Dear Karni Sena,

Namaskaar.

I have something to tell you. I sat riveted to Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s&nbsp;Padmaavat&nbsp;and while my entire consciousness was subsumed in the splendour, a part of my subconscious also wondered at the brutal attack that SLB had to suffer in the hands of your organization which supposedly espouses the Rajput community&#39;s interests.&nbsp;

Dear Karni Sena, I am not a Rajput. I am an Indian. And a Hindu. And a responsible citizen of India. I pay all my taxes and have never broken the law even in passing while you, sirs, have repeatedly thumbed your supposedly lofty noses at the law of the land by attacking a film which had been cleared by the highest authorities of the Government of India. Even when the Supreme Court gave it a go-ahead you continued your attacks on the film, its director and leading lady with unconstitutional impunity.

Well, sirs, having seen the film I want to tell you, you were way off the mark. You were lying to the public by accusing&nbsp;Padmaavat&nbsp;of being anti-Rajput. Far from it, the film is a glorious celebration of the Rajput community&#39;s bravery and fierce commitment to the sovereignty of the nation. Suggesting that&nbsp;Padmaavat&nbsp;was anti-national and an insult to the Rajput community is akin to calling the song&nbsp;Ae mere watan ke logon&nbsp;anti-patriotic. You were in fact alleging the exact opposite of what&nbsp;Padmaavat&nbsp;has done. It salutes the bravery of a community. You said it insulted the community. You were lying.

Now tell us, Dear Karni Sena, who will pay for all the damage, physical and emotional, that you caused the film and its director? How will you make amends for your uncouth attempts to jump into the jauhar fire with a whooping joy that children express when they dive into the swimming pool.

You swam into the deep end and waded into totally unfounded utterly conjectural moral policing on behalf of a community that totally disowns you.

I sat with Rajput friends to watch&nbsp;Padmaavat. They all had tears in their eyes as they watched Shahid Kapoor and Deepika Padukone fight off the boorish foreign invader with every drop of their blood. Their spectacular sacrifice to make our nation what it us has not gone unrewarded. Sanjay Leela Bhansali has made sure of that.

We all stood and applauded at the end of the film. Never have we felt more proud to be Indian, more happy to be watching a film that celebrates the valour of the warrior class with such glorious authority.

Dear Karni Sena, I have a question for you. What were you thinking while attacking this magical mystical ode to the spirit of gallantry? Or were you not thinking at all? Now that the truth is out in the public domain, what will you protest against? Maybe you can now protest against&nbsp;Padmaavat&#39;s failure to give you any genuine reason to protest.

All the best for your future tirades.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Suggesting that Padmaavat was anti-national and an insult to the Rajput community is akin to calling the song Ae mere watan ke logon anti-patriotic.

Dear Karni Sena, Namaskaar. I have something to tell you. I sat riveted to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat and while my entire consciousness was subsumed in the splendour, a part of my subconscious also wondered at the brutal attack that SLB had to suffer in the hands of your organization which supposedly espouses the Rajput community's interests. Dear Karni Sena, I am not a Rajput. I am an Indian. And a Hindu. And a responsible citizen of India. I pay all my taxes and have never broken the law even in passing while you, sirs, have repeatedly thumbed your supposedly lofty noses at the law of the land by attacking a film which had been cleared by the highest authorities of the Government of India. Even when the Supreme Court gave it a go-ahead you continued your attacks on the film, its director and leading lady with unconstitutional impunity. Well, sirs, having seen the film I want to tell you, you were way off the mark. You were lying to the public by accusing Padmaavat of being anti-Rajput. Far from it, the film is a glorious celebration of the Rajput community's bravery and fierce commitment to the sovereignty of the nation. Suggesting that Padmaavat was anti-national and an insult to the Rajput community is akin to calling the song Ae mere watan ke logon anti-patriotic. You were in fact alleging the exact opposite of what Padmaavat has done. It salutes the bravery of a community. You said it insulted the community. You were lying. Now tell us, Dear Karni Sena, who will pay for all the damage, physical and emotional, that you caused the film and its director? How will you make amends for your uncouth attempts to jump into the jauhar fire with a whooping joy that children express when they dive into the swimming pool. You swam into the deep end and waded into totally unfounded utterly conjectural moral policing on behalf of a community that totally disowns you. I sat with Rajput friends to watch Padmaavat. They all had tears in their eyes as they watched Shahid Kapoor and Deepika Padukone fight off the boorish foreign invader with every drop of their blood. Their spectacular sacrifice to make our nation what it us has not gone unrewarded. Sanjay Leela Bhansali has made sure of that. We all stood and applauded at the end of the film. Never have we felt more proud to be Indian, more happy to be watching a film that celebrates the valour of the warrior class with such glorious authority. Dear Karni Sena, I have a question for you. What were you thinking while attacking this magical mystical ode to the spirit of gallantry? Or were you not thinking at all? Now that the truth is out in the public domain, what will you protest against? Maybe you can now protest against Padmaavat's failure to give you any genuine reason to protest. All the best for your future tirades. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Padmaavat salutes Rajputs, Karni Sena lied and got it wrong

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-fire-hits-south-korea-hospital-30795">South Korean hospital fire kills 33, over 70 injured: Firefighters</a>

At least 33 people were killed in a blaze at a hospital in South Korea on Friday, firefighters said, with more than 70 injured.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ordered-muellers-firing-but-reversed-course-nyt-30801">Trump ordered Mueller&#39;s firing but reversed course: NYT</a>

US President Donald Trump ordered the firing of Russia investigation special counsel Robert Mueller last year but later reversed course, The New York Times reported Thursday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-million-people-watched-padmaavat-on-day-1-viacom-30799">One million people watched </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-million-people-watched-padmaavat-on-day-1-viacom-30799">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-million-people-watched-padmaavat-on-day-1-viacom-30799"> on opening day: Viacom</a>

Over one million people watched Padmaavat on opening day, the film&#39;s producer Viacom 18 Motion Pictures has said.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/make-peace-or-lose-aid-trump-to-palestinians-30798">Make peace with Israel or lose aid, Trump tells Palestinians</a>

US President Donald Trump threatened on Thursday to withhold aid to the Palestinians if they did not pursue peace with Israel, saying they had snubbed the United States by not meeting Vice President Mike Pence during a recent visit.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/video-nutella-riots-in-france-after-supermarket-offers-heavy-discount-on-sweet-spread-30802">Video: Nutella &#39;riots&#39; in France after supermarket offers heavy discount on sweet spread</a>

According to reports, Intermarch&eacute; supermarkets offered a 70 per cent discount on Nutella, bringing the price down from &euro;4.50 (&pound;3.90) to &euro;1.40.

Videos posted on social media showed a patient hanging on to a rope dangling from a helicopter above the hospital in Miryang, and another crawling out of a window to climb down a ladder.

South Korean hospital fire kills 33, over 70 injured: Firefighters At least 33 people were killed in a blaze at a hospital in South Korea on Friday, firefighters said, with more than 70 injured. Trump ordered Mueller's firing but reversed course: NYT US President Donald Trump ordered the firing of Russia investigation special counsel Robert Mueller last year but later reversed course, The New York Times reported Thursday. One million people watched Padmaavat on opening day: Viacom Over one million people watched Padmaavat on opening day, the film's producer Viacom 18 Motion Pictures has said. Make peace with Israel or lose aid, Trump tells Palestinians US President Donald Trump threatened on Thursday to withhold aid to the Palestinians if they did not pursue peace with Israel, saying they had snubbed the United States by not meeting Vice President Mike Pence during a recent visit. Video: Nutella 'riots' in France after supermarket offers heavy discount on sweet spread According to reports, Intermarché supermarkets offered a 70 per cent discount on Nutella, bringing the price down from €4.50 (£3.90) to €1.40.

Wion News Brief, January 26, 2018

Delhi Chief Minister reacted to the horrific incident of the Gurgaon bus attack and called it &#39;shameful&#39;.

He said that he was not able to sleep the entire night after the incident.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Yesterday some people pelted stones at innocent school children in Gurugram. I wasn&#39;t able to sleep the entire night. If our children are hit by stones a day before the Republic Day just a few kilometres away from the nation&rsquo;s capital, it is a matter of shame for the entire country,&rdquo; he noted at a Republic Day event at Chhatrasal stadium in Delhi today.

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Yesterday some people pelted stones on school children in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gurugram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gurugram</a>. I couldn&#39;t sleep entire night. If our children are pelted with stones on Republic Day eve, a few kms away from nation&#39;s capital, it is a matter of shame for the entire nation: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal <a href="https://t.co/IJuWTXwz1q">pic.twitter.com/IJuWTXwz1q</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/956429335379898369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Everybody was silent when people attacked Dalits and Muslims but should the silence persist when it comes to our children?&quot; he questioned.

On Thursday, a frenzied <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-frenzied-mob-attacks-school-bus-in-gurugram-30682">mob attacked a bus full of school kids in Gurgaon</a> protesting the release of Bollywood film &lsquo;Padmaavat&rsquo;. The bus was damaged as the protesters hurled stones at it, no casualties were reported.&nbsp;

Tension continues to simmer across the country as Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat releases today.&nbsp;

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal previously slammed the Modi government over the ongoing Padmaavat row.

&quot;If all state govts, central govt and SC together cannot get one movie released and run safely, how can we expect investments to flow in? Forget FDI, even local investors wud feel hesitant. Not good for the already dwindling economy. Bad for jobs,&quot; he tweeted.&nbsp;

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If all state govts, central govt and SC together cannot get one movie released and run safely, how can we expect investments to flow in? Forget FDI, even local investors wud feel hesitant. Not gud for already dwindling economy. Bad for jobs
&mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/956084082101727232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

On Thursday, a frenzied mob attacked a bus full of school kids in Gurgaon protesting the release of Bollywood film ‘Padmaavat’

Delhi Chief Minister reacted to the horrific incident of the Gurgaon bus attack and called it 'shameful'. He said that he was not able to sleep the entire night after the incident. “Yesterday some people pelted stones at innocent school children in Gurugram. I wasn't able to sleep the entire night. If our children are hit by stones a day before the Republic Day just a few kilometres away from the nation’s capital, it is a matter of shame for the entire country,” he noted at a Republic Day event at Chhatrasal stadium in Delhi today. Yesterday some people pelted stones on school children in #Gurugram. I couldn't sleep entire night. If our children are pelted with stones on Republic Day eve, a few kms away from nation's capital, it is a matter of shame for the entire nation: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal pic.twitter.com/IJuWTXwz1q — ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018 × "Everybody was silent when people attacked Dalits and Muslims but should the silence persist when it comes to our children?" he questioned. On Thursday, a frenzied mob attacked a bus full of school kids in Gurgaon protesting the release of Bollywood film ‘Padmaavat’. The bus was damaged as the protesters hurled stones at it, no casualties were reported. Tension continues to simmer across the country as Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat releases today. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal previously slammed the Modi government over the ongoing Padmaavat row. "If all state govts, central govt and SC together cannot get one movie released and run safely, how can we expect investments to flow in? Forget FDI, even local investors wud feel hesitant. Not good for the already dwindling economy. Bad for jobs," he tweeted. If all state govts, central govt and SC together cannot get one movie released and run safely, how can we expect investments to flow in? Forget FDI, even local investors wud feel hesitant. Not gud for already dwindling economy. Bad for jobs — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 24, 2018 ×

Should we remain silent when our children are attacked? Kejriwal asks after Gurgaon bus attack

According to various media reports, the controversial Bollywood flick, &#39;Padmaavat&#39;, will be released in Pakistan without any cuts and with a &#39;U-Certificate&#39;.

Islamabad-based Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC) chairman Mobashir Hasan took to the social media to announce that the film has been passed by the board.

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Central Board of Film Censors <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CBFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CBFC</a> has declared a feature film containing Indian cast &amp; crew <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> without any excision suitable for public exhibition in the cinemas with a &lsquo;U&rsquo; certification. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CBFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CBFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unbiasedforartscreativity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Unbiasedforartscreativity</a>&amp;healthy entertainment
&mdash; Mobashir Hasan (@BABUCRATE) <a href="https://twitter.com/BABUCRATE/status/956223765503004672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&ldquo;Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC) has declared a feature film containing Indian cast and crew, &lsquo;Padmaavat&rsquo;, without any excision suitable for public exhibition in the cinemas with a &lsquo;U&rsquo; certification,&rdquo; he wrote on Twitter.

With the clearance, Sanjay Leela Bhansali&rsquo;s period drama is all set to be released in&nbsp;Pakistan,&nbsp;removing fears that the film could face cuts due to the negative portrayal of Alauddin Khilji, a Muslim ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.

&ldquo;CBFC isn&rsquo;t biased in arts, creativity and healthy entertainment,&rdquo; Mr Hasan added.

According to the officials, the CBFC had also invited Professor Waqar Ali Shah, Chairman, Department of History, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad to check the historical references in the film.

The film hits theatres on Thursday amidst violent protests across the northern and north-western India

According to various media reports, the controversial Bollywood flick, 'Padmaavat', will be released in Pakistan without any cuts and with a 'U-Certificate'. Islamabad-based Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC) chairman Mobashir Hasan took to the social media to announce that the film has been passed by the board. Central Board of Film Censors #CBFC has declared a feature film containing Indian cast & crew #Padmaavat without any excision suitable for public exhibition in the cinemas with a ‘U’ certification. #CBFC #Unbiasedforartscreativity&healthy entertainment — Mobashir Hasan (@BABUCRATE) January 24, 2018 × “Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC) has declared a feature film containing Indian cast and crew, ‘Padmaavat’, without any excision suitable for public exhibition in the cinemas with a ‘U’ certification,” he wrote on Twitter. With the clearance, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period drama is all set to be released in Pakistan, removing fears that the film could face cuts due to the negative portrayal of Alauddin Khilji, a Muslim ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. “CBFC isn’t biased in arts, creativity and healthy entertainment,” Mr Hasan added. According to the officials, the CBFC had also invited Professor Waqar Ali Shah, Chairman, Department of History, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad to check the historical references in the film.

