar if 'Padmaavat' release is not stalled Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has banned the film from releasing in the state. "Padmaavat" features Deepika Padukone in the titular role.The film also co-stars Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Sultan Alauddin Khilji. The film is up for release on January 25.

Madhya Pradesh: Student injured as Rajput Karni Sena vandalise school for 'Padmaavat' performance

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmavat-wont-release-in-gujarat-madhya-pradesh-29351">Gujarat government</a> today announced that the state will not go ahead with the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s magnum opus, Padmavat. &nbsp;

Gujarat&#39;s Minister of State, Pradeepsinh Jadeja, noted the ban essential to maintain law and order in the state and said that it was issued in public interest.&nbsp;

The ban is imposed under the Gujarat Cinemas (Regulation) Act of 2004.

&quot;In exercise conferred by sub-section 1 of section 6 of the Act, the government of Gujarat hereby imposes the ban on Hindi feature film &#39;Padmaavat&#39;... No cinema owners or distributors shall exhibit the said movie in any cinema/multiplex/ video cinema/touring cinema within the jurisdiction of Gujarat,&quot; the notification said.

&quot;We have learnt that the movie, originally named as &#39;Padmavati&#39; will be released with a new name &#39;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/scenes-offensive-to-rajput-community-must-be-deleted-union-minister-on-padmavat-release-29427">Padmaavat</a>&#39;. However, people across the country are against the movie, as they feel that history has been distorted. With this notification, the movie will be considered as a non-certified one and will not be screened in the state,&quot; said Jadeja.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani had previously announced that the ban on Padmavat will continue despite the change in title.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the makers of the film confirmed Padmavat&#39;s release on January 25.&nbsp;

Viacom18 Motion Pictures announced that the movie shall be released across the globe in three languages -- Hindi, Telugu and Tamil.&nbsp;

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Get ready to witness the epic tale <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> on 25th January 2018, in theatres near you!Now also in 3D, Imax 3D, Tamil &amp; Telugu! <a href="https://twitter.com/filmpadmaavat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@filmPadmaavat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RanveerOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RanveerOfficial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/shahidkapoor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shahidkapoor</a> <a href="https://t.co/K6vxrPYSK1">pic.twitter.com/K6vxrPYSK1</a>
&mdash; Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) <a href="https://twitter.com/deepikapadukone/status/952520105451311105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Central Board of Film Certification cleared the film with a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bhansalis-padmavati-to-get-ua-certificate-films-title-may-also-get-changed-central-film-board-28111">UA certificate on December 28</a>.

The Censor Board called for necessary modifications -- including the name of the movie to be changed to Padmavat and changes made to the Ghoomar song -- in order to facilitate the film&#39;s release.&nbsp;

Various Rajput groups across the country have been staging protests against the film&#39;s&nbsp;release.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-karni-sena-members-held-while-protesting-outside-cbfc-office-29365">Karni Sena</a>, most vocal against Padmavat&#39;s release, recently staged a protest outside the CBFC office.&nbsp;

The group has also <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajput-karni-sena-threatens-to-vandalise-theaters-showing-padmavati-28115">threatened to vandalise cinema halls</a> screening the movie, despite the censor board&#39;s go-ahead.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The ban is imposed under the Gujarat Cinemas (Regulation) Act of 2004

The Gujarat government today announced that the state will not go ahead with the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus, Padmavat. Gujarat's Minister of State, Pradeepsinh Jadeja, noted the ban essential to maintain law and order in the state and said that it was issued in public interest. The ban is imposed under the Gujarat Cinemas (Regulation) Act of 2004. "In exercise conferred by sub-section 1 of section 6 of the Act, the government of Gujarat hereby imposes the ban on Hindi feature film 'Padmaavat'... No cinema owners or distributors shall exhibit the said movie in any cinema/multiplex/ video cinema/touring cinema within the jurisdiction of Gujarat," the notification said. "We have learnt that the movie, originally named as 'Padmavati' will be released with a new name 'Padmaavat'. However, people across the country are against the movie, as they feel that history has been distorted. With this notification, the movie will be considered as a non-certified one and will not be screened in the state," said Jadeja. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani had previously announced that the ban on Padmavat will continue despite the change in title. Meanwhile, the makers of the film confirmed Padmavat's release on January 25. Viacom18 Motion Pictures announced that the movie shall be released across the globe in three languages -- Hindi, Telugu and Tamil. Get ready to witness the epic tale #Padmaavat on 25th January 2018, in theatres near you!Now also in 3D, Imax 3D, Tamil & Telugu! @filmPadmaavat @RanveerOfficial @shahidkapoor pic.twitter.com/K6vxrPYSK1 — Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) January 14, 2018 × The Central Board of Film Certification cleared the film with a UA certificate on December 28. The Censor Board called for necessary modifications -- including the name of the movie to be changed to Padmavat and changes made to the Ghoomar song -- in order to facilitate the film's release. Various Rajput groups across the country have been staging protests against the film's release. The Karni Sena, most vocal against Padmavat's release, recently staged a protest outside the CBFC office. The group has also threatened to vandalise cinema halls screening the movie, despite the censor board's go-ahead. (With inputs from agencies)

Gujarat joins Rajasthan, bans Padmavat

Over 70 activists of the Rajasthan- based Karni Sena were detained here today while protesting outside the Central Board of Film Certification&#39;s office against the clearance given to Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmavat, earlier titled Padmavati.

Over 30 Karni Sena supporters were detained from Haji Ali during another protest, a police official said. 
 
&quot;Over 70 supporters of the Karni Sena were detained from Cumballa Hill area in south Mumbai, while protesting outside the CBFC office without police permission,&quot; Zone II Deputy Commissioner of Police Dnyaneshwar Chavan said. 
Additional security personnel were deployed outside the office after the organisation threatened to stage the protest. 
 
Opposing the CBFC&#39;s decision to release the film, a Karni Sena leader said, &quot;Merely changing the name of the film isn&#39;t enough. The CBFC which has been running ever since the time of Britishers doesn&#39;t know how to work.&quot; 
The Karni Sena has also demanded the resignation of Prasoon Joshi, the chairman of CBFC. 
 
