The reviews are out on Padmavaat. While the story has been getting a mixed response from most critics, the film is being appreciated for its technical brilliance and commendable performances.&nbsp; 
 
Ranveer Singh, the man who plays Alauddin Khilji has been lauded by most for his performance as the antagonist. Singh, along with the rest of the team of Padmaavat, watched the film on Tuesday night on IMAX 3D. 
 
On Wednesday, Singh shared a heartfelt note about the journey the film has taken. &quot;I am so proud of my team. Team Padmaavat for the win!&quot;Singh wrote.&nbsp;

Sharing his excitement on watching his film on IMAX, Ranveer said he was &#39;happy&#39; with the reactions that he has received for his&nbsp;performance. The actor also thanked the film&#39;s director Sanjay Leela Bhansali with whom he has previously worked in Ram Leela and Bajirao Mastani.&nbsp;&ldquo;Sanjay Sir has given me a gift of a character that I will forever be indebted to him for in my role, more than I already am. You have shaped me into the artist that I am...&rdquo; Ranveer wrote.&nbsp;

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❤️???????? ???????? <a href="https://t.co/zWMLC6JkwC">pic.twitter.com/zWMLC6JkwC</a>
&mdash; Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/RanveerOfficial/status/956198968073089024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The film, though, hasn&#39;t got a smooth release across the country. Four states have declared that the film will not be screened in theaters while reports of violence in Gurgaon on Tuesday was reported. Security has been beefed up across the country near cinema halls that are screening the film.&nbsp;

Padmaavat also features Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The actor thanked Sanjay Leela Bhansali for 'gifting' him the character of Alauddin Khilji.

The reviews are out on Padmavaat. While the story has been getting a mixed response from most critics, the film is being appreciated for its technical brilliance and commendable performances. Ranveer Singh, the man who plays Alauddin Khilji has been lauded by most for his performance as the antagonist. Singh, along with the rest of the team of Padmaavat, watched the film on Tuesday night on IMAX 3D. On Wednesday, 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. Sharing his excitement on watching his film on IMAX, Ranveer said he was 'happy' with the reactions that he has received for his performance. The actor also thanked the film's director Sanjay Leela Bhansali with whom he has previously worked in Ram Leela and Bajirao Mastani. “Sanjay Sir has given me a gift of a character that I will forever be indebted to him for in my role, more than I already am. You have shaped me into the artist that I am...” Ranveer wrote. ❤️???????? ???????? pic.twitter.com/zWMLC6JkwC — Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) January 24, 2018 × The film, though, hasn't got a smooth release across the country. Four states have declared that the film will not be screened in theaters while reports of violence in Gurgaon on Tuesday was reported. Security has been beefed up across the country near cinema halls that are screening the film. Padmaavat also features Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor.

Ahead of Padmaavat release, Ranveer Singh writes a heartfelt note

As Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat finally gets a release, chaos hammers the country.

Protestors took to the streets and caused a ruckus in various parts of the country.

Media reports of a law student in Lucknow who tried immolating himself in a protest against the film&#39;s release. He is currently out of danger.&nbsp;

Ahead, a roundup of the ongoing protests from all across the country, information about Padmaavat&#39;s screening blackout in four states, and the Karni Sena&#39;s stand on the release.&nbsp;

Protests across the country

While <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-protests-mobs-go-on-rampage-in-ahmedabad-30572">Ahmedabad was met with incidents of vandalism</a>, attacks on multiplexes and torching of vehicles on Tuesday, similar protests were carried out in parts of Chattisgarh, Rajasthan, Noida, Gurugram, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir among others.

UNESCO heritage site, the Chittor Fort, in Rajasthan was shut as members of the Karni Sena group tried entering it late Tuesday evening.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-frenzied-mob-attacks-school-bus-in-gurugram-30682">Gurugram saw fringe groups attacking a school bus full of children on Wednesday</a>. Protesters also burnt a bus and caused roadblocks in parts of Haryana and Rajasthan.&nbsp;

School authorities in Gurugram, after the attack on a school bus on Wednesday, have decided to keep schools shuts to ensure the safety of children and their staff.

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Right-wing groups intensified protests against the release of a controversial Bollywood film &quot;Padmaavat&quot; amid heightened police presence in various states on Wednesday. (ANI)
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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.