'Padmaavat' releasing in Pakistan without cuts

One day prior to the release of the epic film &quot;Padmaavat&quot;,&nbsp;27 women members of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-releases-today-protests-continue-lucknow-man-tries-to-immolate-himself-30690" target="_blank">Rajput Karni Sena</a> submitted letters to Ratlam district administration on January 24, urging President Ram Nath Kovind to &quot;either stop its screening or permit them to end their lives&quot;.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-out-today-no-show-in-4-big-states-30703" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;Padmaavat releases but is &#39;no-show&#39; in 4 big states</a>

This letter was submitted following the group&#39;s belief that the Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s film presents Rani Padmavati in a wrong manner.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-row-after-attack-on-school-bus-big-gurgaon-schools-shut-till-sunday-30696" target="_blank">Also </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-row-after-attack-on-school-bus-big-gurgaon-schools-shut-till-sunday-30696" target="_blank">Read:</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-row-after-attack-on-school-bus-big-gurgaon-schools-shut-till-sunday-30696" target="_blank">&nbsp;Padmaavat release: After attack on school bus, big Gurgaon schools shut till Sunday</a>

Rajput Karni Sena&#39;s Ratlam district women&#39;s wing vice president Mangla Deora said in a statement:&nbsp;&quot;Twenty-seven letters addressed to the president were submitted to the Additional District Magistrate (ADM).&quot;

Deora added: &quot;We demanded that the president should either grant us permission to embrace death, as we are not able to protect the honour of Rani Padmavati, or stop release of the movie.&quot;

Earlier, the group had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lifting-of-padmaavat-ban-supreme-court-refuses-to-modify-earlier-order-30458" target="_blank">knocked on the doors of the Supreme Court </a>to ban the release of the film in the country as it hurts their sentiments but they <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-panel-discussed-controversial-works-in-literature-and-cinema-during-padmaavat-proceedings-30024" target="_blank">had no respite</a> as the apex court denied their plea and allowed the makers to release the certified film in full countrywide.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The letter states: 'We demanded that the President should either grant us permission to embrace death, as we are not able to protect the honour of Rani Padmavati, or stop release of the movie'

One day prior to the release of the epic film "Padmaavat", 27 women members of Rajput Karni Sena submitted letters to Ratlam district administration on January 24, urging President Ram Nath Kovind to "either stop its screening or permit them to end their lives". Also Read: Padmaavat releases but is 'no-show' in 4 big states This letter was submitted following the group's belief that the Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film presents Rani Padmavati in a wrong manner. Also Read: Padmaavat release: After attack on school bus, big Gurgaon schools shut till Sunday Rajput Karni Sena's Ratlam district women's wing vice president Mangla Deora said in a statement: "Twenty-seven letters addressed to the president were submitted to the Additional District Magistrate (ADM)." Deora added: "We demanded that the president should either grant us permission to embrace death, as we are not able to protect the honour of Rani Padmavati, or stop release of the movie." Earlier, the group had knocked on the doors of the Supreme Court to ban the release of the film in the country as it hurts their sentiments but they had no respite as the apex court denied their plea and allowed the makers to release the certified film in full countrywide.

'Padmaavat' release: Rajput women ask President's permission to end lives

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-frenzied-mob-attacks-school-bus-in-gurugram-30682">After the attack on a school bus by anti-&quot;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-frenzied-mob-attacks-school-bus-in-gurugram-30682">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-frenzied-mob-attacks-school-bus-in-gurugram-30682">&quot; protestors</a>, some reputed schools in Gurgaon have decided to remain shut till Sunday in view of the violence over the controversial film&#39;s release.

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As soon as we came out of the school the bus was attacked. Even the police could not control them. The children somehow took cover inside the bus.: School staff on their school bus attacked by vandals in protest against release of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmavaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmavaat</a> in Gurugram, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Haryana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Haryana</a> <a href="https://t.co/4mebxa2jNB">pic.twitter.com/4mebxa2jNB</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/956192351214477313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The schools which have decided to shut down till Sunday include&nbsp;Pathways school, GD Goenka school, Shiv Nadar school and Delhi Public School.

The management of the schools confirmed that they would close down as a precaution despite the district administration and the Gurgaon police assuring adequate security.

Around 25 students of GD Goenka World School were on their way home when a group of around 60 activists, believed to be members of a fringe group, attacked the bus with bamboo sticks asking the driver to stop the vehicle.

&quot;We do not want to take any risk with the life of students. Protection of students outside and inside is our prime concern,&quot; a school teacher told PTI on the condition of anonymity.

&quot;If the violators can attack school buses and Haryana roadways buses openly despite prohibitory orders and tight security arrangements of the Gurgaon Police,&quot; the teacher said, adding, &quot;We cannot take a chance and have decided to close down.&quot;

The teacher said that a total of six schools have taken the decision to remain shut.

Gurgaon Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh, in an appeal, said the public transport system of the city should not be disturbed.

&quot;Some people and groups want rioting in the district but we appeal to residents and groups not to violate law and order situation and section 144 is already imposed in the city,&quot; Singh told PTI.

&quot;Everyone has the right to protest but in a peaceful way. Violation of law and order is not allowed. The situation is peaceful in Gurgaon and all colleges, schools, offices will remain open on Thursday,&quot; he added.

The Gurgaon police have arrested 20 people for allegedly violating prohibitory orders, a senior official said.

Gurgaon police along with 550 additional forces including local police stations teams have been deployed in the city&#39;s major areas including multiplexes, Commissioner of Police Sandeep Khairwar said.

&quot;All Gurgaon malls have been directed to tighten their internal security. I along with other senior officers are monitoring the security arrangements in their respective zones,&quot; he said.

&quot;The Gurgaon Police is on a high alert and various teams are ready to respond quickly in case of any untoward incident,&quot; Khairawar said.&nbsp;

The schools which have decided to shut down till Sunday include Pathways school, GD Goenka school, Shiv Nadar school and Delhi Public School

After the attack on a school bus by anti-"Padmaavat" protestors, some reputed schools in Gurgaon have decided to remain shut till Sunday in view of the violence over the controversial film's release. As soon as we came out of the school the bus was attacked. Even the police could not control them. The children somehow took cover inside the bus.: School staff on their school bus attacked by vandals in protest against release of #Padmavaat in Gurugram, #Haryana pic.twitter.com/4mebxa2jNB — ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2018 × The schools which have decided to shut down till Sunday include Pathways school, GD Goenka school, Shiv Nadar school and Delhi Public School. The management of the schools confirmed that they would close down as a precaution despite the district administration and the Gurgaon police assuring adequate security. Around 25 students of GD Goenka World School were on their way home when a group of around 60 activists, believed to be members of a fringe group, attacked the bus with bamboo sticks asking the driver to stop the vehicle. "We do not want to take any risk with the life of students. Protection of students outside and inside is our prime concern," a school teacher told PTI on the condition of anonymity. "If the violators can attack school buses and Haryana roadways buses openly despite prohibitory orders and tight security arrangements of the Gurgaon Police," the teacher said, adding, "We cannot take a chance and have decided to close down." The teacher said that a total of six schools have taken the decision to remain shut. Gurgaon Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh, in an appeal, said the public transport system of the city should not be disturbed. "Some people and groups want rioting in the district but we appeal to residents and groups not to violate law and order situation and section 144 is already imposed in the city," Singh told PTI. "Everyone has the right to protest but in a peaceful way. Violation of law and order is not allowed. The situation is peaceful in Gurgaon and all colleges, schools, offices will remain open on Thursday," he added. The Gurgaon police have arrested 20 people for allegedly violating prohibitory orders, a senior official said. Gurgaon police along with 550 additional forces including local police stations teams have been deployed in the city's major areas including multiplexes, Commissioner of Police Sandeep Khairwar said. "All Gurgaon malls have been directed to tighten their internal security. I along with other senior officers are monitoring the security arrangements in their respective zones," he said. "The Gurgaon Police is on a high alert and various teams are ready to respond quickly in case of any untoward incident," Khairawar said.

Padmaavat release: After attack on school bus, big Gurgaon schools shut till Sunday

Ahead of the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s highly controversial movie Padmaavat on January 25, protesters, taking to streets, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-gurugram-to-mumbai-violent-protests-rock-cities-ahead-of-padmaavat-release-30621">damaged vehicles and vandalised</a> several places across the country.&nbsp;

Karni Sena, which is leading protests against Padmaavat, has demanded a complete ban despite a go-ahead from the Supreme Court.

Karni Sena chief Lokendra Singh Kalvi directed a &ldquo;self-imposed curfew by people&rdquo; to oppose Sanjay Leela Bhansali&rsquo;s movie.

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Jo bhi ho raha hai dukhad hai, galat hai, par ab mann ki jwala ko sadkon pe dhadhakne se koi rok nhi sakta, main bhi nhi: Lokendra Singh Kalvi, Rajput Karni Sena <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmavaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmavaat</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZCzbH0gIMS">pic.twitter.com/ZCzbH0gIMS</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/956176701377077250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He said: &ldquo;We are adamant on our stand that this film Padmavaat should be banned. January 25 may come and go but we won&rsquo;t let the film release, come what may.&quot;

Also see: &nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568"> review: Ranveer Singh shines in Bhansali&#39;s visually grand historical saga</a>

Cinema halls and many other places in Mumbai, Mathura, Gurugram, Meerut, Rajasthan have been attacked by protesters demanding a ban on the film&#39;s release. They have also blocked the Delhi-Jaipur highway.

Security has been beefed up and efforts are underway to nab the unidentified miscreants to bring the situation under control. &nbsp;A number of protesters have been arrested in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Nashik and other places till now.

The police raided the homes of Karni Sena Chittorgarh unit president Govind Singh Khangarot and vice-president Kamlendu Singh Solanki on Tuesday and arrested them.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal also took to Twitter to express his views about the unfolding incidents whilst taunting the government. &quot;If all state govts, central govt and SC together cannot get one movie released and run safely, how can we expect investments to flow in? Forget FDI, even local investors wud feel hesitant. Not gud for already dwindling economy. Bad for jobs&quot; he wrote.&nbsp;

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If all state govts, central govt and SC together cannot get one movie released and run safely, how can we expect investments to flow in? Forget FDI, even local investors wud feel hesitant. Not gud for already dwindling economy. Bad for jobs
&mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/956084082101727232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Supreme Court had on Tuesday rejected Rajasthan&#39;s final appeal to ban Padmaavat and ordered the government to screen the film.&nbsp;

Karni Sena, which has been leading protests against Padmaavat have demanded a complete ban despite Supreme court giving it a go-ahead order

Ahead of the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's highly controversial movie Padmaavat on January 25, protesters, taking to streets, damaged vehicles and vandalised several places across the country. Karni Sena, which is leading protests against Padmaavat, has demanded a complete ban despite a go-ahead from the Supreme Court. Karni Sena chief Lokendra Singh Kalvi directed a “self-imposed curfew by people” to oppose Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s movie. Jo bhi ho raha hai dukhad hai, galat hai, par ab mann ki jwala ko sadkon pe dhadhakne se koi rok nhi sakta, main bhi nhi: Lokendra Singh Kalvi, Rajput Karni Sena #Padmavaat pic.twitter.com/ZCzbH0gIMS — ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2018 × He said: “We are adamant on our stand that this film Padmavaat should be banned. January 25 may come and go but we won’t let the film release, come what may." Also see: Padmaavat review: Ranveer Singh shines in Bhansali's visually grand historical saga Cinema halls and many other places in Mumbai, Mathura, Gurugram, Meerut, Rajasthan have been attacked by protesters demanding a ban on the film's release. They have also blocked the Delhi-Jaipur highway. Security has been beefed up and efforts are underway to nab the unidentified miscreants to bring the situation under control. A number of protesters have been arrested in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Nashik and other places till now. The police raided the homes of Karni Sena Chittorgarh unit president Govind Singh Khangarot and vice-president Kamlendu Singh Solanki on Tuesday and arrested them. Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal also took to Twitter to express his views about the unfolding incidents whilst taunting the government. "If all state govts, central govt and SC together cannot get one movie released and run safely, how can we expect investments to flow in? Forget FDI, even local investors wud feel hesitant. Not gud for already dwindling economy. Bad for jobs" he wrote. If all state govts, central govt and SC together cannot get one movie released and run safely, how can we expect investments to flow in? Forget FDI, even local investors wud feel hesitant. Not gud for already dwindling economy. Bad for jobs — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 24, 2018 × The Supreme Court had on Tuesday rejected Rajasthan's final appeal to ban Padmaavat and ordered the government to screen the film.

Karni Sena chief: We won't let Padmaavat release, come what may

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-aadhaar-to-trade-and-commerce-heres-what-pm-modi-discussed-with-asean-leaders-30752">From Aadhaar to trade and commerce: Here&#39;s what PM Modi discussed with ASEAN leaders</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding bilateral meetings with the leaders of all 10 ASEAN countries who have gathered in New Delhi to join him in the Republic Day celebrations. This will be the biggest ever gathering of foreign leaders at the Republic Day parade that showcases India&#39;s military might and cultural diversity.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/draw-lessons-to-avoid-another-doklam-chinese-military-to-india-30756">Draw lessons to avoid another Doklam: Chinese military to India</a>

The Chinese military on Thursday criticised Army Chief General Bipin Rawat&#39;s recent remarks that Doklam is a disputed territory, asserting that it is very much part of China, and India should draw lessons from the 73-day standoff to avoid similar incidents in the future. Reacting for the first time to General Rawat&#39;s comments, Colonel Wu Qian, spokesman of the Chinese Ministry of Defence, told a media briefing that Doklam is part of China.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-releases-amid-high-security-viewers-wonder-whats-the-fuss-about-30748">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-releases-amid-high-security-viewers-wonder-whats-the-fuss-about-30748"> releases amid high security; viewers wonder what&#39;s the fuss about</a>

Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat finally opened today amid tight security and palpable tension but audiences streamed into theatres across the country to watch the film that has the nation agog. Initial reports suggested good business for the film, which has been the focal point of protests by various Rajput groups, which allege that it distorts their history and defames their queen Padmavati.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/unites-states-presidents-and-history-of-sex-scandals-30762">Unites States presidents and history of sex scandals</a>

United States president Donald Trump has been accused of a number of sexual allegations in the recent past. But, Trump was perhaps not the only leader under this loop. In 1998, Bill Clinton was accused of having a continuous affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky from 1995 to 1997. However, two decades ago this week he declared that he &quot;did not have sexual relations with that woman,&quot; under oath.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-live-streamed-on-facebook-on-the-first-day-of-its-release-30768">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-live-streamed-on-facebook-on-the-first-day-of-its-release-30768"> live streamed on Facebook on the first day of its release</a>

Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s controversial Padmaavat released in theatres today amid tight security. While four states- Goa, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh - have decided not to release the film in their states, heavy security could be seen in almost every cinema hall in cities where the film released. Most morning shows saw 40-60% occupancy and trade analysts have predicted that the long weekend ahead will see more footfall.&nbsp;

From Aadhaar to trade and commerce: Here's what PM Modi discussed with ASEAN leaders Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding bilateral meetings with the leaders of all 10 ASEAN countries who have gathered in New Delhi to join him in the Republic Day celebrations. This will be the biggest ever gathering of foreign leaders at the Republic Day parade that showcases India's military might and cultural diversity. Draw lessons to avoid another Doklam: Chinese military to India The Chinese military on Thursday criticised Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's recent remarks that Doklam is a disputed territory, asserting that it is very much part of China, and India should draw lessons from the 73-day standoff to avoid similar incidents in the future. Reacting for the first time to General Rawat's comments, Colonel Wu Qian, spokesman of the Chinese Ministry of Defence, told a media briefing that Doklam is part of China. Padmaavat releases amid high security; viewers wonder what's the fuss about Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat finally opened today amid tight security and palpable tension but audiences streamed into theatres across the country to watch the film that has the nation agog. Initial reports suggested good business for the film, which has been the focal point of protests by various Rajput groups, which allege that it distorts their history and defames their queen Padmavati. Unites States presidents and history of sex scandals United States president Donald Trump has been accused of a number of sexual allegations in the recent past. But, Trump was perhaps not the only leader under this loop. In 1998, Bill Clinton was accused of having a continuous affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky from 1995 to 1997. However, two decades ago this week he declared that he "did not have sexual relations with that woman," under oath. Padmaavat live streamed on Facebook on the first day of its release Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial Padmaavat released in theatres today amid tight security. While four states- Goa, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh - have decided not to release the film in their states, heavy security could be seen in almost every cinema hall in cities where the film released. Most morning shows saw 40-60% occupancy and trade analysts have predicted that the long weekend ahead will see more footfall.