The CBFC had given the Deepika Padukone-starrer a U/A certificate and suggested many changes, including altering the title. 
 
At the CBFC examining committee meeting on December 28, it was decided that the movie would be given a U/A certification as long as the makers incorporate the suggestions and modifications suggested. 
 
Some of the key modifications suggested include those pertaining to disclaimers, pertinently adding one regarding not glorifying the practice of Sati.&nbsp;

Over 70 activists of the Rajasthan- based Karni Sena were detained

Over 70 activists of the Rajasthan- based Karni Sena were detained here today while protesting outside the Central Board of Film Certification's office against the clearance given to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmavat, earlier titled Padmavati. Over 30 Karni Sena supporters were detained from Haji Ali during another protest, a police official said. "Over 70 supporters of the Karni Sena were detained from Cumballa Hill area in south Mumbai, while protesting outside the CBFC office without police permission," Zone II Deputy Commissioner of Police Dnyaneshwar Chavan said. Additional security personnel were deployed outside the office after the organisation threatened to stage the protest. Opposing the CBFC's decision to release the film, a Karni Sena leader said, "Merely changing the name of the film isn't enough. The CBFC which has been running ever since the time of Britishers doesn't know how to work." The Karni Sena has also demanded the resignation of Prasoon Joshi, the chairman of CBFC. The CBFC had given the Deepika Padukone-starrer a U/A certificate and suggested many changes, including altering the title. At the CBFC examining committee meeting on December 28, it was decided that the movie would be given a U/A certification as long as the makers incorporate the suggestions and modifications suggested. Some of the key modifications suggested include those pertaining to disclaimers, pertinently adding one regarding not glorifying the practice of Sati.

Karni Sena members held while protesting outside CBFC office

Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s &#39;Padmavat&#39; has finally got a release date.&nbsp;The film is now scheduled to release on 25 of January clashing Akshay Kumar&#39;s PadMan.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-as-a-rajput-girl-i-believe-in-padmavati-24953">As a Rajput girl, I believe in Padmavati</a>

Biopic of Padmashri Arunachalam, PadMan starring Akshay Kumar and Radhika Apte, will be releasing on January 26.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmavati-row-no-shooting-for-15-minutes-across-india-tomorrow-25112">No shooting for 15 minutes across India today over Padmavati row</a>

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmavati-row-producers-postpone-films-release-24582">release of the film was postponed</a> in November after it saw a lot of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmavati-controversy-protests-in-gujarat-maharashtra-24034">protests</a> by Karni Sena in Rajasthan.The release will finally put an end to controversies and speculation surrounding the film.

According to reports the curiosity level of watching Padmavat&nbsp;has reached a significant point crediting to its constant controversies.

Padmavat&nbsp;featuring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor was in controversy as it is based on queen Padmini and Several groups in Rajsthan like Karni Sena took offence on the speculation that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has shown romance between Rani Padmini and &nbsp;Mughal emperor Allauddin Khilji.

Many people were demanding to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmavati-row-after-madhya-pradesh-gujarat-bans-the-film-24851">put a ban</a> on the film&#39;s release.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmavati-row-what-state-chief-ministers-have-to-say-about-the-film-24733"> Various chief ministers speak for and against the Padmavati release</a>

Deepika Padukone along with Sanjay Leela Bhansali received <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-death-threats-to-sanjay-leela-bhansali-deepika-padukone-unacceptable-nana-patekar-25534">death threats </a>over the Padmavat&nbsp;ban row.

The film is already banned in few states including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.

Padmavat&nbsp;is based on the story of Rani Padmini popularly known as Padmavati, a fictional character of 1540 poem &#39;Padmavat&#39; written by Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi.

There is no written proof of saying that Rani Padmini actually existed or the sequence of Rani Padmini actually committing &#39;Jauhar&#39; to save herself from Khilji.

 
&nbsp;

The film is now scheduled to release on 25 of January clashing with Akshay Kumar's PadMan

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmavat' has finally got a release date. The film is now scheduled to release on 25 of January clashing Akshay Kumar's PadMan. Also read: As a Rajput girl, I believe in Padmavati Biopic of Padmashri Arunachalam, PadMan starring Akshay Kumar and Radhika Apte, will be releasing on January 26. Also read: No shooting for 15 minutes across India today over Padmavati row The release of the film was postponed in November after it saw a lot of protests by Karni Sena in Rajasthan.The release will finally put an end to controversies and speculation surrounding the film. According to reports the curiosity level of watching Padmavat has reached a significant point crediting to its constant controversies. Padmavat featuring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor was in controversy as it is based on queen Padmini and Several groups in Rajsthan like Karni Sena took offence on the speculation that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has shown romance between Rani Padmini and Mughal emperor Allauddin Khilji. Many people were demanding to put a ban on the film's release. Also read: Various chief ministers speak for and against the Padmavati release Deepika Padukone along with Sanjay Leela Bhansali received death threats over the Padmavat ban row. The film is already banned in few states including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. Padmavat is based on the story of Rani Padmini popularly known as Padmavati, a fictional character of 1540 poem 'Padmavat' written by Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi. There is no written proof of saying that Rani Padmini actually existed or the sequence of Rani Padmini actually committing 'Jauhar' to save herself from Khilji.

'Padmavat' finally gets release date, may clash with PadMan

It was the summer of 2002 when my parents and I went to watch Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Devdas. Parents decided to take me out for the latest blockbuster after I had gotten over with my half yearly exams in school. They thought what better way to give the child a break than make her watch a literary classic on the big screen.

Unfortunately for my parents, Bhansali&#39;s Devdas turned out to be anything but a classic. And as I lapped the visual extravaganza on screen, my Bengali middle-class, literary well-versed parents sat there fuming in their seats - silently nodding their head in disapproval as Paro and Chandramukhi danced together to Dola Re Dola. I even noticed my mother grimacing in pain at one time when Kirron Kher put up a theatrical dance performance explaining Devdas and Paro&#39;s love for each other to the entire village.