&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 teacher told PTI.

&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.

Gurugram has already imposed section 144 which aims to check the assembly of groups of more than four people.

Meanwhile, Gurugram&#39;s Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh argues that the situation in the city remains peaceful.

&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; Singh noted.

Gurgaon police along with 550 additional forces 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.

&quot;In Noida, near the capital New Delhi, activists burned toll booths on a highway after a rally while in Rajasthan state women carrying swords marched against the movie,&quot; notes an AFP report.

Over dozens of protestors were detained in &#39;maximum city&#39;, Mumbai.&nbsp;

&quot;We are providing security arrangements to all multiplexes and single screen theatres showing the movie,&quot; Mumbai police spokesman Deepak Deoraj told AFP.

&quot;We will be patrolling the entire city and will have reserve forces deployed to prevent any flare-ups until the issue is resolved,&quot; he added.

Blackout in 4 states

The Multiplex Association of India, which represents about 75 per cent of multiplex owners, said its members <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-not-to-release-in-4-states-says-multiplex-association-of-india-30677">would not screen the movie in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa</a>. &quot;The local management has told us that the law and order situation is not conducive,&quot; its president Deepak Asher was quoted by Press Trust of India.

&ldquo;For us the 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 the safety of people,&rdquo; Deepak Asher, president of the association said.

Theatre owners in Gujarat have noted that the film would be screened only when the row gets resolved.

Karni Sena&#39;s stand

The Karni Sena has asked members to carry out protests wherever possible and to ensure that the movie halls are not able to screen the film.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karni-sena-chief-we-wont-let-the-film-release-come-what-may-30662">Karni Sena chief</a> Lokendra Singh Kalvi 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;

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Mann ki jwala hai mat tatolo, jauhar ki jwala bahut kuch jala degi. Roko Padmavati ruk gayi, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> ko bhi roko, Jal jaayega desh. Mat karo yeh paap.: Lokendra Singh Kalvi, Rajput Karni Sena <a href="https://t.co/1excJVAj3P">pic.twitter.com/1excJVAj3P</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/956176698466172933?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed Padmaavat stars Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in lead roles. The film was cleared under the UA certificate by the Censor Board and was slated for a release on January 25. Minor modifications to the content of the film were suggested by the Prasoon Joshi-led Censor Board.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Haryana decided to ban the film -- the move was stayed by the Supreme Court.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568">Also read: </a><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>

&quot;The movie will make 1 billion rupees (15.7 million) over the long weekend from Thursday to Sunday despite the protests,&quot; trade analyst Akshaye Rathi told AFP, referring to India`s Republic Day holiday Friday.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Multiplex Association of India said the movie will not be screened in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa

As Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat finally gets a release, chaos hammers the country. Protestors took to the streets and caused a ruckus in various parts of the country. Media reports of a law student in Lucknow who tried immolating himself in a protest against the film's release. He is currently out of danger. Ahead, a roundup of the ongoing protests from all across the country, information about Padmaavat's screening blackout in four states, and the Karni Sena's stand on the release. Protests across the country While Ahmedabad was met with incidents of vandalism, attacks on multiplexes and torching of vehicles on Tuesday, similar protests were carried out in parts of Chattisgarh, Rajasthan, Noida, Gurugram, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir among others. UNESCO heritage site, the Chittor Fort, in Rajasthan was shut as members of the Karni Sena group tried entering it late Tuesday evening. Gurugram saw fringe groups attacking a school bus full of children on Wednesday. Protesters also burnt a bus and caused roadblocks in parts of Haryana and Rajasthan. School authorities in Gurugram, after the attack on a school bus on Wednesday, have decided to keep schools shuts to ensure the safety of children and their staff. Right-wing groups intensified protests against the release of a controversial Bollywood film "Padmaavat" amid heightened police presence in various states on Wednesday. (ANI) × The schools which have decided to shut down till Sunday include Pathways school, GD Goenka school, Shiv Nadar school and Delhi Public School. "We do not want to take any risk with the life of students. Protection of students outside and inside is our prime concern," a teacher told PTI. "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. Gurugram has already imposed section 144 which aims to check the assembly of groups of more than four people. Meanwhile, Gurugram's Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh argues that the situation in the city remains peaceful. "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," Singh noted. Gurgaon police along with 550 additional forces 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. "In Noida, near the capital New Delhi, activists burned toll booths on a highway after a rally while in Rajasthan state women carrying swords marched against the movie," notes an AFP report. Over dozens of protestors were detained in 'maximum city', Mumbai. "We are providing security arrangements to all multiplexes and single screen theatres showing the movie," Mumbai police spokesman Deepak Deoraj told AFP. "We will be patrolling the entire city and will have reserve forces deployed to prevent any flare-ups until the issue is resolved," he added. Blackout in 4 states The Multiplex Association of India, which represents about 75 per cent of multiplex owners, said its members would not screen the movie in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa. "The local management has told us that the law and order situation is not conducive," its president Deepak Asher was quoted by Press Trust of India. “For us the 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 the safety of people,” Deepak Asher, president of the association said. Theatre owners in Gujarat have noted that the film would be screened only when the row gets resolved. Karni Sena's stand The Karni Sena has asked members to carry out protests wherever possible and to ensure that the movie halls are not able to screen the film. 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." Mann ki jwala hai mat tatolo, jauhar ki jwala bahut kuch jala degi. Roko Padmavati ruk gayi, #Padmaavat ko bhi roko, Jal jaayega desh. Mat karo yeh paap.: Lokendra Singh Kalvi, Rajput Karni Sena pic.twitter.com/1excJVAj3P — ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2018 × Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed Padmaavat stars Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in lead roles. The film was cleared under the UA certificate by the Censor Board and was slated for a release on January 25. Minor modifications to the content of the film were suggested by the Prasoon Joshi-led Censor Board. Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Haryana decided to ban the film -- the move was stayed by the Supreme Court. Also read: Padmaavat review: Ranveer Singh shines in Bhansali's visually grand historical saga "The movie will make 1 billion rupees (15.7 million) over the long weekend from Thursday to Sunday despite the protests," trade analyst Akshaye Rathi told AFP, referring to India`s Republic Day holiday Friday. (With inputs from agencies)

Padmaavat releases today; protests continue, Lucknow man tries to immolate himself

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-releases-today-but-faces-blackout-in-four-states-protests-continue-30690">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-releases-today-but-faces-blackout-in-four-states-protests-continue-30690"> releases today; protests continue, Lucknow man tries to immolate himself</a>

As Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat finally gets a release, chaos hammers the country. Protestors took to the streets and caused a ruckus in various parts of the country.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gst-will-have-very-positive-long-term-effects-raghuram-rajan-30699">GST will have &#39;very positive&#39; long-term effects: Raghuram Rajan</a>

In a recent television interview, Former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan spoke about the long-term advantages of the two major economic moves of the Modi government -- the Goods and Service Tax and demonetisation.&nbsp;

<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">No &#39;cause big enough to justify violence against children&#39;, says Rahul after attack on Gurgaon school bus</a>

On the day miscreants protesting the release of &#39;Padmaavat&#39; targeted a school bus in Gurugram, Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to express his anguish and blamed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP for the ongoing violence. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-row-after-attack-on-school-bus-big-gurgaon-schools-shut-till-sunday-30696">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-row-after-attack-on-school-bus-big-gurgaon-schools-shut-till-sunday-30696"> release: After attack on school bus, big Gurgaon schools shut till Sunday</a>

After the attack on a school bus by anti-&quot;Padmaavat&quot; protestors, some reputed schools in Gurgaon have decided to remain shut till Sunday in view of the violence over the controversial film&#39;s release.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ex-usa-gymnastics-doctor-gets-up-to-175-years-as-abuse-victims-applaud-30692">&#39;I&#39;ve signed your death warrant,&#39; judge tells ex-USA Gymnastics doctor</a>

As his victims wept in a Michigan courtroom on Wednesday, disgraced long-time USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for abusing young female gymnasts who were entrusted to his care.

As Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat finally gets a release, chaos hammers the country. Protestors took to the streets and caused a ruckus in various parts of the country.