WION Evening News Brief, January 25, 2018

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 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-row-after-attack-on-school-bus-big-gurgaon-schools-shut-till-sunday-30696" target="_blank">School bus in Gurugram</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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This is to clarify that no Muslims boys have been detained in relation to the recent acts of vandalism on a Haryana Roadways bus and a School bus in Gurugram: Gurugram Police <a href="https://t.co/EnP6BuCfwF">pic.twitter.com/EnP6BuCfwF</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/956772898085076993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Haryana police confirmation came after rumours were floating all around social media that the anti-&quot;Padmaavat&quot; protesters who stoned the bus were young Muslim men.&nbsp;

A mob of 60 people attacked the bus one day before the movie was about to release.

About 20-25 students of GD Goenka World School, Gurugram had a narrow escape after their&nbsp;school bus was attacked by a frenzied mob.

On January 25, the police took into custody 23 people for the stone pelting and charged them with rioting and attempt to murder.&nbsp;

The mob attacked the bus with bamboo sticks and asked the driver to stop the vehicle.&nbsp;

After the driver did not stop the bus, the protesters pelted the vehicle with stones.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Haryana police confirmation came after rumours were floating all around social media that the anti-"Padmaavat" protesters who stoned the bus were young Muslim men

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. This is to clarify that no Muslims boys have been detained in relation to the recent acts of vandalism on a Haryana Roadways bus and a School bus in Gurugram: Gurugram Police pic.twitter.com/EnP6BuCfwF — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2018 × The Haryana police confirmation came after rumours were floating all around social media that the anti-"Padmaavat" protesters who stoned the bus were young Muslim men. A mob of 60 people attacked the bus one day before the movie was about to release. About 20-25 students of GD Goenka World School, Gurugram had a narrow escape after their school bus was attacked by a frenzied mob. On January 25, the police took into custody 23 people for the stone pelting and charged them with rioting and attempt to murder. The mob attacked the bus with bamboo sticks and asked the driver to stop the vehicle. After the driver did not stop the bus, the protesters pelted the vehicle with stones.

Padmaavat protests: Gurugram police clarifies no Muslim involved in attacking school bus

The forces that &quot;killed Muslims and burnt Dalits&quot; are now &quot;intruding into our homes, coming after our children&quot;, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said today, condemning the attack on a school bus by a mob protesting the release of &#39;Padmaavat&#39; in Gurgaon.

Kejriwal said it was imperative to &quot;speak up&quot; against &quot;divisive forces&quot; as people cannot afford to remain silent anymore like &quot;they were&quot; when Muslims and Dalits were targeted in the country in the past.

&quot;I appeal to everyone. We cannot afford to remain silent anymore. They killed Muslims, burnt Dalits alive, thrashed them. Today, they have started pelting our children with stones, have started intruding into our homes. Don&#39;t remain silent now, speak up,&quot; Kejriwal said.

The Delhi chief minister was speaking at a state-level event to celebrate Republic Day at north Delhi&#39;s Chhatrasal Stadium here.

In the nearly 40-minute-long speech, marked by a combative tone, Kejriwal said it was a matter of &quot;shame&quot; that schoolchildren were pelted with stones a few kilometres away from the national capital ahead of the Republic Day.

Kejriwal said people involved in yesterday&#39;s incident should be given strong punishments, &quot;harsher than the punishment Lord Rama had given to Ravana&quot;.

&quot;It is the land of Rama, Krishna, Gautam Buddha, Mahavira, Guru Nanak, Kabir and Meera, followers of Prophet Mohammad and Jesus Christ. I want to ask were the people who hurled stones Hindus, Muslims or Christians? Which religion preaches violence against children?

&quot;I am raising this issue ahead of Republic Day with a heavy heart as I love my nation. I cannot see such violence in the country. People here love their country and want peace and love. I request the powers at the Centre (Hukum marano), please spare us,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

The forces that "killed Muslims and burnt Dalits" are now "intruding into our homes, coming after our children", Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said today, condemning the attack on a school bus by a mob protesting the release of 'Padmaavat' in Gurgaon

The forces that "killed Muslims and burnt Dalits" are now "intruding into our homes, coming after our children", Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said today, condemning the attack on a school bus by a mob protesting the release of 'Padmaavat' in Gurgaon. Kejriwal said it was imperative to "speak up" against "divisive forces" as people cannot afford to remain silent anymore like "they were" when Muslims and Dalits were targeted in the country in the past. "I appeal to everyone. We cannot afford to remain silent anymore. They killed Muslims, burnt Dalits alive, thrashed them. Today, they have started pelting our children with stones, have started intruding into our homes. Don't remain silent now, speak up," Kejriwal said. The Delhi chief minister was speaking at a state-level event to celebrate Republic Day at north Delhi's Chhatrasal Stadium here. In the nearly 40-minute-long speech, marked by a combative tone, Kejriwal said it was a matter of "shame" that schoolchildren were pelted with stones a few kilometres away from the national capital ahead of the Republic Day. Kejriwal said people involved in yesterday's incident should be given strong punishments, "harsher than the punishment Lord Rama had given to Ravana". "It is the land of Rama, Krishna, Gautam Buddha, Mahavira, Guru Nanak, Kabir and Meera, followers of Prophet Mohammad and Jesus Christ. I want to ask were the people who hurled stones Hindus, Muslims or Christians? Which religion preaches violence against children? "I am raising this issue ahead of Republic Day with a heavy heart as I love my nation. I cannot see such violence in the country. People here love their country and want peace and love. I request the powers at the Centre (Hukum marano), please spare us," he said.

Muslims, Dalits done, 'they' are entering our homes, targeting our children, says Kejriwal

All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday said that the BJP is playing pakoda politics.

The comment comes following the ongoing protests over the controversial movie Padmaavat.&nbsp;

&quot;This is nothing but &#39;pakoda&#39; politics being practised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Prime Minister and his party have laid a red carpet for these people (Padmaavat protesters) who are indulging in violence against children, burning down properties, have become a law into themselves. All this is happening because of tactical support of the BJP. The Prime Minister and his party have meekly surrendered before these people who are protesting.&quot;

He further accused PM Modi of double standards and said: &quot;Prime Minister Modi&#39;s 56-inch chest is only for Muslims. Look at the biasness of their approach that without even consulting any Muslim member from his own Cabinet, without even putting it in the public domain, without even consulting any Muslim organisation, the government is bulldozing triple talaq bill.&quot;

He added, &quot;But, when it comes to this film the name has been changed, the scenes have been cut. And, to satisfy the sentiments of some people the midriff of the heroine has been covered. What kind of politics is this?&quot; Owaisi lamented.

Modi has been the centre of criticism since his comment over employment, in a recent interview, saying that a person earning Rs 200 a day by selling &quot;pakodas&quot; is also employed.

&quot;If someone opened a small shop outside Zee studios, and they earn Rs 200 at the end of the day, isn&#39;t that part of employment generation? These small businesses are not part of the data, but there is growth in the number of such businesses,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

The AIMIM leader alleged that it shows that the Constitution and rule of law are not important for the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government.

Earlier, Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/only-a-chaiwala-can-tell-unemployed-youth-to-sell-snacks-hardik-patel-attacks-pm-modi-30382"> Hardik Patel</a> had also lashed out at PM Modi, saying that &quot;Only a tea seller can tell unemployed youth to sell snacks. An economist would never say something like this.&quot;

The Sanjay Leela Bhansali magnum opus &#39;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-releases-protesters-brandish-swords-owners-say-movie-halls-full-30721">Padmaavat</a>&#39;, which released on Thursday, has been<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-releases-today-protests-continue-lucknow-man-tries-to-immolate-himself-30690"> embroiled </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-releases-today-protests-continue-lucknow-man-tries-to-immolate-himself-30690">into</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-releases-today-protests-continue-lucknow-man-tries-to-immolate-himself-30690"> controversy</a> since its inception.

The movie, however, was a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-not-to-release-in-4-states-says-multiplex-association-of-india-30677"> no-show in four states.</a> Cinema hall owners in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa have refused to screen the movie saying they fear violence.&nbsp;

The AIMIM leader alleged that it shows that the Constitution and rule of law is not important for the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government

All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday said that the BJP is playing pakoda politics. The comment comes following the ongoing protests over the controversial movie Padmaavat. "This is nothing but 'pakoda' politics being practised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Prime Minister and his party have laid a red carpet for these people (Padmaavat protesters) who are indulging in violence against children, burning down properties, have become a law into themselves. All this is happening because of tactical support of the BJP. The Prime Minister and his party have meekly surrendered before these people who are protesting." He further accused PM Modi of double standards and said: "Prime Minister Modi's 56-inch chest is only for Muslims. Look at the biasness of their approach that without even consulting any Muslim member from his own Cabinet, without even putting it in the public domain, without even consulting any Muslim organisation, the government is bulldozing triple talaq bill." He added, "But, when it comes to this film the name has been changed, the scenes have been cut. And, to satisfy the sentiments of some people the midriff of the heroine has been covered. What kind of politics is this?" Owaisi lamented. Modi has been the centre of criticism since his comment over employment, in a recent interview, saying that a person earning Rs 200 a day by selling "pakodas" is also employed. "If someone opened a small shop outside Zee studios, and they earn Rs 200 at the end of the day, isn't that part of employment generation? These small businesses are not part of the data, but there is growth in the number of such businesses," he said. The AIMIM leader alleged that it shows that the Constitution and rule of law are not important for the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government. Earlier, Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel had also lashed out at PM Modi, saying that "Only a tea seller can tell unemployed youth to sell snacks. An economist would never say something like this." The Sanjay Leela Bhansali magnum opus 'Padmaavat', which released on Thursday, has been embroiled into controversy since its inception. The movie, however, was a no-show in four states. Cinema hall owners in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa have refused to screen the movie saying they fear violence.

This is nothing but 'pakoda' politics by BJP: Owaisi lashes out following Padmaavat protest

Alia Bhatt can&#39;t stop gushing over Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat. The actress watched the film on Wednesday night along with her Brahmastra co-star Ranbir Kapoor at a special screening and later took to Twitter to praise the lead actors and the film&#39;s director.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Ranveer Singh you magnificent person! How you&rsquo;ve done this??? Epic epic epic! Blown me away and how! Pure magic in Padmavat!!!!!! (sic)&quot; Alia wrote to her Gully Boy co-star.&nbsp;

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Ranveer Singh you magnificent person! How you&rsquo;ve done this??? Epic epic epic! Blown me away and how! Pure magic in Padmavat!!!!!! ???????????????? <a href="https://twitter.com/RanveerOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RanveerOfficial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmavat</a>
&mdash; Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) <a href="https://twitter.com/aliaa08/status/956351779171598336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Photo by Yogen Shah (WION)
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Calling Deepika Padukone stunning, Alia praised the actress for emoting with her eyes.&nbsp;

Alia also praised her Udta Punjab co-star and friend Shahid Kapoor. &quot; And last but definitely not the least my dear friend @shahidkapoor!!!! How you manage to make every character look like you belong there amazes me. Gave me soo many moments of gooseflesh!(sic)&quot;&nbsp;

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DP ???? how can a human being look soooooo stunning!!! But what&rsquo;s even more stunning is your strength and your eyes and everything you did in this film! <a href="https://twitter.com/deepikapadukone?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@deepikapadukone</a> ❤️❤️❤️
&mdash; Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) <a href="https://twitter.com/aliaa08/status/956352297088552962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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And last but definitely not the least my dear friend <a href="https://twitter.com/shahidkapoor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shahidkapoor</a>!!!! How you manage to make every character look like you belong there amazes me. ???????? Gave me soo many moments of goose flesh! ???? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a>
&mdash; Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) <a href="https://twitter.com/aliaa08/status/956353287749558272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor attend special screening of Padmaavat.Photo by Yogen Shah (WION)
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Alia also said that she is already eagerly waiting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s next magical piece.&nbsp;

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Sanjay sir you have nailed it once again with the world you&rsquo;ve given us! Can&rsquo;t wait for your next magical piece already! Running out of big beautiful words to describe your films ☺️???? Thank you for this experience :) ✨✨✨✨ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanjayLeelaBhansali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanjayLeelaBhansali</a>
&mdash; Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) <a href="https://twitter.com/aliaa08/status/956354220625661952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The actress is currently working on Zoya Akhtar&#39;s Gully Boy and Ayan Mukerji&#39;s Brahmastra. She also has Meghna Gulzar&#39;s Raazi which is slated for a May release.&nbsp;

The actress couldn't stop gushing over Ranveer, Deepika and Shahid's performances.