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<h5>Parents discussed how the director had taken liberties with the story and how it projected the Bengali community wrongly.</h5>
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Post the movie, parents discussed how the director had taken liberties with the story and how it projected the Bengali community wrongly. I remember discussions and debates taking place between parents and their friends over rounds of tea during their Sunday addas that how Bhansali had got it all wrong about the community. &quot;He basically made a very Marwari version of Sarat Chandra&#39;s book&quot;&nbsp; Ghosh uncle, my dad&#39;s friend had observed. &quot;My head was spinning during that Dola Re song. Why did he have to touch this book only? He could have remade any other classic,&quot; his wife had exclaimed. &quot;My fear is that, after watching the film, people now will think Bengalis are that garish and loud in real life,&quot; another aunty had pointed out.&nbsp;

Years passed by, and while the world celebrated Devdas as Bhansali&#39;s finest, Bengalis across sniggered at the film and it&#39;s wrong representation of the community. And that&#39;s all they have done till now. Over rounds of tea/dinner and lunches, the intellectual Bhodrolok has mutilated the film and many more such films about how wrong they represent the Bengali community. Over a plate of fish fry, or while chomping on a hot peyaji&nbsp;(onion fritters)- the Bengali discussed and argued and debated about how &#39;Panjabis&#39; are taking over art.&nbsp;

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<h5>Sure they have discussed and debated matters close to the heart but cinema has never stirred the Bengali intelligentsia to outrage - leave alone issue death threats.&nbsp;&nbsp;</h5>
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Notice how all the discussions happened over rounds of tea and food? Because, no discussion- intellectual or frivolous- is complete without food. And unlike our Rajput brethren, Bengalis have never really outraged in public. At least not for a film. Sure they have discussed and debated matters close to the heart but cinema has never stirred the Bengali intelligentsia to outrage - leave alone issue death threats.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Did we outrage when Jackie Shroff made for a hideous Chuni Babu? Did we outrage when SRK copied Dilip Kumar blindly as Devdas? Did we outrage when Paro&#39;s meager house was transformed into a palace by Bhansali? Or when he made a prostitute and a zamindar&#39;s wife dance together? No.

A Bengali would rather discuss the shortcomings of the film, give reference to Ray and Ghatak while sipping tea at the local tea stall. He would rather go on a monologue about how Tagore&#39;s Charulata was the best literary adaptation on the big screen. And how Bhansali has always taken copious amount of liberty when he has made films. &quot;Remember Devdas?&quot; he would point out.

But for a Bengali, the outrage would only be limited to that- at the local tea stall, or inside the living room of his home.&nbsp;

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<h5>A mere film on a supposed fictitious Queen will not change the essence of your culture or roots.&nbsp;</h5>
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For years, Bengalis have had the priorities quite right. They wouldn&#39;t compromise on things that easily and take to streets to protest about a film. This is the community that likes to shut shops every afternoon for an hour-long siesta. This is the community which lets its Chief Minister personally micromanage crowd at the Eden during the KKR&#39;s victory celebrations. So outraging over a piece of art is out of the question.&nbsp;

The only time a Bengali has ever gotten worked up is when the neighbouring state has tried to claim our beloved Roshogolla as their own. No, can&#39;t do mister. Roshogolla is ours. We will take you to court for it and win the case even.&nbsp;

A Bengali would also outrage if his favourite team-Mohun Bagan or East Bengal- does not win the match. But those outbursts are justified. At least we don&#39;t make public death threats, no?

As the saga around Padmavati&#39;s release continues to grow- I, a Bengali, will ask everyone to breathe and take it easy. Take a leaf out of our community. Channelise your anger for the right things- Food, Football, Mamata, GST, Lack Of Jobs etc- but not on cinema. Because you see, art is perceived differently by different people. What you like and think as impactful, may not be liked by the other person. And a mere film on a supposed fictitious Queen will not change the essence of your culture or roots.&nbsp;

So sit back, my dear Rajput brothers. Have a roshogolla and watch the film before you outrage. Be assured, we will not judge you or your entire community by what Bhansali shows on screen.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

My dear Rajput brothers. Be assured, we will not judge you or your entire community by what Bhansali shows on screen.?

It was the summer of 2002 when my parents and I went to watch Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas. Parents decided to take me out for the latest blockbuster after I had gotten over with my half yearly exams in school. They thought what better way to give the child a break than make her watch a literary classic on the big screen. Unfortunately for my parents, Bhansali's Devdas turned out to be anything but a classic. And as I lapped the visual extravaganza on screen, my Bengali middle-class, literary well-versed parents sat there fuming in their seats - silently nodding their head in disapproval as Paro and Chandramukhi danced together to Dola Re Dola. I even noticed my mother grimacing in pain at one time when Kirron Kher put up a theatrical dance performance explaining Devdas and Paro's love for each other to the entire village. Parents discussed how the director had taken liberties with the story and how it projected the Bengali community wrongly. × Post the movie, parents discussed how the director had taken liberties with the story and how it projected the Bengali community wrongly. I remember discussions and debates taking place between parents and their friends over rounds of tea during their Sunday addas that how Bhansali had got it all wrong about the community. "He basically made a very Marwari version of Sarat Chandra's book" Ghosh uncle, my dad's friend had observed. "My head was spinning during that Dola Re song. Why did he have to touch this book only? He could have remade any other classic," his wife had exclaimed. "My fear is that, after watching the film, people now will think Bengalis are that garish and loud in real life," another aunty had pointed out. Years passed by, and while the world celebrated Devdas as Bhansali's finest, Bengalis across sniggered at the film and it's wrong representation of the community. And that's all they have done till now. Over rounds of tea/dinner and lunches, the intellectual Bhodrolok has mutilated the film and many more such films about how wrong they represent the Bengali community. Over a plate of fish fry, or while chomping on a hot peyaji (onion fritters)- the Bengali discussed and argued and debated about how 'Panjabis' are taking over art. Sure they have discussed and debated matters close to the heart but cinema has never stirred the Bengali intelligentsia to outrage - leave alone issue death threats. × Notice how all the discussions happened over rounds of tea and food? Because, no discussion- intellectual or frivolous- is complete without food. And unlike our Rajput brethren, Bengalis have never really outraged in public. At least not for a film. Sure they have discussed and debated matters close to the heart but cinema has never stirred the Bengali intelligentsia to outrage - leave alone issue death threats. Did we outrage when Jackie Shroff made for a hideous Chuni Babu? Did we outrage when SRK copied Dilip Kumar blindly as Devdas? Did we outrage when Paro's meager house was transformed into a palace by Bhansali? Or when he made a prostitute and a zamindar's wife dance together? No. A Bengali would rather discuss the shortcomings of the film, give reference to Ray and Ghatak while sipping tea at the local tea stall. He would rather go on a monologue about how Tagore's Charulata was the best literary adaptation on the big screen. And how Bhansali has always taken copious amount of liberty when he has made films. "Remember Devdas?" he would point out. But for a Bengali, the outrage would only be limited to that- at the local tea stall, or inside the living room of his home. A mere film on a supposed fictitious Queen will not change the essence of your culture or roots. × For years, Bengalis have had the priorities quite right. They wouldn't compromise on things that easily and take to streets to protest about a film. This is the community that likes to shut shops every afternoon for an hour-long siesta. This is the community which lets its Chief Minister personally micromanage crowd at the Eden during the KKR's victory celebrations. So outraging over a piece of art is out of the question. The only time a Bengali has ever gotten worked up is when the neighbouring state has tried to claim our beloved Roshogolla as their own. No, can't do mister. Roshogolla is ours. We will take you to court for it and win the case even. A Bengali would also outrage if his favourite team-Mohun Bagan or East Bengal- does not win the match. But those outbursts are justified. At least we don't make public death threats, no? As the saga around Padmavati's release continues to grow- I, a Bengali, will ask everyone to breathe and take it easy. Take a leaf out of our community. Channelise your anger for the right things- Food, Football, Mamata, GST, Lack Of Jobs etc- but not on cinema. Because you see, art is perceived differently by different people. What you like and think as impactful, may not be liked by the other person. And a mere film on a supposed fictitious Queen will not change the essence of your culture or roots. So sit back, my dear Rajput brothers. Have a roshogolla and watch the film before you outrage. Be assured, we will not judge you or your entire community by what Bhansali shows on screen. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: Dear Rajput brethren, as a Bengali I ask you to chill