Padmaavat releases today; protests continue, Lucknow man tries to immolate himself As Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat finally gets a release, chaos hammers the country. Protestors took to the streets and caused a ruckus in various parts of the country. GST will have 'very positive' long-term effects: Raghuram Rajan In a recent television interview, Former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan spoke about the long-term advantages of the two major economic moves of the Modi government -- the Goods and Service Tax and demonetisation. No 'cause big enough to justify violence against children', says Rahul after attack on Gurgaon school bus On the day miscreants protesting the release of 'Padmaavat' targeted a school bus in Gurugram, Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to express his anguish and blamed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP for the ongoing violence. Padmaavat release: After attack on school bus, big Gurgaon schools shut till Sunday 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. 'I've signed your death warrant,' judge tells ex-USA Gymnastics doctor As his victims wept in a Michigan courtroom on Wednesday, disgraced long-time USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for abusing young female gymnasts who were entrusted to his care.

Wion Morning News Brief, January 25, 2018

On the day of its&nbsp;scheduled release today, &quot;Padmaavat&quot; is now facing a total blackout in four big states of India -- Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Goa.&nbsp;

Even though the Supreme Court of India ruled in favour of the release of the film, these states will not be showing the film owing to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-releases-today-but-faces-blackout-in-four-states-protests-continue-30690" target="_blank">pressure</a> from a fringe group,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karni-sena-chief-we-wont-let-the-film-release-come-what-may-30662" target="_blank">Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena</a>.

The cinema and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-not-to-release-in-4-states-says-multiplex-association-of-india-30677" target="_blank">multiplex owners </a>from these states have decided against screening the film.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-frenzied-mob-attacks-school-bus-in-gurugram-30682" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;Gurugram saw fringe groups attacking a school bus full of children on Wednesday</a>

The Multiplex Association of India said it has decided not to screen the film in four states. &quot;We have decided not to play the film in four states&mdash;Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP and Goa&mdash;as the local management has told us that the law and order situation is not conducive,&quot; said Deepak Asher, president of the association.&nbsp;

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Student &amp; teachers are safe. Staff handled situation, teachers didn&#39;t let students panic. We are grateful to our staff who were able to tackle the situation so beautifully as they are trained for this: Neeta Bali, Principal, GD Goenka school <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gurugram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gurugram</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> <a href="https://t.co/70eHWRfLg2">pic.twitter.com/70eHWRfLg2</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/956391348780769280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In Gujarat, a day after<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-protests-mobs-go-on-rampage-in-ahmedabad-30572" target="_blank"> rampant vandalism by mobs</a> of Rajput groups in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Multiplex Owners Association, Cinematograph Exhibitors&#39; Association of Gujarat and Multiplex Association of India declared that the film will not be screened in the state.

GMOA chief Manubhai Patel said,&nbsp;&quot;The association has decided not to screen Padmaavat in 120 cinemas across Gujarat, including 32 in Ahmedabad, till a compromise is reached between Karni Sena and film producers.&quot;

Such is the state that almost all cinema halls across the state had put up notice boards outside their premises informing audiences about the no-show.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568" target="_blank">Also </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568" target="_blank">Read:</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568" target="_blank">&nbsp;Padmaavat review: Ranveer Singh shines in Bhansali&#39;s visually grand historical saga</a>

The same played out in Madhya Pradesh where&nbsp;Central Cine Circuit Association announced it couldn&#39;t release the film in the wake of threats of violence by MP Rajput Samaj, which is spearheading the campaign against the film.

CCCA president Jai Prakash Chaukse said: &quot;We&#39;d have liked to release the movie, but have decided not to risk life and property. The state government has failed to assure us security and seems to be backing groups opposed to the release of the film.&quot;

In Rajasthan, the epicenter of protests against Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s film, cinema and multiplex owners had already decided against screening the film.

However,&nbsp;cinema and multiplex owners in the five southern states and other big states like Maharashtra and West Bengal are going ahead with the screening as per schedule. Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Himachal have also decided to go ahead with the film&#39;s release. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Cinema hall owners in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar have decided not to screen the movie owing to pressure from Karni Sena protesters