Alia Bhatt can't stop gushing over Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat. The actress watched the film on Wednesday night along with her Brahmastra co-star Ranbir Kapoor at a special screening and later took to Twitter to praise the lead actors and the film's director. "Ranveer Singh you magnificent person! How you’ve done this??? Epic epic epic! Blown me away and how! Pure magic in Padmavat!!!!!! (sic)" Alia wrote to her Gully Boy co-star. Ranveer Singh you magnificent person! How you’ve done this??? Epic epic epic! Blown me away and how! Pure magic in Padmavat!!!!!! ???????????????? @RanveerOfficial #Padmavat — Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) January 25, 2018 × Photo by Yogen Shah (WION) × Calling Deepika Padukone stunning, Alia praised the actress for emoting with her eyes. Alia also praised her Udta Punjab co-star and friend Shahid Kapoor. " And last but definitely not the least my dear friend @shahidkapoor!!!! How you manage to make every character look like you belong there amazes me. Gave me soo many moments of gooseflesh!(sic)" DP ???? how can a human being look soooooo stunning!!! But what’s even more stunning is your strength and your eyes and everything you did in this film! @deepikapadukone ❤️❤️❤️ — Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) January 25, 2018 × And last but definitely not the least my dear friend @shahidkapoor!!!! How you manage to make every character look like you belong there amazes me. ???????? Gave me soo many moments of goose flesh! ???? #Padmaavat — Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) January 25, 2018 × Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor attend special screening of Padmaavat.Photo by Yogen Shah (WION) × Alia also said that she is already eagerly waiting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next magical piece. Sanjay sir you have nailed it once again with the world you’ve given us! Can’t wait for your next magical piece already! Running out of big beautiful words to describe your films ☺️???? Thank you for this experience :) ✨✨✨✨ #SanjayLeelaBhansali — Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) January 25, 2018 × The actress is currently working on Zoya Akhtar's Gully Boy and Ayan Mukerji's Brahmastra. She also has Meghna Gulzar's Raazi which is slated for a May release.

Alia Bhatt watches Padmaavat with Ranbir Kapoor; showers praise on the cast and director

Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s controversial Padmaavat released in theatres today amid tight security. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-out-today-no-show-in-4-big-states-30703">While four states</a>- Goa, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh - have decided not to release the film in their states, heavy security could be seen in almost every cinema hall in cities where the film released.&nbsp; 
 
Most morning shows saw 40-60% occupancy and trade analysts have predicted that the long weekend ahead will see more footfall.&nbsp; 
 
Incidentally, the first day also saw the film being live streamed on Facebook. A page on Facebook called the &#39;Jaaton Ka Adda&#39; streamed the entire movie on their Facebook, reported India Today.&nbsp; 
 
The live video was shared by nearly 1500 people and got 3.5 lakh views.&nbsp;The page, though, later deleted the video.&nbsp;&quot; Uploading again soon,&quot; said one post on the page.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-releases-amid-high-security-viewers-wonder-whats-the-fuss-about-30748">Also </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-releases-amid-high-security-viewers-wonder-whats-the-fuss-about-30748">see:</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-releases-amid-high-security-viewers-wonder-whats-the-fuss-about-30748">&nbsp;Padmaavat releases amid high security; viewers wonder what&#39;s the fuss about</a> 
 
Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat has been mired in controversy since the time the film began shooting in January 2017. The film was earlier scheduled to release on December 1 but owing to protests and opposition from state governments and fringe groups, the film was cleared by CBFC for a January release.&nbsp;

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial Padmaavat released in theatres today amid tight security.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial Padmaavat released in theatres today amid tight security. While four states- Goa, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh - have decided not to release the film in their states, heavy security could be seen in almost every cinema hall in cities where the film released. Most morning shows saw 40-60% occupancy and trade analysts have predicted that the long weekend ahead will see more footfall. Incidentally, the first day also saw the film being live streamed on Facebook. A page on Facebook called the 'Jaaton Ka Adda' streamed the entire movie on their Facebook, reported India Today. The live video was shared by nearly 1500 people and got 3.5 lakh views. The page, though, later deleted the video. " Uploading again soon," said one post on the page. Also see: Padmaavat releases amid high security; viewers wonder what's the fuss about Bhansali's Padmaavat has been mired in controversy since the time the film began shooting in January 2017. The film was earlier scheduled to release on December 1 but owing to protests and opposition from state governments and fringe groups, the film was cleared by CBFC for a January release.

Padmaavat live-streamed on Facebook on the first day of its release

The Gurgaon police on Thursday arrested 18 persons for yesterday&rsquo;s attack on a school bus, DGP Haryana&nbsp;BS Sandhu&nbsp;said.

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18 people have been arrested in connection with attack on a school bus and torching of a Haryana Roadways bus in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gurugram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gurugram</a> yesterday, case registered: BS Sandhu, DGP Haryana <a href="https://t.co/BTxUtJHK3Q">pic.twitter.com/BTxUtJHK3Q</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/956470126991228928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Wednesday, a frenzied&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-frenzied-mob-attacks-school-bus-in-gurugram-30682">mob attacked a bus full of school kids in Gurgaon</a>&nbsp;protesting the release of Bollywood film Padmaavat. The bus was damaged as the protesters hurled stones at it.

The bus belonging to GD Goenka World School came under attack as it drove past the mob that had just torched a Haryana Roadways bus.

30 students and three teachers of GD Goenka World School, Sohna Road became the targets of an unruly mob on Wednesday afternoon in Bhondsi.&nbsp;

Apart from the teacher and students, a caretaker was also present on the bus.

This incident of hooliganism occurred despite Haryana Police claims that nobody would be allowed to disrupt peace in the state in the wake of the controversial movie&#39;s release tomorrow.

After the attack on a school bus by anti-Padmaavat&nbsp;protestors, some reputed schools in Gurgaon have decided to remain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-row-after-attack-on-school-bus-big-gurgaon-schools-shut-till-sunday-30696">shut till Sunday </a>in view of the violence over the controversial film&#39;s release.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/should-we-remain-silent-when-our-children-are-attacked-kejriwal-asks-after-gurgaon-bus-attack-30738">Delhi Chief Minister</a>&nbsp;Arvind Kejriwal reacted to the horrific incident of the Gurgaon bus attack and called it &#39;shameful&#39;.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-cause-big-enough-to-justify-violence-against-children-says-rahul-after-attack-on-gurgaon-school-bus-30698">Rahul Gandhi</a> also took to Twitter to express his anguish and blamed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP for the ongoing violence. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Congress president stated that violence and hatred are the weapons of the weak. The BJP&#39;s use of hatred and violence is setting our entire country on fire, he tweeted.

Tension continues to simmer across the country as Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s&nbsp;Padmaavat&nbsp;releases today.&nbsp;

30 students and three teachers of GD Goenka World School, Sohna Road became the targets of an unruly mob on Wednesday afternoon in Bhondsi

The Gurgaon police on Thursday arrested 18 persons for yesterday’s attack on a school bus, DGP Haryana BS Sandhu said. 18 people have been arrested in connection with attack on a school bus and torching of a Haryana Roadways bus in #Gurugram yesterday, case registered: BS Sandhu, DGP Haryana pic.twitter.com/BTxUtJHK3Q — ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018 × On Wednesday, a frenzied mob attacked a bus full of school kids in Gurgaon protesting the release of Bollywood film Padmaavat. The bus was damaged as the protesters hurled stones at it. The bus belonging to GD Goenka World School came under attack as it drove past the mob that had just torched a Haryana Roadways bus. 30 students and three teachers of GD Goenka World School, Sohna Road became the targets of an unruly mob on Wednesday afternoon in Bhondsi. Apart from the teacher and students, a caretaker was also present on the bus. This incident of hooliganism occurred despite Haryana Police claims that nobody would be allowed to disrupt peace in the state in the wake of the controversial movie's release tomorrow. After the attack on a school bus by anti-Padmaavat protestors, some reputed schools in Gurgaon have decided to remain shut till Sunday in view of the violence over the controversial film's release. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal reacted to the horrific incident of the Gurgaon bus attack and called it 'shameful'. Rahul Gandhi also took to Twitter to express his anguish and blamed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP for the ongoing violence. The Congress president stated that violence and hatred are the weapons of the weak. The BJP's use of hatred and violence is setting our entire country on fire, he tweeted. Tension continues to simmer across the country as Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat releases today.

18 arrested after attack on a school bus in Gurugram

`Behind every successful man, there`s a woman`- Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput prove it time and again.Justifying the proverb yet again, Mira, ahead of the release of `Padmaavat`, said that the movie is &quot;homage to the Rajput tradition and culture.&quot; 
 
&quot;First and foremost, I am extremely proud to see Shahid essay that role and do so much justice and more to it. Watching him on screen was such a visual treat. Without any biases, I would say, he is the best thing in the film,&quot; she added while speaking to media at an award ceremony. 
 
Adding on to it, the `Haider` star said that his wife was a great support as he took up a challenging character like Maha Rawal Ratan Singh.&quot;I have always said that I was very nervous before doing the film. I was new to this team. The role I am essaying, Maha Rawal Ratan Singh, people don`t know much about it. For a year, people went on asking me about my role in the film. My wife was a huge support for me. She has always told me, `Shahid, go out there and express yourself`. I have tried to do that in last 1.5 years. It is a very important film for me.&quot; 
 
&quot;Honestly, it`s not the most author-backed role in the film. So taking up such a role and getting appreciations for that, is an amazing moment,&quot; he added.

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When asked about why he terms his character least `author-backed role`, Shahid said, &quot;I don`t want to get into the details of it. But yes, it was the least known of the three characters (played by Deepika, Ranveer and Shahid). On the basis of my understanding, it was tough to portray this kind of character.&quot; 
 
On another note, Shahid and Mira, popularly known as ShaMira, gave the ultimate couple goal at the awards night with their colour-coordinated outfits.While Mira stunned in a white gown, Shahid, who won the `India`s most stylish male` award, looked dapper in a black-and-white checkered suit.&nbsp;

'I am extremely proud to see Shahid essay that role and do so much justice and more to it, said Mira

`Behind every successful man, there`s a woman`- Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput prove it time and again.Justifying the proverb yet again, Mira, ahead of the release of `Padmaavat`, said that the movie is "homage to the Rajput tradition and culture." "First and foremost, I am extremely proud to see Shahid essay that role and do so much justice and more to it. Watching him on screen was such a visual treat. Without any biases, I would say, he is the best thing in the film," she added while speaking to media at an award ceremony. Adding on to it, the `Haider` star said that his wife was a great support as he took up a challenging character like Maha Rawal Ratan Singh."I have always said that I was very nervous before doing the film. I was new to this team. The role I am essaying, Maha Rawal Ratan Singh, people don`t know much about it. For a year, people went on asking me about my role in the film. My wife was a huge support for me. She has always told me, `Shahid, go out there and express yourself`. I have tried to do that in last 1.5 years. It is a very important film for me." "Honestly, it`s not the most author-backed role in the film. So taking up such a role and getting appreciations for that, is an amazing moment," he added. A post shared by Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor) on Jan 24, 2018 at 9:15am PST × When asked about why he terms his character least `author-backed role`, Shahid said, "I don`t want to get into the details of it. But yes, it was the least known of the three characters (played by Deepika, Ranveer and Shahid). On the basis of my understanding, it was tough to portray this kind of character." On another note, Shahid and Mira, popularly known as ShaMira, gave the ultimate couple goal at the awards night with their colour-coordinated outfits.While Mira stunned in a white gown, Shahid, who won the `India`s most stylish male` award, looked dapper in a black-and-white checkered suit.

'Padmaavat'' is homage to Rajput tradition, says Shahid Kapoor's wife Mira Rajput

Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat finally opened today amid tight security and palpable tension but audiences streamed into theatres across the country to watch the film that has the nation agog. 
 
Initial <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-releases-protesters-brandish-swords-owners-say-movie-halls-full-30721">reports suggested </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-releases-protesters-brandish-swords-owners-say-movie-halls-full-30721">good</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-releases-protesters-brandish-swords-owners-say-movie-halls-full-30721"> business for the film,</a> which has been the focal point of protests by various Rajput groups, which allege that it distorts their history and defames their queen Padmavati. 
 
While the occupancy in Delhi was around 60 to 70 percent for the first show at 9 am, in Mumbai it was lower at 40-45 percent.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/padmaavat-releasing-in-pakistan-without-cuts-30744">Also see: Padmaavat to release in Pakistan without cuts</a> 
 
Shows later in the day, including late night, were almost packed. Given that it&#39;s a long weekend, trade analysts were hopeful that business would be good. 
 
&quot;The response has been positive so far. We are hopeful it will increase during the day and in the evening,&quot; Mumbai-based Nitin Datar, a member of the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India, told PTI. 
 
Many of those who watched the film condemned the violence of the last few weeks, particularly the stoning of a school bus in Gurgaon yesterday, and said the film has nothing objectionable in it. 
 
In some halls, like the Satyam cineplex in west Delhi, the entire front row was occupied by uniformed security personnel. The hall also had bouncers. 
 
The Rs 150 crore Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film is a period drama based on 16th century poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi&#39;s epic Padmavat. 
 
Deepika Padukone plays Rani Padmavati in the film, which also features Shahid Kapoor as Maha Rawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji. 
 
A Rajput viewer, who requested anonymity, made it a point to watch the first show in Mumbai&#39;s Cinepolis and said it was an &quot;excellent&quot; effort by Bhansali and actually glorifies their culture. 
 
He also said there was nothing offensive in the movie, or in the Ghoomar&nbsp;song. 
 
&quot;I am a Rajput and it pains me to see why people are behaving the way they are over this film. The violence, the threats, all are unnecessary and sad. We don&#39;t and can never support that,&quot; he said. 
 
Chunky Mehta, who also watched the film in the same theatre, said it presents the Rajput community in a good light and it is a &quot;shame&quot; that some people are creating an unsafe atmosphere. 
 
&quot;It is a one time watch film. But any sensible person watching the film can say that there is nothing wrong or bad in the film,&quot; he added.