The Supreme Court dismissed a petition Tuesday filed by lawyer Manohar Lal Sharma seeking a stay on the movie Padmavati.

While dismissing the petition, the court took serious note of statements made about the movie by persons holding high office.

The court said that was tantamount to pre-judging the movie.&nbsp;

The court added that the statements were violative of the principle of &quot;rule of law&quot;&nbsp;since the Censor Board was yet to certify the movie.&nbsp;

The plea by Sharma, news reports said, had sought direction from the court that the makers of the movie not release it outside India.&nbsp;

Sharma had alleged that grave damage would be done to social harmony if the movie were to be released outside India.

The reports added that Sharma had sought&nbsp;criminal prosecution of the movie&#39;s makers for misrepresenting facts.

Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-film-industry-plans-blackout-in-support-of-padmavati-6958">Indian film Industry plans blackout in support of Padmavati</a>

There have been earlier petitions against the movie&#39;s release too, all of which have been dismissed by the Supreme Court.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The court has said it cannot interfere in what is the CBFC&#39;s work.&nbsp;

Various fringe groups led by the Rajput Karni Sena, and states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/violent-threats-not-acceptable-in-democracy-venkaiah-naidu-on-padmavati-row-25098">have protested against the film&#39;s release</a> alleging that it distorts historical facts.

Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/rajasthan-body-found-hanging-at-nahargarh-fort-in-jaipur-threat-note-on-rocks-also-seen-6922">Rajasthan: Body found hanging at Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur, threat note on rocks also seen</a>

Viacom 18, the movie&#39;s makers, had earlier said they have &quot;voluntarily deferred&quot;&nbsp;the movie&#39;s release originally scheduled for December 1.

The court said the statements were tantamount to pre-judging the movie

The Supreme Court dismissed a petition Tuesday filed by lawyer Manohar Lal Sharma seeking a stay on the movie Padmavati. While dismissing the petition, the court took serious note of statements made about the movie by persons holding high office. The court said that was tantamount to pre-judging the movie. The court added that the statements were violative of the principle of "rule of law" since the Censor Board was yet to certify the movie. The plea by Sharma, news reports said, had sought direction from the court that the makers of the movie not release it outside India. Sharma had alleged that grave damage would be done to social harmony if the movie were to be released outside India. The reports added that Sharma had sought criminal prosecution of the movie's makers for misrepresenting facts. Also watch: Indian film Industry plans blackout in support of Padmavati There have been earlier petitions against the movie's release too, all of which have been dismissed by the Supreme Court. The court has said it cannot interfere in what is the CBFC's work. Various fringe groups led by the Rajput Karni Sena, and states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have protested against the film's release alleging that it distorts historical facts. Also watch: Rajasthan: Body found hanging at Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur, threat note on rocks also seen Viacom 18, the movie's makers, had earlier said they have "voluntarily deferred" the movie's release originally scheduled for December 1.

Supreme Court dismisses petition against 'Padmavati', takes serious note of statements by people in high office

&nbsp;Paresh Rawal has apologised for his alleged derogatory remark against royals after the Rajput community took it to heart.

&quot;I apologise unconditionally to all the members of Rajput community. I don&#39;t know why I spoke those words. I never intended to hurt sentiments of any community,&quot; the actor said.

&quot;My statement was not on the Rajput community. They are a splendor community in India and they make us proud. Nothing wrong will come out of my mouth against such a brave community,&quot; Rawal told the media earlier.

The actor-turned-politician, while remembering Sardar Patel at a recent rally in Rajkot, had compared the royals (raja) and music (vaja) to monkeys (vandra), which did not go down well with the said community.

Soon after, the Karni Sena reportedly warned Paresh Rawal over his statement.

However, the veteran actor immediately apologised, saying that his comment was aimed at the &quot;Nizam of Hyderabad.&quot;

&quot;If anyone was hurt by the statement I would like to apologise for it,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

?Paresh Rawal has apologised for his alleged derogatory remark against royals after the Rajput community took it to heart

Paresh Rawal has apologised for his alleged derogatory remark against royals after the Rajput community took it to heart. "I apologise unconditionally to all the members of Rajput community. I don't know why I spoke those words. I never intended to hurt sentiments of any community," the actor said. "My statement was not on the Rajput community. They are a splendor community in India and they make us proud. Nothing wrong will come out of my mouth against such a brave community," Rawal told the media earlier. The actor-turned-politician, while remembering Sardar Patel at a recent rally in Rajkot, had compared the royals (raja) and music (vaja) to monkeys (vandra), which did not go down well with the said community. Soon after, the Karni Sena reportedly warned Paresh Rawal over his statement. However, the veteran actor immediately apologised, saying that his comment was aimed at the "Nizam of Hyderabad." "If anyone was hurt by the statement I would like to apologise for it," he added.

Paresh Rawal apologises for maharajas, music and monkeys remark

The controversy around the film Padmavati refuses to die down. Even without waiting for the Censor Board&#39;s decision on the film, the Madhya Pradesh government has banned it today. This was preceded by weeks of violent protest by the Karni Sena, a Rajput caste organisation who claims to uphold the goal of national unity.

The members went so far as to issue physical threats against both Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Deepika Padukone, the director and heroine respectively. The jealous defenders of Rajput pride and Hindu nationalism consider the film to be inappropriate. The allegation is the film has a scene where the famed Rajput sati-queen is shown to be dancing in front of the brutal Muslim invader Alauddin Khalji.

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<h5>It was a very common practise among the nationalists of the Swadeshi Age to eulogise Rani Padmini and other Rajput/Maratha icons who resisted Muslims as national heroes and defenders of Indian tradition.</h5>
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The repeated denials issued by Sanjay so far has failed to pacify the agitators. Consequently, the producers of Padmavati has decided to postpone the release date of the film.

Whereas those protesting the immoral portrayal of Padmavati feel all righteous about their celebrated cause, there are many in India who doesn&#39;t see how such a hullabaloo can be created over the celluloid portrayal of a mythical character. The latter are annoyed with such display of intolerance and goes on to blame the Indian government for the lack of support it has shown so far to defend Deepika and Sanjay.

Veteran actress Shabana Azmi has taken a strong stand today, issuing a clarion call in support of boycotting IFFI. Incidentally, India&#39;s most prestigious film festival is scheduled to be inaugurated today at Goa.

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The entire film industry should boycott IFFI in protest against the threats to <a href="https://twitter.com/deepikapadukone?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@deepikapadukone</a> SLB and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmavati?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmavati</a> <a href="https://t.co/VckVB5yRJp">https://t.co/VckVB5yRJp</a>
&mdash; Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) <a href="https://twitter.com/AzmiShabana/status/931762168327946240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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As the nation awaits this violence and vandalism around Padmavati to wane quickly, the intensity of the responses of those who felt that Padmavati has been dishonoured in the film needs closer probing.&nbsp;

Why are so many people riled up? Even the state governments are not showing restraint as it clear from Madhya Pradesh&#39;s decision to ban the film even before its release. Honestly, this kind of response from one or the other of the BJP-ruled state was not entirely unexpected because of the prudish line they have taken in the past. But what they are saying in defense of their action is what I find reprehensible.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>:Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan says the film which has distorted facts against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmavati?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmavati</a>, will not be released in the state <a href="https://t.co/NOBXj6WF3P">pic.twitter.com/NOBXj6WF3P</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/932521044325277696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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First of all, the 50 BJP MLAs who have lodged their resentment against the movie have not seen the movie. They have, in fact, demanded, a &#39;thorough&#39; screening of the movie before it is released. And what is the basis of their demand? The protesting MLAs are against any &#39;distortion of historical facts&#39;.

So far, all articulations that Padmavati is most possibly a mythical figure, the subject of poems and songs of local bards who drew inspiration from Sufi poet Muhammad Jayasi&#39;s work has fallen on deaf ears. The Higher Education Minister of Madhya Pradesh, who ought to have known better, has also pointed out that Padmavati was &quot;not only a queen but a symbol of Jauhar&quot;.

The replacement of history by myth is a pretty old practise in India. In the days of anti-colonial struggle, such historicisation of myth served the purpose of inspiring a nascent national community to structure its identity around few chosen icons. These icons, mostly culled from Hindu past, were historically shown to put up a resistance against Muslim tyranny.

Thus, when Rabindranath Tagore&#39;s nephew, the famous artist Abanindranath Tagore wrote Rajkahini, he portrayed Padmavati (Rani Padmini) as the heart and soul of Rajput resistance against the treacherous attack of Alauddin Khalji.

It was a very common practise among the nationalists of the Swadeshi Age to eulogise Rani Padmini and other Rajput and Maratha icons who resisted Muslims as national heroes and defenders of Indian tradition. Thus, Padmini was simply transported from the pages of fiction and given a new lease of life as historical figures of flesh and blood.

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<h5>If Padmavati was a symbol of resistance for the anti-colonialist firebrand youths of India, she has transformed into a revered symbol of chastity and womanhood under the current political regime.</h5>
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In their struggle against the oppressive colonial regime, the inspiring Sannyasi rebels of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay&#39;s Anandamath as well as Rani Padmini provided the young revolutionary nationalists a moral and ideological sustenance.

If Padmavati was a symbol of resistance for the anti-colonialist firebrand youths of India, she has transformed into a revered symbol of chastity and womanhood under the current political regime.

In the current time when the fervour of nationalism runs rather high, the ideologically conservative camp and its many constituent groups are hellbent on creating a sacrosanct image of India where the line between myth and history are purposefully kept blurred to serve the political purpose. In the name of cultural nationalism, we are harping on the glory of being a woman of chastity.

All Hindu woman, to be counted as a Hindu woman, needs to be virtuous. The litmus test of virtue, as we all know, is self-sacrifice in face of dishonour as have been done by Sita, by Padmini.

Within this moral trope, Padmavati&#39;s observance of jauhar vrata becomes an act of resistance against lustful Muslim men. Padmini fought the invaders with her body through sacrificing it. The sacrifice makes Padmini holy, her body becomes the site where chastity and patriotism become perfectly blended. How can such a body, which is an embodiment of a defiant spirit, succumb to earthly pleasure. Such (human) being can&#39;t dance, can&#39;t seek pleasure, can&#39;t cringe in pain.