Also see: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-deepika-padukone-shares-photo-with-main-man-on-padmaavat-release-date-30724">Deepika </a>and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-ahead-of-padmaavat-release-ranveer-singh-writes-a-heartfelt-note-30722">Ranveer write heartfelt messages</a> ahead of Padmaavat release 
 
Dhruv Singh, who hails from Rajasthan, which has seen several violent protests, referred to the &quot;dream sequence&quot; between Padmavati and Khilji, which several groups had objected to despite Bhansali clarifying that there was no such scene.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-controversy-rajput-women-seek-presidents-permission-to-end-lives-30710">Also see:&nbsp;Rajput women ask President&#39;s permission to end lives</a>

&quot;There was not a single dream sequence in the film so I don&#39;t know what the fuss is all about. The attack on children, burning buses is not something we Rajputs endorse. It is shameful what&#39;s happening.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568">Read Padmaavat review here</a> 
 
&quot;I would request people to not be scared and come out and watch the film. I hope the protests can finally stop,&quot; he said. 
 
Delhi audiences seemed to be in agreement.&nbsp;&quot;The movie is quite surreal. It has been shot beautifully. There is no dream sequence in the movie nor is there any scene featuring Ranveer and Deepika. The protests are wrong,&quot; Varun, a professional workng in MNC, said outside PVR Plaza. 
 
A young couple was also in the audience at the early morning show and had booked their tickets in advance. 
 
&quot;After watching the film we felt all this violence and protests are irrelevant. There is nothing offensive about the film,&quot; said the man, who asked not to be named. 
 
Priya, a college student, said Bhansali honours &quot;women power&quot; in his latest film. 
 
&quot;The way Bhansali has created Padmavati is beautiful. The female characters are really strong. I really liked Deepika in the film,&quot; she said. 
 
Banker Vineet, who was queuing up to go in, said he was not scared and would not miss the film just because of the unrest created by groups like the Karni Sena.&nbsp;&quot;I believe in the Constitution and I am not scared to watch this movie. I trust our police. After I see the film, I will also ask my friends to watch it as soon as possible,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

A Rajput viewer, who requested anonymity, made it a point to watch the first show in Mumbai's Cinepolis and said it was an "excellent" effort by Bhansali.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat finally opened today amid tight security and palpable tension but audiences streamed into theatres across the country to watch the film that has the nation agog. Initial reports suggested good business for the film, which has been the focal point of protests by various Rajput groups, which allege that it distorts their history and defames their queen Padmavati. While the occupancy in Delhi was around 60 to 70 percent for the first show at 9 am, in Mumbai it was lower at 40-45 percent. Also see: Padmaavat to release in Pakistan without cuts Shows later in the day, including late night, were almost packed. Given that it's a long weekend, trade analysts were hopeful that business would be good. "The response has been positive so far. We are hopeful it will increase during the day and in the evening," Mumbai-based Nitin Datar, a member of the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India, told PTI. Many of those who watched the film condemned the violence of the last few weeks, particularly the stoning of a school bus in Gurgaon yesterday, and said the film has nothing objectionable in it. In some halls, like the Satyam cineplex in west Delhi, the entire front row was occupied by uniformed security personnel. The hall also had bouncers. The Rs 150 crore Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film is a period drama based on 16th century poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi's epic Padmavat. Deepika Padukone plays Rani Padmavati in the film, which also features Shahid Kapoor as Maha Rawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji. A Rajput viewer, who requested anonymity, made it a point to watch the first show in Mumbai's Cinepolis and said it was an "excellent" effort by Bhansali and actually glorifies their culture. He also said there was nothing offensive in the movie, or in the Ghoomar song. "I am a Rajput and it pains me to see why people are behaving the way they are over this film. The violence, the threats, all are unnecessary and sad. We don't and can never support that," he said. Chunky Mehta, who also watched the film in the same theatre, said it presents the Rajput community in a good light and it is a "shame" that some people are creating an unsafe atmosphere. "It is a one time watch film. But any sensible person watching the film can say that there is nothing wrong or bad in the film," he added. Also see: Deepika and Ranveer write heartfelt messages ahead of Padmaavat release Dhruv Singh, who hails from Rajasthan, which has seen several violent protests, referred to the "dream sequence" between Padmavati and Khilji, which several groups had objected to despite Bhansali clarifying that there was no such scene. Also see: Rajput women ask President's permission to end lives "There was not a single dream sequence in the film so I don't know what the fuss is all about. The attack on children, burning buses is not something we Rajputs endorse. It is shameful what's happening. Read Padmaavat review here "I would request people to not be scared and come out and watch the film. I hope the protests can finally stop," he said. Delhi audiences seemed to be in agreement. "The movie is quite surreal. It has been shot beautifully. There is no dream sequence in the movie nor is there any scene featuring Ranveer and Deepika. The protests are wrong," Varun, a professional workng in MNC, said outside PVR Plaza. A young couple was also in the audience at the early morning show and had booked their tickets in advance. "After watching the film we felt all this violence and protests are irrelevant. There is nothing offensive about the film," said the man, who asked not to be named. Priya, a college student, said Bhansali honours "women power" in his latest film. "The way Bhansali has created Padmavati is beautiful. The female characters are really strong. I really liked Deepika in the film," she said. Banker Vineet, who was queuing up to go in, said he was not scared and would not miss the film just because of the unrest created by groups like the Karni Sena. "I believe in the Constitution and I am not scared to watch this movie. I trust our police. After I see the film, I will also ask my friends to watch it as soon as possible," he said.

Padmaavat releases amid high security; viewers wonder what's the fuss about

The highly controversial movie Padmaavat released Thursday under heavy security, however, the members of the Karni Sena continued to engage in non-violent&nbsp;protests.&nbsp;

Amidst the violent protest, the president of the&nbsp;Kshatriya community took a verbal attack on Deepika Padukone.&nbsp;

Kshatriya Mahasabha&nbsp;President Gajendra Singh said to award Rs 1 crore to someone who would chop off&nbsp;Deepika Padukone&#39;s ears and&nbsp;nose.&nbsp;

He said &quot; Kshatriya community&nbsp;will contribute&nbsp;and&nbsp;give&nbsp;the&nbsp;person&nbsp;a reward of Rs 1 Crore&nbsp;who chops off&nbsp;Deepika Padukone&#39;s ears and nose&quot;.

On the day of the release protesters flaunted swords, burnt tyres, staged bike rally to show their disapproval for the movie release.&nbsp;

Padmaavat was a no-show in four states. Cinema hall owners in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa have refused to screen the movie saying they fear violence.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Kshatriya community will contribute &amp; give the person a reward of Rs 1 Crore who chops off Deepika Padukone&#39;s ears and nose: Gajendra Singh, President Kshatriya Mahasabha (24.1.2018) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> <a href="https://t.co/OP9R4EmaG1">pic.twitter.com/OP9R4EmaG1</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/956460292954734593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He said 'Kshatriya community will contribute and give the person a reward of Rs 1 Crore who chops off Deepika Padukone's ears and nose'

The highly controversial movie Padmaavat released Thursday under heavy security, however, the members of the Karni Sena continued to engage in non-violent protests. Amidst the violent protest, the president of the Kshatriya community took a verbal attack on Deepika Padukone. Kshatriya Mahasabha President Gajendra Singh said to award Rs 1 crore to someone who would chop off Deepika Padukone's ears and nose. He said " Kshatriya community will contribute and give the person a reward of Rs 1 Crore who chops off Deepika Padukone's ears and nose". On the day of the release protesters flaunted swords, burnt tyres, staged bike rally to show their disapproval for the movie release. Padmaavat was a no-show in four states. Cinema hall owners in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa have refused to screen the movie saying they fear violence. Kshatriya community will contribute & give the person a reward of Rs 1 Crore who chops off Deepika Padukone's ears and nose: Gajendra Singh, President Kshatriya Mahasabha (24.1.2018) #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/OP9R4EmaG1 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 25, 2018 ×

Will award Rs 1 cr to someone who chops off Deepika Padukone's ears, nose: Kshatriya Mahasabha President

Right-wing Hindu groups intensified protests against the release of a controversial Bollywood film &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-protests-mobs-go-on-rampage-in-ahmedabad-30572">Padmaavat</a>&quot; amid heightened police presence in various states on Wednesday, a day after the Supreme Court refused to allow some states to ban the film.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-releases-tomorrow-security-beefed-up-30596">Protests against the film</a> turned increasingly violent late on Tuesday with vandalism around a number of multiplexes in Gujarat and dozens of motorcycles being set on fire around malls that house theatres.

Groups critical of the project have accused its director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, of distorting history by portraying a Muslim ruler as the &quot;lover&quot; of Queen Padmavati of the Hindu Rajput warrior clan. The filmmakers deny the accusation.

The police had to open fire to disperse crowds on Tuesday night and protests are expected to continue in various parts of the country ahead of the release of the film on January 25.&nbsp;

In Chhattisgarh, dozens of members of Rajput community staged protests and burned an effigy of Bhansali on Tuesday evening, Rakesh Singh Bais of the community group Sarwa Kshatriya Mahasabha told Reuters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568" target="_blank">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568" target="_blank">&nbsp;review: Ranveer Singh shines in Bhansali&#39;s visually grand historical saga</a>

The members of the communities and from Hindu organisations will form a human chain on Wednesday and stage a motorcycle rally to give cinema hall owners final warnings, Bais said.

OP&nbsp;Galhotra, the director general of police for Rajasthan, said they have information that members of the Karni Sena and other Rajput groups were planning a protest in various parts of the state against the movie.

&quot;We have been talking to the leaders of the Karni Sena and they don`t want to end their protest...we have decided to allow them to hold small protests, and have made adequate arrangements to maintain law and order,&quot; Galhotra said.

Rajvansh Singh, the district secretary of the Karni Sena in the city of Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, said he is the custodian of the respect of Hindu Rajput women and anyone trying to depict history as fiction will have to pay a price for their mistake.

&quot;We will not allow the movie to be released, the director thinks he can change the name and release his film this makes no sense. Queen Padmini is like our goddess, no one will be allowed to insult our goddess and our Hindu pride.&quot;&nbsp;

Protests against the film turned increasingly violent late on Tuesday with vandalism around a number of multiplexes in Gujarat

Right-wing Hindu groups intensified protests against the release of a controversial Bollywood film "Padmaavat" amid heightened police presence in various states on Wednesday, a day after the Supreme Court refused to allow some states to ban the film. Protests against the film turned increasingly violent late on Tuesday with vandalism around a number of multiplexes in Gujarat and dozens of motorcycles being set on fire around malls that house theatres. Groups critical of the project have accused its director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, of distorting history by portraying a Muslim ruler as the "lover" of Queen Padmavati of the Hindu Rajput warrior clan. The filmmakers deny the accusation. The police had to open fire to disperse crowds on Tuesday night and protests are expected to continue in various parts of the country ahead of the release of the film on January 25. In Chhattisgarh, dozens of members of Rajput community staged protests and burned an effigy of Bhansali on Tuesday evening, Rakesh Singh Bais of the community group Sarwa Kshatriya Mahasabha told Reuters. Also read: Padmaavat review: Ranveer Singh shines in Bhansali's visually grand historical saga The members of the communities and from Hindu organisations will form a human chain on Wednesday and stage a motorcycle rally to give cinema hall owners final warnings, Bais said. OP Galhotra, the director general of police for Rajasthan, said they have information that members of the Karni Sena and other Rajput groups were planning a protest in various parts of the state against the movie. "We have been talking to the leaders of the Karni Sena and they don`t want to end their protest...we have decided to allow them to hold small protests, and have made adequate arrangements to maintain law and order," Galhotra said. Rajvansh Singh, the district secretary of the Karni Sena in the city of Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, said he is the custodian of the respect of Hindu Rajput women and anyone trying to depict history as fiction will have to pay a price for their mistake. "We will not allow the movie to be released, the director thinks he can change the name and release his film this makes no sense. Queen Padmini is like our goddess, no one will be allowed to insult our goddess and our Hindu pride."

Padmaavat release row: Hindu groups call for all-India protest ahead of release

It&#39;s not easy to write a balanced review of a film when it has been in the public eye for some months, and for reasons that have little to do with the film and are more about sectarian sentiment.&nbsp; It&#39;s quite obvious which film I am referring to, Padmaavat, which is alleged to Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s magnum opus? &nbsp;

&nbsp;

A section of &lsquo;Rajputs&rsquo; has decided without seeing the film, that it insults their community.&nbsp; Others were either dragged or got into the act. The sundry politicians, the media, sections of the public, not to forget the judiciary all had to do something with the film.

&nbsp;

So at the risk of being trolled by any or all of them, here&#39;s my take on Padmaavat.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;Sans the extreme reactions from sections of the public in the name of Rajputana glory, &lsquo;Padmaavat&rsquo; would have been just another Bhansali extravaganza, complete with his trademark grand sets, opulent costumes and self-indulgent puffery.&nbsp; Frankly, there is nothing special in the film which is not obvious to the lay viewer.&nbsp; Of course, the 3-D experience is the game changer but it depends if you want all that in a movie.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;The film is 163 minutes long, which is quite a stretch given that the current Bollywood trend favours movies that are a crisp 90-100 minutes as has been the Hollywood practice for many years.&nbsp; Padmaavat lacks the popular &quot;three-act play&quot; touch, meaning there are at least two to three turning points in the film that keep the viewers engaged. Typically, the first 50 minutes of the film will tell you where the story is going and the possible end.&nbsp; But Padmaavat stretches that, going on and on about Rajput valour for nearly three hours.&nbsp; Sound, spectacle and impassioned dialogue about honour and chivalry among Rajputs cannot sustain for long.&nbsp; In fact, it&#39;s boring.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;The film has nothing against Rajput &quot;Aan Baan aur Shaan&quot;.&nbsp; It is just about principally obsessed Rajputs, their refusal to compromise on honour or the rules of war, and their readiness to die for that. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;An unpredictable performer Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji wins your heart.&nbsp; He is a screen stopper.&nbsp; Deepika Padukone has done justice to the character of Padmavati.&nbsp; Her eyes convey the full gamut of emotions.&nbsp; Shahid Kapoor as the Rajput king Ratan Singh also leaves his mark.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;Which brings me back to the controversy surrounding the film.&nbsp; What on earth was the hue and cry all about?&nbsp; If anybody, it&#39;s the film producers and distributors who may have benefited from the protests and outright vandalism in the streets.&nbsp; Padmaavat reportedly cost Rs.200 crore to make, that money may well return with a handsome bonus.&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;The film releases on January 25th.&nbsp; Theatres in many cities have reported full houses. But don&rsquo;t worry if you haven&#39;t yet managed a ticket.&nbsp; Wait a few days for reviews from the public, believe me, you may not have a problem with tickets thereafter. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

M rating: 2.5 stars out of 5.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sans the extreme reactions from sections of the public in the name of Rajputana glory, ‘Padmaavat’ would have been just another Bhansali extravaganza.