It is, therefore, redundant to ask whether Rani Padmavati historically existed or not. She has become, for all intent purpose, a symbol. The universal symbol of all chaste Hindu women. That is the reason Padmavati shall not dance. Not even in a celluloid dream sequence.

Padmavati is a universal symbol of all chaste Hindu women. That is the reason Padmavati shall not dance.

The controversy around the film Padmavati refuses to die down. Even without waiting for the Censor Board's decision on the film, the Madhya Pradesh government has banned it today. This was preceded by weeks of violent protest by the Karni Sena, a Rajput caste organisation who claims to uphold the goal of national unity. The members went so far as to issue physical threats against both Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Deepika Padukone, the director and heroine respectively. The jealous defenders of Rajput pride and Hindu nationalism consider the film to be inappropriate. The allegation is the film has a scene where the famed Rajput sati-queen is shown to be dancing in front of the brutal Muslim invader Alauddin Khalji. It was a very common practise among the nationalists of the Swadeshi Age to eulogise Rani Padmini and other Rajput/Maratha icons who resisted Muslims as national heroes and defenders of Indian tradition. × The repeated denials issued by Sanjay so far has failed to pacify the agitators. Consequently, the producers of Padmavati has decided to postpone the release date of the film. Whereas those protesting the immoral portrayal of Padmavati feel all righteous about their celebrated cause, there are many in India who doesn't see how such a hullabaloo can be created over the celluloid portrayal of a mythical character. The latter are annoyed with such display of intolerance and goes on to blame the Indian government for the lack of support it has shown so far to defend Deepika and Sanjay. Veteran actress Shabana Azmi has taken a strong stand today, issuing a clarion call in support of boycotting IFFI. Incidentally, India's most prestigious film festival is scheduled to be inaugurated today at Goa. The entire film industry should boycott IFFI in protest against the threats to @deepikapadukone SLB and #Padmavati https://t.co/VckVB5yRJp — Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) November 18, 2017 × As the nation awaits this violence and vandalism around Padmavati to wane quickly, the intensity of the responses of those who felt that Padmavati has been dishonoured in the film needs closer probing. Why are so many people riled up? Even the state governments are not showing restraint as it clear from Madhya Pradesh's decision to ban the film even before its release. Honestly, this kind of response from one or the other of the BJP-ruled state was not entirely unexpected because of the prudish line they have taken in the past. But what they are saying in defense of their action is what I find reprehensible. #WATCH:Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan says the film which has distorted facts against #Padmavati, will not be released in the state pic.twitter.com/NOBXj6WF3P — ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2017 × First of all, the 50 BJP MLAs who have lodged their resentment against the movie have not seen the movie. They have, in fact, demanded, a 'thorough' screening of the movie before it is released. And what is the basis of their demand? The protesting MLAs are against any 'distortion of historical facts'. So far, all articulations that Padmavati is most possibly a mythical figure, the subject of poems and songs of local bards who drew inspiration from Sufi poet Muhammad Jayasi's work has fallen on deaf ears. The Higher Education Minister of Madhya Pradesh, who ought to have known better, has also pointed out that Padmavati was "not only a queen but a symbol of Jauhar". The replacement of history by myth is a pretty old practise in India. In the days of anti-colonial struggle, such historicisation of myth served the purpose of inspiring a nascent national community to structure its identity around few chosen icons. These icons, mostly culled from Hindu past, were historically shown to put up a resistance against Muslim tyranny. Thus, when Rabindranath Tagore's nephew, the famous artist Abanindranath Tagore wrote Rajkahini, he portrayed Padmavati (Rani Padmini) as the heart and soul of Rajput resistance against the treacherous attack of Alauddin Khalji. It was a very common practise among the nationalists of the Swadeshi Age to eulogise Rani Padmini and other Rajput and Maratha icons who resisted Muslims as national heroes and defenders of Indian tradition. Thus, Padmini was simply transported from the pages of fiction and given a new lease of life as historical figures of flesh and blood. If Padmavati was a symbol of resistance for the anti-colonialist firebrand youths of India, she has transformed into a revered symbol of chastity and womanhood under the current political regime. × In their struggle against the oppressive colonial regime, the inspiring Sannyasi rebels of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's Anandamath as well as Rani Padmini provided the young revolutionary nationalists a moral and ideological sustenance. If Padmavati was a symbol of resistance for the anti-colonialist firebrand youths of India, she has transformed into a revered symbol of chastity and womanhood under the current political regime. In the current time when the fervour of nationalism runs rather high, the ideologically conservative camp and its many constituent groups are hellbent on creating a sacrosanct image of India where the line between myth and history are purposefully kept blurred to serve the political purpose. In the name of cultural nationalism, we are harping on the glory of being a woman of chastity. All Hindu woman, to be counted as a Hindu woman, needs to be virtuous. The litmus test of virtue, as we all know, is self-sacrifice in face of dishonour as have been done by Sita, by Padmini. Within this moral trope, Padmavati's observance of jauhar vrata becomes an act of resistance against lustful Muslim men. Padmini fought the invaders with her body through sacrificing it. The sacrifice makes Padmini holy, her body becomes the site where chastity and patriotism become perfectly blended. How can such a body, which is an embodiment of a defiant spirit, succumb to earthly pleasure. Such (human) being can't dance, can't seek pleasure, can't cringe in pain. It is, therefore, redundant to ask whether Rani Padmavati historically existed or not. She has become, for all intent purpose, a symbol. The universal symbol of all chaste Hindu women. That is the reason Padmavati shall not dance. Not even in a celluloid dream sequence.

Rani Padmavati shall not dance. But why?