It's not easy to write a balanced review of a film when it has been in the public eye for some months, and for reasons that have little to do with the film and are more about sectarian sentiment. It's quite obvious which film I am referring to, Padmaavat, which is alleged to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus? A section of ‘Rajputs’ has decided without seeing the film, that it insults their community. Others were either dragged or got into the act. The sundry politicians, the media, sections of the public, not to forget the judiciary all had to do something with the film. So at the risk of being trolled by any or all of them, here's my take on Padmaavat. Sans the extreme reactions from sections of the public in the name of Rajputana glory, ‘Padmaavat’ would have been just another Bhansali extravaganza, complete with his trademark grand sets, opulent costumes and self-indulgent puffery. Frankly, there is nothing special in the film which is not obvious to the lay viewer. Of course, the 3-D experience is the game changer but it depends if you want all that in a movie. The film is 163 minutes long, which is quite a stretch given that the current Bollywood trend favours movies that are a crisp 90-100 minutes as has been the Hollywood practice for many years. Padmaavat lacks the popular "three-act play" touch, meaning there are at least two to three turning points in the film that keep the viewers engaged. Typically, the first 50 minutes of the film will tell you where the story is going and the possible end. But Padmaavat stretches that, going on and on about Rajput valour for nearly three hours. Sound, spectacle and impassioned dialogue about honour and chivalry among Rajputs cannot sustain for long. In fact, it's boring. The film has nothing against Rajput "Aan Baan aur Shaan". It is just about principally obsessed Rajputs, their refusal to compromise on honour or the rules of war, and their readiness to die for that. An unpredictable performer Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji wins your heart. He is a screen stopper. Deepika Padukone has done justice to the character of Padmavati. Her eyes convey the full gamut of emotions. Shahid Kapoor as the Rajput king Ratan Singh also leaves his mark. Which brings me back to the controversy surrounding the film. What on earth was the hue and cry all about? If anybody, it's the film producers and distributors who may have benefited from the protests and outright vandalism in the streets. Padmaavat reportedly cost Rs.200 crore to make, that money may well return with a handsome bonus. The film releases on January 25th. Theatres in many cities have reported full houses. But don’t worry if you haven't yet managed a ticket. Wait a few days for reviews from the public, believe me, you may not have a problem with tickets thereafter. M rating: 2.5 stars out of 5. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: There is nothing in Padmaavat to evoke violent protests

Gurugram Police on Saturday detained Karni Sena chief Thakur Kushalpal in connection with the incidents of violence as a protest against the recently released &#39;Padmaavat&#39;.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gurugram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gurugram</a> Karni Sena Chief Thakur Kushalpal detained by police in connection of incidents of violence in the city <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/957176517724839936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Karni Sena&nbsp;is protesting against the film since it started filming with claims that the film presents distorted historical facts.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-fallout-censor-board-chief-prasoon-joshi-skips-zee-jaipur-literature-festival-30895">Censor board chief Prasoon Joshi skips Zee Jaipur Literature Festival after </a>&#39;P<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-fallout-censor-board-chief-prasoon-joshi-skips-zee-jaipur-literature-festival-30895">admaavat</a>&#39;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-fallout-censor-board-chief-prasoon-joshi-skips-zee-jaipur-literature-festival-30895">&nbsp;fallout</a>

On Wednesday, a mob of 60 people attacked a bus full of school kids and teachers in Gurugram in protest against the release of &quot;Padmaavat&quot;.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-how-sanjay-leela-bhansali-plays-to-the-gallery-with-padmaavat-30890">How Sanjay Leela Bhansali plays to the gallery with </a>&#39;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-how-sanjay-leela-bhansali-plays-to-the-gallery-with-padmaavat-30890">Padmaavat</a>&#39;

On January 25, the police took into custody 23 people for the stone pelting and charged them with rioting and attempt to murder.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;mob attackers were reportedly from the Rajput Karni Sena.

A&nbsp;special investigation team has been formed under the supervision of DCP South Ashol Bakshi to probe the case.

Also read: S<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-row-supreme-court-to-hear-contempt-plea-against-no-show-in-4-states-30717">upreme Court to hear contempt petition against 4 states for no-show</a>

Haryana BJP media coordinator&nbsp;Suraj Pal Amu who warned the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-padmaavat-is-released-the-country-will-fall-apart-suraj-pal-amu-29932"> country will fall if &#39;Padamaavat&#39;</a>&nbsp;g<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-padmaavat-is-released-the-country-will-fall-apart-suraj-pal-amu-29932">ets a release </a>was also arrested and is in judicial custody&nbsp;till January 29.

The national secretary of the Shree Karni Sena, Suraj Pal Amu,&nbsp;has also been arrested.

&quot;Padmaavat&quot;&nbsp;finally released on January 25 under heavy security.

In Haryana some movie halls decided not to show the movie, PVR cinemas of Gurugram&#39;s ambience mall was one of them.

However, the entire controversy worked in favour of the film as viewers came in big numbers to watch the film in curiosity behind the uproar.

Next week, the Supreme court will be hearing a case against Karni Sena for the ruckus they have created in different parts of the country after a contempt petition was filed against them.

 
&nbsp;

Karni Sena is protesting against the film since it started filming with claims that film presents distorted historical facts

Gurugram Police on Saturday detained Karni Sena chief Thakur Kushalpal in connection with the incidents of violence as a protest against the recently released 'Padmaavat'. #Gurugram Karni Sena Chief Thakur Kushalpal detained by police in connection of incidents of violence in the city #Padmaavat — ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2018 × Karni Sena is protesting against the film since it started filming with claims that the film presents distorted historical facts. Also read: Censor board chief Prasoon Joshi skips Zee Jaipur Literature Festival after 'Padmaavat' fallout On Wednesday, a mob of 60 people attacked a bus full of school kids and teachers in Gurugram in protest against the release of "Padmaavat". Also read: How Sanjay Leela Bhansali plays to the gallery with 'Padmaavat' On January 25, the police took into custody 23 people for the stone pelting and charged them with rioting and attempt to murder. The mob attackers were reportedly from the Rajput Karni Sena. A special investigation team has been formed under the supervision of DCP South Ashol Bakshi to probe the case. Also read: Supreme Court to hear contempt petition against 4 states for no-show Haryana BJP media coordinator Suraj Pal Amu who warned the country will fall if 'Padamaavat' gets a release was also arrested and is in judicial custody till January 29. The national secretary of the Shree Karni Sena, Suraj Pal Amu, has also been arrested. "Padmaavat" finally released on January 25 under heavy security. In Haryana some movie halls decided not to show the movie, PVR cinemas of Gurugram's ambience mall was one of them. However, the entire controversy worked in favour of the film as viewers came in big numbers to watch the film in curiosity behind the uproar. Next week, the Supreme court will be hearing a case against Karni Sena for the ruckus they have created in different parts of the country after a contempt petition was filed against them.

Padmaavat row: Karni Sena chief Thakur Kushalpal detained by Gurugram police

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kentucky-school-shooting-leaves-two-students-dead-30558">Two dead, over a dozen wounded in Kentucky school shooting</a>

A teenage boy opened fire with a handgun at a Kentucky high school early Tuesday, killing two fellow students and wounding more than a dozen people in the latest mass shooting to hit the United States.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-parties-may-initiate-cjis-impeachment-sitaram-yechury-30563">Opposition parties may call for CJI&#39;s impeachment: Sitaram Yechury</a>

CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury noted on Tuesday that the opposition is considering pressing for the impeachment of CJI Dipak Misra.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-contradicts-shastri-on-preparation-for-sa-series-30565">Ravi Shastri says India </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-contradicts-shastri-on-preparation-for-sa-series-30565">were</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-contradicts-shastri-on-preparation-for-sa-series-30565"> unprepared for South Africa, Kohli says no</a>

India skipper Virat Kohli today insisted his team didn&#39;t come underprepared for the Test series against South Africa, contradicting coach Ravi Shastri&#39;s views that the side should have spent more time preparing.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mueller-seeks-to-question-trump-on-russia-probe-30552">Mueller looking to question Trump on Russia probe: Report</a>

Special Counsel and former FBI director Robert Mueller probing Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election wants to question President Donald Trump on the issue, a media report said today.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-protests-mobs-go-on-rampage-in-ahmedabad-30572">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-protests-mobs-go-on-rampage-in-ahmedabad-30572"> protests: Mobs go on rampage in Ahmedabad&nbsp;</a>

Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat, has been witnessing a series of protests since a couple of days. The state government&#39;s move to beef-up the security across the state was challenged and toyed with when multiple multiplexes, shops and public property were vandalised by protesters.&nbsp;

Two dead, over a dozen wounded in Kentucky school shooting A teenage boy opened fire with a handgun at a Kentucky high school early Tuesday, killing two fellow students and wounding more than a dozen people in the latest mass shooting to hit the United States. Opposition parties may call for CJI's impeachment: Sitaram Yechury CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury noted on Tuesday that the opposition is considering pressing for the impeachment of CJI Dipak Misra. Ravi Shastri says India were unprepared for South Africa, Kohli says no India skipper Virat Kohli today insisted his team didn't come underprepared for the Test series against South Africa, contradicting coach Ravi Shastri's views that the side should have spent more time preparing. Mueller looking to question Trump on Russia probe: Report Special Counsel and former FBI director Robert Mueller probing Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election wants to question President Donald Trump on the issue, a media report said today. Padmaavat protests: Mobs go on rampage in Ahmedabad Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat, has been witnessing a series of protests since a couple of days. The state government's move to beef-up the security across the state was challenged and toyed with when multiple multiplexes, shops and public property were vandalised by protesters.

WION Morning News Brief, 24 January 2018

Around 20-25 students of a leading Gurugram school had a narrow escape when a frenzied mob protesting the release of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-not-to-release-in-4-states-says-multiplex-association-of-india-30677">Bollywood film &lsquo;Padmaavat&rsquo; </a>attacked their bus.

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&nbsp;

The G D 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.

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As soon as we came out of the school the bus was attacked. Even the police could not control them. The children somehow took cover inside the bus.: School staff on their school bus attacked by vandals in protest against release of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmavaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmavaat</a> in Gurugram, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Haryana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Haryana</a> <a href="https://t.co/4mebxa2jNB">pic.twitter.com/4mebxa2jNB</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/956192351214477313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Watch: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-gurugram-to-mumbai-violent-protests-rock-cities-ahead-of-padmaavat-release-30621" target="_blank">From Gurugram to Mumbai, violent protests rock cities ahead of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-gurugram-to-mumbai-violent-protests-rock-cities-ahead-of-padmaavat-release-30621" target="_blank">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-gurugram-to-mumbai-violent-protests-rock-cities-ahead-of-padmaavat-release-30621" target="_blank"> release</a> 

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Haryana: A school bus attacked by vandals protesting against release of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmavaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmavaat</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gurugram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gurugram</a> (Pictures from User Video) <a href="https://t.co/rAQTPJaILD">pic.twitter.com/rAQTPJaILD</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/956170164990431232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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When the driver did not comply, the miscreants pelted the vehicle with stones apparently to hurt the children.

The school bus staffer asked the kids to crawl under seats for safety and directed the driver to not stop it, Ravinder Kumar, PRO, Gurugram Police said.

&ldquo;Some of the bus windows shattered and terrified kids cried for help. Fortunately none of the children was hurt in the attack,&rdquo; Kumar said.

He said the situation was now under control.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-sanjay-leela-bhansalis-magnum-opus-finally-to-release-in-theaters-on-january-25th-30663">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-sanjay-leela-bhansalis-magnum-opus-finally-to-release-in-theaters-on-january-25th-30663">&nbsp;:</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-sanjay-leela-bhansalis-magnum-opus-finally-to-release-in-theaters-on-january-25th-30663"> Will Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s magnum opus create magic at the box office?</a>

The attackers also torched a bus in Sohna. They also pelted stones on a fire tender and forced it back when it came to douse the fire, officials said.

Despite prohibitory orders in<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-gurugram-to-mumbai-violent-protests-rock-cities-ahead-of-padmaavat-release-30621"> Gurugram</a>, hundreds of Shree Rajput Karni Sena supporters also protested at Kherki Daula toll plaza on the Delhi-Jaipur National Highway.

Prohibitary orders are already in place in Gurugram, near Haryana, that restrict large gatherings in public area

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 G D 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. As soon as we came out of the school the bus was attacked. Even the police could not control them. The children somehow took cover inside the bus.: School staff on their school bus attacked by vandals in protest against release of #Padmavaat in Gurugram, #Haryana pic.twitter.com/4mebxa2jNB — ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2018 × Watch: From Gurugram to Mumbai, violent protests rock cities ahead of Padmaavat release Haryana: A school bus attacked by vandals protesting against release of #Padmavaat in #Gurugram (Pictures from User Video) pic.twitter.com/rAQTPJaILD — ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2018 × When the driver did not comply, the miscreants pelted the vehicle with stones apparently to hurt the children. The school bus staffer asked the kids to crawl under seats for safety and directed the driver to not stop it, Ravinder Kumar, PRO, Gurugram Police said. “Some of the bus windows shattered and terrified kids cried for help. Fortunately none of the children was hurt in the attack,” Kumar said. He said the situation was now under control. Also read: Padmaavat : Will Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus create magic at the box office? The attackers also torched a bus in Sohna. They also pelted stones on a fire tender and forced it back when it came to douse the fire, officials said. Despite prohibitory orders in Gurugram, hundreds of Shree Rajput Karni Sena supporters also protested at Kherki Daula toll plaza on the Delhi-Jaipur National Highway.

Watch: Anti-Padmaavat mob attacks school bus, school staff say police couldn't control them

With just a day shy of Padmaavat&#39;s release, tension seems to intensify in various parts of the country.&nbsp;

Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat, has been witnessing a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/protestors-vandalise-multiplex-in-ahmedabad-for-screening-padmaavat-30542">series of protests</a> since a couple of days. The state&nbsp;government&#39;s move to beef-up the security across the state was challenged and toyed with when multiple multiplexes, shops and public property&nbsp;were vandalised by protesters.&nbsp;

Tuesday night saw Ahmedabad getting subsumed by chaos as mobs attacked shops, vandalised vehicles and pelted stones.&nbsp;

Wide Angle Multiplex and PVR Cinemas at various locations in the city were attacked. Close to 200 vehicles are reported to have been vandalised.&nbsp;

Deputy CM Nitin Patel urged people not to watch the film and noted that the state government had previously decided to ban the film keeping in view the sentiments of the Rajput community.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568">&nbsp;review: Ranveer Singh shines in Bhansali&#39;s visually grand historical saga</a>

The apex court stay on the ban sparked an outcry in people, he noted.&nbsp;

Most theatre owners in the state had voluntarily decided not to screen Padmaavat, Patel was quoted by PTI.