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has reportedly been given special security by the Mumbai Police after the Rajput Karni Sena threatened to chop off her nose if &quot;Padmavati&quot;&nbsp;is released on December 1.&nbsp; 
 
Mahipal Singh Makrana of Rajput Karni Sena has made a video in which he states that &quot;Rajputs do not raise their hand on women but if need be, we will do to Deepika what Lakshman did to Shurpanakha,&quot; ANI quoted him as saying. (Also Read -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/did-rani-padmavati-exist-24076">Padmavati row: Much ado over a piece of fiction?</a>)

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Rajputs never raise a hand on women but if need be, we will do to Deepika what Lakshman did to Shurpanakha: Mahipal Singh Makrana of Rajput Karni Sena in a self-made video <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmavati?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmavati</a> <a href="https://t.co/82AWKGO7IU">pic.twitter.com/82AWKGO7IU</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/931060785303785473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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A few days earlier, Deepika Padukone had expressed disappointment over the controversy around the film and stated that the country was becoming regressive.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmavati-row-up-home-deptt-writes-to-cbfc-urging-it-to-consider-peoples-sentiments-while-giving-certificate-to-the-film-24347" target="_blank">Padmavati: UP home department urges CBFC to consider &#39;people&#39;s sentiments&#39;</a> 
 
Criticising her comment, Karni Sena chief Lokendra Singh Kalvi said, &quot;The country is not regressing, you are making it so. I beg Deepika not to insult women... Deepika is seen dancing with fewer clothes in the film. How are you trying to portray the Indian women?&quot; 
 
&quot;Deepika is like a daughter. She should exercise restraint,&quot; he added. Kalvi also alleged that Padmavati was financed by the &quot;underworld&quot;.

'Rajputs do not raise their hand on women but if need be, we will do to Deepika what Lakshman did to Shurpanakha,' Mahipal Singh Makrana of the Karni Sena said in a self-made video

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has reportedly been given special security by the Mumbai Police after the Rajput Karni Sena threatened to chop off her nose if "Padmavati" is released on December 1. Mahipal Singh Makrana of Rajput Karni Sena has made a video in which he states that "Rajputs do not raise their hand on women but if need be, we will do to Deepika what Lakshman did to Shurpanakha," ANI quoted him as saying. (Also Read - Padmavati row: Much ado over a piece of fiction?) Rajputs never raise a hand on women but if need be, we will do to Deepika what Lakshman did to Shurpanakha: Mahipal Singh Makrana of Rajput Karni Sena in a self-made video #Padmavati pic.twitter.com/82AWKGO7IU — ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2017 × A few days earlier, Deepika Padukone had expressed disappointment over the controversy around the film and stated that the country was becoming regressive. Padmavati: UP home department urges CBFC to consider 'people's sentiments' Criticising her comment, Karni Sena chief Lokendra Singh Kalvi said, "The country is not regressing, you are making it so. I beg Deepika not to insult women... Deepika is seen dancing with fewer clothes in the film. How are you trying to portray the Indian women?" "Deepika is like a daughter. She should exercise restraint," he added. Kalvi also alleged that Padmavati was financed by the "underworld".

Padmavati row: Deepika given security after Karni Sena threatens to chop off her nose

Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmavati-row-up-home-deptt-writes-to-cbfc-urging-it-to-consider-peoples-sentiments-while-giving-certificate-to-the-film-24347">magnum opus Padmavati</a> has been facing the heat of Rajput groups ever since the director started filming in Jaipur. The film which features Deepika Padukone in the title role has Shahid Kapoor playing her husband,&nbsp;Rajput king Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh playing Delhi ruler Alauddin Khilji.&nbsp;

The film&#39;s story is based on a fictional tale which had Ratan Singh going to war with Alauddin Khilji to protect his wife Queen Padmavati&#39;s honour. Known for her exceptional beauty, Padmavati was desired by Khilji who wanted to win her over by defeating her husband. Ratan&nbsp;Singh eventually did get killed in the war and Queen Padmavati performed Jauhar (self-immolation) along with thousands of other women of her kingdom in order to protect her honour. 
&nbsp; 
In January this year, members of the Rajput outfit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmavati-row-now-karni-sena-threatens-to-chop-off-deepika-padukones-nose-if-the-film-releases-24367">Karni Sena</a> vandalised the sets of Padmavati and even assaulted Sanjay Leela Bhansali as the crew was shooting at Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur. They rasied objection to an alleged dream sequence in the film featuring Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji. 
 
Several meetings were held between officials of Bhansali productions and the representatives of Karni Sena following the incident where the makers assured that the film did not have any such dream sequence neither did it tamper with history. 
 
The sets were torched in Kolhapur in March later this year. While no one was hurt, losses worth crores were incurred.&nbsp; 
 
After the trailer of the film came out, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/watch-karni-sena-vandalises-rajasthan-theatre-showing-padmavati-trailer-6704">protests broke out</a> as the Karni Sena alleged that the film was tampering with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-talks-to-prince-of-mewar-dynasty-lakshyaraj-singh-mewar-on-padmavati-row-6765">Rajput history</a>.&nbsp; 
 
Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Ram Kadam warned that if Padmavati director Sanjay Leela Bhansali did not remove &ldquo;objectionable scenes&rdquo; from the film, he would not be allowed to shoot any movie in the future.&nbsp;While Bhansali came on record to state that film honoured the valor of the Rajput Queen and in no way distorted facts, Karni Sena has been adamant in stopping the film&#39;s release.&nbsp;

On Thursday, the Karni Sena threatened to chop off Deepika Padukone&#39;s nose if the film is released on December 1. Another group in Meerut has offered a bounty of Rs 5 crore to anyone who cops off Bhansali&#39;s head. 
 
Bhansali, though, has got a lot of support from the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-film-associations-back-padmvati-question-governments-silence-on-the-matter-24169">film fraternity</a> ever since the controversy broke out. From Anurag Kashyap to Salman Khan to various film bodies- all have appealed to the government to step in and let the film get a smooth release.&nbsp; 
 
Due to increasing threats, security has been stepped up for Deepika Padukone and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who is reportedly going to screen the film to CBFC on Thursday.&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, certain BJP leaders had appealed to the Chief Election Commissioner demanding the stalling of &#39;Padmavati&#39; release ahead of Gujarat elections. &nbsp;The Supreme Court a week back had refused to entertain a plea seeking a stay on the release of the film till CBFC had considered all options and given a certificate.&nbsp;

On Thursday, the UP government urged the CBFC to take into account the sentiments of the people before certifying the film. The letter stated that the film&#39;s release could disrupt the peace and harmony of the state as several theaters in Noida were threatened by Karni Sena of vandalism if they agreed to screen the film in their respective theaters.&nbsp;

A round-up of all that has happened around the film

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus Padmavati has been facing the heat of Rajput groups ever since the director started filming in Jaipur. The film which features Deepika Padukone in the title role has Shahid Kapoor playing her husband, Rajput king Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh playing Delhi ruler Alauddin Khilji. The film's story is based on a fictional tale which had Ratan Singh going to war with Alauddin Khilji to protect his wife Queen Padmavati's honour. Known for her exceptional beauty, Padmavati was desired by Khilji who wanted to win her over by defeating her husband. Ratan Singh eventually did get killed in the war and Queen Padmavati performed Jauhar (self-immolation) along with thousands of other women of her kingdom in order to protect her honour. In January this year, members of the Rajput outfit Karni Sena vandalised the sets of Padmavati and even assaulted Sanjay Leela Bhansali as the crew was shooting at Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur. They rasied objection to an alleged dream sequence in the film featuring Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji. Several meetings were held between officials of Bhansali productions and the representatives of Karni Sena following the incident where the makers assured that the film did not have any such dream sequence neither did it tamper with history. The sets were torched in Kolhapur in March later this year. While no one was hurt, losses worth crores were incurred. After the trailer of the film came out, protests broke out as the Karni Sena alleged that the film was tampering with Rajput history. Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Ram Kadam warned that if Padmavati director Sanjay Leela Bhansali did not remove “objectionable scenes” from the film, he would not be allowed to shoot any movie in the future. While Bhansali came on record to state that film honoured the valor of the Rajput Queen and in no way distorted facts, Karni Sena has been adamant in stopping the film's release. On Thursday, the Karni Sena threatened to chop off Deepika Padukone's nose if the film is released on December 1. Another group in Meerut has offered a bounty of Rs 5 crore to anyone who cops off Bhansali's head. Bhansali, though, has got a lot of support from the film fraternity ever since the controversy broke out. From Anurag Kashyap to Salman Khan to various film bodies- all have appealed to the government to step in and let the film get a smooth release. Due to increasing threats, security has been stepped up for Deepika Padukone and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who is reportedly going to screen the film to CBFC on Thursday. Meanwhile, certain BJP leaders had appealed to the Chief Election Commissioner demanding the stalling of 'Padmavati' release ahead of Gujarat elections. The Supreme Court a week back had refused to entertain a plea seeking a stay on the release of the film till CBFC had considered all options and given a certificate. On Thursday, the UP government urged the CBFC to take into account the sentiments of the people before certifying the film. The letter stated that the film's release could disrupt the peace and harmony of the state as several theaters in Noida were threatened by Karni Sena of vandalism if they agreed to screen the film in their respective theaters.

Padmavati row: All that has happened so far

Former Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela has demanded a pre-release screening of movie &quot;Padmavati&quot; for Hindu and Kshatriya community leaders to check whether facts have been distorted in the film and warned of violent protests if its makers failed to do so.

&quot;As the movie is expected to be released on December 1, I want Bhansali to first show it to Hindu as well as Kshatriya leaders as people suspect that some facts have been distorted and presented in a wrong way in the movie,&quot; the Kshatriya strongman told reporters in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

The film, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor, is scheduled for release on December 1.

Mr Vaghela said one cannot tamper with historical facts and present them as per one&#39;s wishes to get &quot;cheap publicity&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;If the movie is released without pre-screening, Gujarat will witness violent protests and law and order may go out of control. I apologise to the cinema owners in advance if people take law into their hands,&quot; the former Gujarat chief minister said.

 
Mr Vaghela quit the Congress after the Rajya Sabha polls in August and launched a new front, Jan Vikalp, which would field its candidates on all the 182 seats in Gujarat, where assembly elections will be held in December in two phases.

The upcoming movie had earlier run into controversy after the Rajasthan-based Rajput community group Karni Sena raised objections over depictions in the movie, claiming that history was being distorted.

Earlier this year, Mr Bhansali was attacked by Karni Sena members during the shooting of the film in Rajasthan.

Last month, alleged Karni Sena members burnt posters of the film after the first look of main characters - Padmavati (Deepika Padukone), Maharawal Ratan Singh (Shahid Kapoor) and Allaudin Khilji (Ranveer Singh) -- was released.

They also threatened to oppose the screening of the movie in theaters if the facts were distorted.&nbsp;

The upcoming movie had earlier run into controversy after the Rajasthan-based Rajput community group Karni Sena raised objections over depictions in the movie, claiming that history was being distorted.

Former Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela has demanded a pre-release screening of movie "Padmavati" for Hindu and Kshatriya community leaders to check whether facts have been distorted in the film and warned of violent protests if its makers failed to do so. "As the movie is expected to be released on December 1, I want Bhansali to first show it to Hindu as well as Kshatriya leaders as people suspect that some facts have been distorted and presented in a wrong way in the movie," the Kshatriya strongman told reporters in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. The film, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor, is scheduled for release on December 1. Mr Vaghela said one cannot tamper with historical facts and present them as per one's wishes to get "cheap publicity". "If the movie is released without pre-screening, Gujarat will witness violent protests and law and order may go out of control. I apologise to the cinema owners in advance if people take law into their hands," the former Gujarat chief minister said. Mr Vaghela quit the Congress after the Rajya Sabha polls in August and launched a new front, Jan Vikalp, which would field its candidates on all the 182 seats in Gujarat, where assembly elections will be held in December in two phases. The upcoming movie had earlier run into controversy after the Rajasthan-based Rajput community group Karni Sena raised objections over depictions in the movie, claiming that history was being distorted. Earlier this year, Mr Bhansali was attacked by Karni Sena members during the shooting of the film in Rajasthan. Last month, alleged Karni Sena members burnt posters of the film after the first look of main characters - Padmavati (Deepika Padukone), Maharawal Ratan Singh (Shahid Kapoor) and Allaudin Khilji (Ranveer Singh) -- was released. They also threatened to oppose the screening of the movie in theaters if the facts were distorted.

Want Bhansali to show 'Padmavati' to Hindu, Kshatriya leaders before release: Shankarsinh Vaghela

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