&quot;We had put up boards saying we won&#39;t screen the film. Still, the mall was attacked by a horde of men,&quot; a mall manager told ANI.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s magnum opus was cleared by the Censor Board last month under the UA certificate.

The Board had also suggested a&nbsp;few modifications in the content of the film without which the film was not allowed a release.&nbsp;

Four states -- Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan -- decided to ban the film, a move which was stayed by the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

The Deepika Padukone starrer is now all set to release&nbsp;tomorrow. Police personnel will be stationed at theatres from January 24 to 26 to ensure Padmaavat&#39;s hassle-free release.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Wide Angle Multiplex and PVR Cinemas at various locations in the city were attacked

With just a day shy of Padmaavat's release, tension seems to intensify in various parts of the country. Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat, has been witnessing a series of protests since a couple of days. The state government's move to beef-up the security across the state was challenged and toyed with when multiple multiplexes, shops and public property were vandalised by protesters. Tuesday night saw Ahmedabad getting subsumed by chaos as mobs attacked shops, vandalised vehicles and pelted stones. Wide Angle Multiplex and PVR Cinemas at various locations in the city were attacked. Close to 200 vehicles are reported to have been vandalised. Deputy CM Nitin Patel urged people not to watch the film and noted that the state government had previously decided to ban the film keeping in view the sentiments of the Rajput community. Also read: Padmaavat review: Ranveer Singh shines in Bhansali's visually grand historical saga The apex court stay on the ban sparked an outcry in people, he noted. Most theatre owners in the state had voluntarily decided not to screen Padmaavat, Patel was quoted by PTI. "We had put up boards saying we won't screen the film. Still, the mall was attacked by a horde of men," a mall manager told ANI. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus was cleared by the Censor Board last month under the UA certificate. The Board had also suggested a few modifications in the content of the film without which the film was not allowed a release. Four states -- Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan -- decided to ban the film, a move which was stayed by the Supreme Court. The Deepika Padukone starrer is now all set to release tomorrow. Police personnel will be stationed at theatres from January 24 to 26 to ensure Padmaavat's hassle-free release. (With inputs from agencies)

Padmaavat protests: Mobs go on rampage in Ahmedabad 

The Multiplex Association of India, which represents about 75% of multiplex owners, has announced that they will not be screening Padmaavat in four states - Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa.

The decision came as Rajput outfits and other fringe elements vandalised malls, burned vehicles, and issued open threats to theatre owners and public in their bid to stall its release, claiming distortion of history.

&ldquo;For us safety of patrons is important. Depending on the scenario, we will see if the atmosphere is safe, then we will play it (in these four states). Things could change (but) at the moment we are looking at safety of people,&rdquo; Deepak Asher, president of the association said.

In Gujarat, theatre owners said that the film would not be screened in any of the multiplexes or single screens till the row was resolved.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-gurugram-to-mumbai-violent-protests-rock-cities-ahead-of-padmaavat-release-30621">Violent protests </a>against the film across the country continued on Wednesday ahead of Padmaavat&#39;s release.&nbsp;

Also see: &nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568">&nbsp;review: Ranveer Singh shines in Bhansali&#39;s visually grand historical saga</a>

Security has been deployed all over the area and major bars and clubs were shut down.&nbsp;

Karni Sena chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karni-sena-chief-we-wont-let-the-film-release-come-what-may-30662">Lokendra Singh Kalvi </a>directed a &ldquo;self-imposed curfew by people&rdquo; to oppose Sanjay Leela Bhansali&rsquo;s movie.

He said: &ldquo;We are adamant on our stand that this film Padmavaat should be banned. January 25 may come and go but we won&rsquo;t let the film release, come what may.&quot;

A group of protestors reportedly pelted stones at a bus belonging to GD Goenka School on Wednesday evening, which was ferrying children at the time of the incident, near Bhondsi, breaking the vehicle&#39;s windows. It was unclear if anyone was wounded in the incident. &nbsp;

A Roadways bus was torched in Haryana, protests were carried out near malls and theatres in Lucknow, while the NH-3 was blocked for a few hours, malls were vandalised on Jammu and Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court had on Tuesday rejected Rajasthan&#39;s final appeal to ban Padmaavat and ordered the government to screen the film.&nbsp;

The movie will not be screened in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa

The Multiplex Association of India, which represents about 75% of multiplex owners, has announced that they will not be screening Padmaavat in four states - Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa. The decision came as Rajput outfits and other fringe elements vandalised malls, burned vehicles, and issued open threats to theatre owners and public in their bid to stall its release, claiming distortion of history. “For us safety of patrons is important. Depending on the scenario, we will see if the atmosphere is safe, then we will play it (in these four states). Things could change (but) at the moment we are looking at safety of people,” Deepak Asher, president of the association said. In Gujarat, theatre owners said that the film would not be screened in any of the multiplexes or single screens till the row was resolved. Violent protests against the film across the country continued on Wednesday ahead of Padmaavat's release. Also see: Padmaavat review: Ranveer Singh shines in Bhansali's visually grand historical saga Security has been deployed all over the area and major bars and clubs were shut down. Karni Sena chief Lokendra Singh Kalvi directed a “self-imposed curfew by people” to oppose Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s movie. He said: “We are adamant on our stand that this film Padmavaat should be banned. January 25 may come and go but we won’t let the film release, come what may." A group of protestors reportedly pelted stones at a bus belonging to GD Goenka School on Wednesday evening, which was ferrying children at the time of the incident, near Bhondsi, breaking the vehicle's windows. It was unclear if anyone was wounded in the incident. A Roadways bus was torched in Haryana, protests were carried out near malls and theatres in Lucknow, while the NH-3 was blocked for a few hours, malls were vandalised on Jammu and Ahmedabad. The Supreme Court had on Tuesday rejected Rajasthan's final appeal to ban Padmaavat and ordered the government to screen the film.

No screening of 'Padmaavat' in 4 states, says Multiplex Association of India

The film industry is in no mood to compromise on its &quot;creative freedom&quot; and fascination towards history, even as the controversy around Padmaavat&nbsp;is far from over. 
 
The Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film, which was originally titled Padmavati, got mired in controversy as soon as the filmmaker started shooting for the project and things took an ugly turn after the first trailer of the movie was released last year. 
 
The unending protests, however, have not affected Bollywood, with celebs such as Ketan Mehta, Sidharth Malhotra and R Madhavan still vouching for period dramas. 
 
&quot;History is a treasure house of stories. We cannot preclude history from creative endeavours. I would like to make a historical film even today,&quot; Mehta told PTI. 
 
The director, who helmed Aamir Khan-starrer 2005 historical biographical drama Mangal Pandey: The Rising&nbsp;and 1993 biographical drama Sardar&nbsp;on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, said considering the wrath Bhansali and his team faced, he will be cautious while making any historical film in future. 
 
&quot;There would be various opinions on any subject. There is no question of censoring yourself even before you start creating something,&quot; he added. 
 
Mehta believes people have become oversensitive today and they need to &quot;liberate their mind&quot; as freedom of expression is a fundamental right. 
 
&quot;People have a right to see a film, just like they have a right to vote. There is a censor board that looks into the matter of clearing films and its sanctity should be retained,&quot; he said. 
 
Producer Kamal Jain, whose next film Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi&nbsp;featuring Kangana Ranaut in the title role, is based on the life of Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi, said cinema has unparallelled capacity to bring history to life. 
&quot;We have a long, respectable history and cinema is the biggest medium to bring it to the people.&quot; 
 
Jain added that while making a historical film, makers should do thorough research and stay true to the subject and even if they take cinematic liberties, they should ensure sentiments of people are not hurt. 
 
&quot;History has to be thoroughly researched. I spent almost six months on research and got a lot of historians on board who authenticated the film. 
 
&quot;You need to look at the perspective. You need to respect the sentiments of the people because at the end of the day cinema will affect somebody&#39;s sentiments,&quot; he said. 
 
Actor Sonu Sood, who played the character of Rajkumar Sujamal in Ashutosh Gowariker-directed Jodhaa Akbar, said chances of a historical drama facing protests are always high, but that should not stop artistes from doing their jobs. 
 
&quot;In today&#39;s times when we try to make historical films we have to make sure that all the references are right. But, even after that one can face opposition like we have seen in the case of Padmaavat&#39;,&quot; he said. 
 
The actor, who will now be seen playing a warrior in Manikarnika..., said working in a period drama is &quot;a great high for any actor&quot;. 
 
&quot;We might find ourselves in a situation where people are opposing it but ultimately periodical films are the ones which need to be made in today&#39;s times,&quot; he added. 
 
Sidharth shared similar views and said getting &quot;scared&quot; by the situation will only &quot;defeat the purpose of why we are in the business.&quot; 
 
The actor said people should not take movies too seriously as it is a form of entertainment and does not aim at starting a revolution. 
 
&quot;... Even though the films that we make (on history), we are not trying to change history. It is unfortunate that a film like Padmaavat&nbsp;has to go through this. 
 
&quot;The threats were uncalled for, we all felt angry when Bhansali and the actors received death threats. It is sad that something like this can happen openly,&quot; he added. 
 
Madhavan and Nimrat Kaur also expressed their desire to explore the genre. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t think actors should be bound by politics in any way. The idea of being an actor and artiste is that you are a reflection of society and world and you bring forth stories to entertain the audience,&quot; Nimrat said. 
 
Madhavan believes it is still safe to do a period or historical film. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t think people should get threatened. With what has happened (to Padmaavat&#39;)... It is not right. It should not happen and is not acceptable,&quot; he said. 
 
Featuring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, Padmaavat&nbsp;will hit the theatres on January 25.

The Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film, which was originally titled Padmavati, got mired in controversy as soon as the filmmaker started shooting for the project

The film industry is in no mood to compromise on its "creative freedom" and fascination towards history, even as the controversy around Padmaavat is far from over. The Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film, which was originally titled Padmavati, got mired in controversy as soon as the filmmaker started shooting for the project and things took an ugly turn after the first trailer of the movie was released last year. The unending protests, however, have not affected Bollywood, with celebs such as Ketan Mehta, Sidharth Malhotra and R Madhavan still vouching for period dramas. "History is a treasure house of stories. We cannot preclude history from creative endeavours. I would like to make a historical film even today," Mehta told PTI. The director, who helmed Aamir Khan-starrer 2005 historical biographical drama Mangal Pandey: The Rising and 1993 biographical drama Sardar on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, said considering the wrath Bhansali and his team faced, he will be cautious while making any historical film in future. "There would be various opinions on any subject. There is no question of censoring yourself even before you start creating something," he added. Mehta believes people have become oversensitive today and they need to "liberate their mind" as freedom of expression is a fundamental right. "People have a right to see a film, just like they have a right to vote. There is a censor board that looks into the matter of clearing films and its sanctity should be retained," he said. Producer Kamal Jain, whose next film Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi featuring Kangana Ranaut in the title role, is based on the life of Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi, said cinema has unparallelled capacity to bring history to life. "We have a long, respectable history and cinema is the biggest medium to bring it to the people." Jain added that while making a historical film, makers should do thorough research and stay true to the subject and even if they take cinematic liberties, they should ensure sentiments of people are not hurt. "History has to be thoroughly researched. I spent almost six months on research and got a lot of historians on board who authenticated the film. "You need to look at the perspective. You need to respect the sentiments of the people because at the end of the day cinema will affect somebody's sentiments," he said. Actor Sonu Sood, who played the character of Rajkumar Sujamal in Ashutosh Gowariker-directed Jodhaa Akbar, said chances of a historical drama facing protests are always high, but that should not stop artistes from doing their jobs. "In today's times when we try to make historical films we have to make sure that all the references are right. But, even after that one can face opposition like we have seen in the case of Padmaavat'," he said. The actor, who will now be seen playing a warrior in Manikarnika..., said working in a period drama is "a great high for any actor". "We might find ourselves in a situation where people are opposing it but ultimately periodical films are the ones which need to be made in today's times," he added. Sidharth shared similar views and said getting "scared" by the situation will only "defeat the purpose of why we are in the business." The actor said people should not take movies too seriously as it is a form of entertainment and does not aim at starting a revolution. "... Even though the films that we make (on history), we are not trying to change history. It is unfortunate that a film like Padmaavat has to go through this. "The threats were uncalled for, we all felt angry when Bhansali and the actors received death threats. It is sad that something like this can happen openly," he added. Madhavan and Nimrat Kaur also expressed their desire to explore the genre. "I don't think actors should be bound by politics in any way. The idea of being an actor and artiste is that you are a reflection of society and world and you bring forth stories to entertain the audience," Nimrat said. Madhavan believes it is still safe to do a period or historical film. "I don't think people should get threatened. With what has happened (to Padmaavat')... It is not right. It should not happen and is not acceptable," he said. Featuring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, Padmaavat will hit the theatres on January 25.

Bollywood game for period films even after 'Padmaavat' drama

Protests against director Sanjay Leela Bhansali&rsquo;s period drama Padmaavat turned violent on Tuesday after a group of people vandalised a multiplex in Gujarat&#39;s Ahmedabad.

The accused are believed to be members of Karni Sena.

Based on Malik Muhammad Jayasi&rsquo;s epic poem Padmavat, the movie is set to release on January 25.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a>: A group of men vandalised the area outside a multiplex in Ahmedabad&#39;s Thaltej and torched vehicles in protest against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> <a href="https://t.co/UmvZfP7NgO">pic.twitter.com/UmvZfP7NgO</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955832132999327744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Padmaavat, starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor has repeatedly faced trouble from fringe groups, who allege that the movie is distorting &ldquo;historical facts&rdquo; and fear that the movie features a love scene between Khilji (played by Ranveer Singh) and Rani Padmini (Deepika Padukone) as a dream sequence.

Based on Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s epic poem Padmavat, the movie is set to release on January 25

Protests against director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period drama Padmaavat turned violent on Tuesday after a group of people vandalised a multiplex in Gujarat's Ahmedabad. The accused are believed to be members of Karni Sena. Based on Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s epic poem Padmavat, the movie is set to release on January 25. #Gujarat: A group of men vandalised the area outside a multiplex in Ahmedabad's Thaltej and torched vehicles in protest against #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/UmvZfP7NgO — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018 × Padmaavat, starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor has repeatedly faced trouble from fringe groups, who allege that the movie is distorting “historical facts” and fear that the movie features a love scene between Khilji (played by Ranveer Singh) and Rani Padmini (Deepika Padukone) as a dream sequence.

Padmaavat controversy: Protesters vandalise multiplex in Gujarat's Ahmedabad

Censor board chief Prasoon Joshi will be provided with zed plus security when he visits Jaipur for the Jaipur Literature Festival.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Required protection will be provided to Joshi from the state government, we are committed to maintain law and order in the state,&quot; home minister Gulab Chand Kataria told a daily.&nbsp; 
 
On Friday, the Rajput Karni Sena had warned Joshi against visiting Jaipur. They had threatened that he would be welcomed with &nbsp;&quot;shoes and chappals&quot; if he dares to come to the state. The Karni Sena is miffed with Joshi for clearing Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat 
 
At the lit fest, the CBFC chief is scheduled to speak at a session titled, &#39;Main Aur Woh: Conversations With Myself&#39;, on January 28.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;It seems Bollywood personalities are taking us very lightly,&quot; said Ajeet Singh Mamdoli, leader of Karni Sena was quoted as saying by the daily.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Words have no impact on people like Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Prasoon Joshi. Karni Sena members will welcome them with shoes and chappals wherever we meet them. We have only shown the &#39;trailer&#39; to Bhansali, if need be, we will show him the complete film,&quot; said Mamdoli. 
 
Terming Joshi as an accomplice in the entire episode, Mamdoli alleged that the CBFC chief had played a key role in clearing the movie for release. &quot;He conspired with film producers and did not call other historians for the screening. 
 
We have made it clear that he will not be allowed to attend JLF,&quot; he said. 
 
The lit fest will begin in Jaipur from January 25th. The Karni Sena threat led to the police beefing up its security for the event to prevent any untoward incident.

On Friday, the Rajput Karni Sena had warned Joshi against visiting Jaipur.

Censor board chief Prasoon Joshi will be provided with zed plus security when he visits Jaipur for the Jaipur Literature Festival. "Required protection will be provided to Joshi from the state government, we are committed to maintain law and order in the state," home minister Gulab Chand Kataria told a daily. On Friday, the Rajput Karni Sena had warned Joshi against visiting Jaipur. They had threatened that he would be welcomed with "shoes and chappals" if he dares to come to the state. The Karni Sena is miffed with Joshi for clearing Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat At the lit fest, the CBFC chief is scheduled to speak at a session titled, 'Main Aur Woh: Conversations With Myself', on January 28. "It seems Bollywood personalities are taking us very lightly," said Ajeet Singh Mamdoli, leader of Karni Sena was quoted as saying by the daily. "Words have no impact on people like Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Prasoon Joshi. Karni Sena members will welcome them with shoes and chappals wherever we meet them. We have only shown the 'trailer' to Bhansali, if need be, we will show him the complete film," said Mamdoli. Terming Joshi as an accomplice in the entire episode, Mamdoli alleged that the CBFC chief had played a key role in clearing the movie for release. "He conspired with film producers and did not call other historians for the screening. We have made it clear that he will not be allowed to attend JLF," he said. The lit fest will begin in Jaipur from January 25th. The Karni Sena threat led to the police beefing up its security for the event to prevent any untoward incident.

Padmaavat row: Prasoon Joshi to get Z+ security during Jaipur Lit Festival

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

Over one million people watched Padmaavat on opening day, the film&#39;s producer Viacom 18 Motion Pictures has said.&nbsp;

In a statement, Viacom said it was &quot;humbled&quot; by the response to the film.&nbsp;

&quot;We are humbled with the response we have received for Padmaavat. Over 1 million Indians have already watched the film and occupancy levels for shows are very strong across more than 4000 screens - with most running house-full. The feedback for the film has been overwhelming,&quot; the statement said.

Padmaavat finally released on Thursday after much controversy.&nbsp;

The movie had earlier been banned by four states -- Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana -- but the ban was revoked by the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

The states had said they feared the outbreak of violence but the Supreme Court replied that it was their duty to ensure law and order.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-releases-protesters-brandish-swords-owners-say-movie-halls-full-30721" target="_blank">Protests against the movie</a> continued even as it released.&nbsp;

The protests against the movie had been led by Rajput groups who claimed the movie dishonoured their community.&nbsp;

In a statement, Viacom said it was 'humbled' by the response to the film

Over one million people watched Padmaavat on opening day, the film's producer Viacom 18 Motion Pictures has said. In a statement, Viacom said it was "humbled" by the response to the film. "We are humbled with the response we have received for Padmaavat. Over 1 million Indians have already watched the film and occupancy levels for shows are very strong across more than 4000 screens - with most running house-full. The feedback for the film has been overwhelming," the statement said. Padmaavat finally released on Thursday after much controversy. The movie had earlier been banned by four states -- Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana -- but the ban was revoked by the Supreme Court. The states had said they feared the outbreak of violence but the Supreme Court replied that it was their duty to ensure law and order. Protests against the movie continued even as it released. The protests against the movie had been led by Rajput groups who claimed the movie dishonoured their community.

One million people watched Padmaavat on opening day: Viacom

Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s epic film &quot;Padmaavat&quot; finally hit theatres across the country with an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-out-today-no-show-in-4-big-states-30703" target="_blank">exception of four big states </a>and actress Deepika Padukone shared an all-smiles photo with someone special.&nbsp;

Taking to Instagram, Padukone posted a photo with&nbsp;director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and captioned it: &quot;My Main Man, Now &amp; Forever!from both of us to all of you...We LOVE you!see you at the movies!❤️#Padmaavat&quot;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BeW3RO0hW3a/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">My Main Man,Now &amp; Forever!from both of us to all of you...We LOVE you!see you at the movies!❤️#Padmaavat</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/deepikapadukone/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Deepika Padukone</a> (@deepikapadukone) on <time datetime="2018-01-25T03:24:19+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 24, 2018 at 7:24pm PST</time>
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Both Padukone and Bhansali went through a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-releases-protesters-brandish-swords-owners-say-movie-halls-full-30721" target="_blank"> tough time</a> since the start of shooting of Padmaavat till now and continuing from fringe group&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-row-after-attack-on-school-bus-big-gurgaon-schools-shut-till-sunday-30696" target="_blank">Rajput Karni Sena</a> which threatened to create a havoc if the film releases.

Even today, there is a no-show in four states -- Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa owing to massive violence on part of the group against public property and cinema halls.&nbsp;

The group even went to Supreme Court asking for a ban on the film but the apex court ruled in favour of the makers and asked the state governments to ensure a secure environment for the film release.&nbsp;

On another note,&nbsp;Singh <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-ahead-of-padmaavat-release-ranveer-singh-writes-a-heartfelt-note-30722" target="_blank">shared a heartfelt note about the journey</a> the film has taken. &quot;I am so proud of my team. Team Padmaavat for the win!&quot;Singh wrote.

&nbsp;

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmaavat' stars Deepika Padukone alongside Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epic film "Padmaavat" finally hit theatres across the country with an exception of four big states and actress Deepika Padukone shared an all-smiles photo with someone special. Taking to Instagram, Padukone posted a photo with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and captioned it: "My Main Man, Now & Forever!from both of us to all of you...We LOVE you!see you at the movies!❤️#Padmaavat" My Main Man,Now & Forever!from both of us to all of you...We LOVE you!see you at the movies!❤️#Padmaavat A post shared by Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) on Jan 24, 2018 at 7:24pm PST × Both Padukone and Bhansali went through a tough time since the start of shooting of Padmaavat till now and continuing from fringe group Rajput Karni Sena which threatened to create a havoc if the film releases. Even today, there is a no-show in four states -- Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa owing to massive violence on part of the group against public property and cinema halls. The group even went to Supreme Court asking for a ban on the film but the apex court ruled in favour of the makers and asked the state governments to ensure a secure environment for the film release. On another note, Singh shared a heartfelt note about the journey the film has taken. "I am so proud of my team. Team Padmaavat for the win!"Singh wrote.

Deepika Padukone shares photo with 'main man' on 'Padmaavat' release date

Censor board chief Prasoon Joshi has pulled out of the ongoing Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) in the wake of the Padmaavat controversy, saying he wished to avoid any discomfort to the organisers and fellow writers due to the row.

The 46-year-old poet and lyricist&#39;s statement came following threats from the Rajput group Karni Sena which had attacked Joshi for clearing Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s controversial film &#39;Padmaavat&#39; and had protested the JLF&#39;s invitation to him.

Joshi said he does not want the &quot;dignity&quot; of the prestigious event to be compromised by the Padmaavat controversy.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-how-sanjay-leela-bhansali-plays-to-the-gallery-with-padmaavat-30890">Also read:&nbsp;Opinion: How Sanjay Leela Bhansali plays to the gallery with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-how-sanjay-leela-bhansali-plays-to-the-gallery-with-padmaavat-30890">Padmaavat</a>

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairman was scheduled to be in conversation with writer and filmmaker Anu Singh Choudhury tomorrow in a session titled &lsquo;Main Aur Woh: Conversations with Myself&rsquo;.

&quot;I will not be attending JLF this year and must say will miss sharing great moments with literature and poetry lovers,&quot; Joshi said in a statement.

&quot;I am doing this so that the dignity of the event does not get compromised or discomfort caused either to the organisers, fellow writers or the attendees. And also so that the lovers of literature get to focus on creativity and not controversy,&quot; he said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-here-are-the-first-reactions-on-the-film-30455">Also read:&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-here-are-the-first-reactions-on-the-film-30455">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-here-are-the-first-reactions-on-the-film-30455">: Here are the first reactions to the film</a>

Joshi was to be provided with Z level security during the JLF after Karni Sena had said last week that it would not allow him to attend the five-day festival which began on Thursday at the iconic Diggi Palace here.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s &quot;Padmaavat&quot; starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh finally released on January 25 amid protests and vandalism by disgruntled groups which accused the filmmaker of &quot;distorting historical facts&quot; and wrongful portrayal of Queen Padmavati.

However, Bansali has repeatedly denied the allegations.

Joshi said he did his job &quot;sincerely&quot; and took a &quot;balanced&quot; decision on the period drama and condemned the violence across the country.

&quot;Speaking of which, the issue around the film Padmaavat - I did my job and sincerely took a sensitive and balanced call.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/padmaavat-releasing-in-pakistan-without-cuts-30744">Also</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/padmaavat-releasing-in-pakistan-without-cuts-30744"> read: &#39;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/padmaavat-releasing-in-pakistan-without-cuts-30744">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/padmaavat-releasing-in-pakistan-without-cuts-30744">&#39; releasing in Pakistan without cuts</a>

&quot;As I have said earlier, certification was done with due processes, incorporating valid suggestions whilst staying mindful to the concerns of the society as well as to the canvas of cinema,&quot; Joshi said.

&quot;It&rsquo;s sad that we are not relying on genuine peaceful dialogue. It&#39;s important that we keep mutual trust and faith in each other and our institutions so that the issues don&rsquo;t reach this far,&quot; he added.

The censor board had given a U/A certificate to the film and suggested five modifications, including the title change to &quot;Padmaavat&quot; from &quot;Padmavati&quot;.

The film is based on 16th-century poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi&#39;s &quot;Padmaavat&quot;. Historians are, however, divided on whether Padmavati actually existed.

The CBFC had also suggested modifications in disclaimers, pertinently adding one regarding not glorifying the practice of Sati and also relevant changes in the song &lsquo;Ghoomar&rsquo; to befit the character portrayed.

Earlier, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, a regular at the event, gave a miss to the inaugural ceremony.

A regular face at the JLF, he was scheduled to take part in the session ‘Main aur Woh: Conversations with Myself’ on January 28

Censor board chief Prasoon Joshi has pulled out of the ongoing Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) in the wake of the Padmaavat controversy, saying he wished to avoid any discomfort to the organisers and fellow writers due to the row. The 46-year-old poet and lyricist's statement came following threats from the Rajput group Karni Sena which had attacked Joshi for clearing Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial film 'Padmaavat' and had protested the JLF's invitation to him. Joshi said he does not want the "dignity" of the prestigious event to be compromised by the Padmaavat controversy. Also read: Opinion: How Sanjay Leela Bhansali plays to the gallery with Padmaavat The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairman was scheduled to be in conversation with writer and filmmaker Anu Singh Choudhury tomorrow in a session titled ‘Main Aur Woh: Conversations with Myself’. "I will not be attending JLF this year and must say will miss sharing great moments with literature and poetry lovers," Joshi said in a statement. "I am doing this so that the dignity of the event does not get compromised or discomfort caused either to the organisers, fellow writers or the attendees. And also so that the lovers of literature get to focus on creativity and not controversy," he said. Also read: Padmaavat: Here are the first reactions to the film Joshi was to be provided with Z level security during the JLF after Karni Sena had said last week that it would not allow him to attend the five-day festival which began on Thursday at the iconic Diggi Palace here. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Padmaavat" starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh finally released on January 25 amid protests and vandalism by disgruntled groups which accused the filmmaker of "distorting historical facts" and wrongful portrayal of Queen Padmavati. However, Bansali has repeatedly denied the allegations. Joshi said he did his job "sincerely" and took a "balanced" decision on the period drama and condemned the violence across the country. "Speaking of which, the issue around the film Padmaavat - I did my job and sincerely took a sensitive and balanced call. Also read: 'Padmaavat' releasing in Pakistan without cuts "As I have said earlier, certification was done with due processes, incorporating valid suggestions whilst staying mindful to the concerns of the society as well as to the canvas of cinema," Joshi said. "It’s sad that we are not relying on genuine peaceful dialogue. It's important that we keep mutual trust and faith in each other and our institutions so that the issues don’t reach this far," he added. The censor board had given a U/A certificate to the film and suggested five modifications, including the title change to "Padmaavat" from "Padmavati". The film is based on 16th-century poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi's "Padmaavat". Historians are, however, divided on whether Padmavati actually existed. The CBFC had also suggested modifications in disclaimers, pertinently adding one regarding not glorifying the practice of Sati and also relevant changes in the song ‘Ghoomar’ to befit the character portrayed. Earlier, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, a regular at the event, gave a miss to the inaugural ceremony.

Padmaavat fallout: Censor board chief Prasoon Joshi skips Zee Jaipur Literature Festival

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