On the day of its scheduled release today, "Padmaavat" is now facing a total blackout in four big states of India -- Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Goa. Even though the Supreme Court of India ruled in favour of the release of the film, these states will not be showing the film owing to pressure from a fringe group, Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena. The cinema and multiplex owners from these states have decided against screening the film. Also Read: Gurugram saw fringe groups attacking a school bus full of children on Wednesday The Multiplex Association of India said it has decided not to screen the film in four states. "We have decided not to play the film in four states—Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP and Goa—as the local management has told us that the law and order situation is not conducive," said Deepak Asher, president of the association. Student & teachers are safe. Staff handled situation, teachers didn't let students panic. We are grateful to our staff who were able to tackle the situation so beautifully as they are trained for this: Neeta Bali, Principal, GD Goenka school #Gurugram #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/70eHWRfLg2 — ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018 × In Gujarat, a day after rampant vandalism by mobs of Rajput groups in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Multiplex Owners Association, Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association of Gujarat and Multiplex Association of India declared that the film will not be screened in the state. GMOA chief Manubhai Patel said, "The association has decided not to screen Padmaavat in 120 cinemas across Gujarat, including 32 in Ahmedabad, till a compromise is reached between Karni Sena and film producers." Such is the state that almost all cinema halls across the state had put up notice boards outside their premises informing audiences about the no-show. Also Read: Padmaavat review: Ranveer Singh shines in Bhansali's visually grand historical saga The same played out in Madhya Pradesh where Central Cine Circuit Association announced it couldn't release the film in the wake of threats of violence by MP Rajput Samaj, which is spearheading the campaign against the film. CCCA president Jai Prakash Chaukse said: "We'd have liked to release the movie, but have decided not to risk life and property. The state government has failed to assure us security and seems to be backing groups opposed to the release of the film." In Rajasthan, the epicenter of protests against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film, cinema and multiplex owners had already decided against screening the film. However, cinema and multiplex owners in the five southern states and other big states like Maharashtra and West Bengal are going ahead with the screening as per schedule. Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Himachal have also decided to go ahead with the film's release.

Padmaavat releases but is 'no-show' in 4 big states

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

A day before the release of the much awaited and highly controversial Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie &quot;Padmaavat&quot;, Rajput Karni Sena, Lekendra Singh Kalvi&nbsp;has again issued a final warning to the country saying do not commit the sin of releasing the movie. &nbsp;

He said that the country will burn in the rage if Padmaavat was not stopped.&nbsp;

He said &quot;Whatever was happening in the country was painful and wrong. But no one can stop the rage from coming out on the streets, not even me.&quot;

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Mann ki jwala hai mat tatolo, jauhar ki jwala bahut kuch jala degi. Roko Padmavati ruk gayi, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> ko bhi roko, Jal jaayega desh. Mat karo yeh paap.: Lokendra Singh Kalvi, Rajput Karni Sena <a href="https://t.co/1excJVAj3P">pic.twitter.com/1excJVAj3P</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/956176698466172933?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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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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First scheduled for a release date on December 1, 2017, the movie was&nbsp;postponed after a widespread protest by certain fringe elements.

Earlier called&nbsp;Padmavati,&nbsp;it&nbsp;is all set to hit the screens on Thursday, January 25.&nbsp;

Bhansali&#39;s film has been in the center of a massive controversy almost the greater part of 2017.

The film was given censor&#39;s approval after it assented to the demands of the CBFC which suggested the following five modifications.

&nbsp;The film features Deepika Padukone, Ranveer&nbsp;Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles.&nbsp;

Bhansali's film has been in the center of a massive controversy almost the greater part of 2017

A day before the release of the much awaited and highly controversial Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie "Padmaavat", Rajput Karni Sena, Lekendra Singh Kalvi has again issued a final warning to the country saying do not commit the sin of releasing the movie. He said that the country will burn in the rage if Padmaavat was not stopped. He said "Whatever was happening in the country was painful and wrong. But no one can stop the rage from coming out on the streets, not even me." Mann ki jwala hai mat tatolo, jauhar ki jwala bahut kuch jala degi. Roko Padmavati ruk gayi, #Padmaavat ko bhi roko, Jal jaayega desh. Mat karo yeh paap.: Lokendra Singh Kalvi, Rajput Karni Sena pic.twitter.com/1excJVAj3P — ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2018 × 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 × First scheduled for a release date on December 1, 2017, the movie was postponed after a widespread protest by certain fringe elements. Earlier called Padmavati, it is all set to hit the screens on Thursday, January 25. Bhansali's film has been in the center of a massive controversy almost the greater part of 2017. The film was given censor's approval after it assented to the demands of the CBFC which suggested the following five modifications. The film features Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles.

Padmaavat to be screened pan-India on January 25

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

Even as certain parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat continue to face protests, Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s much-anticipated film Padmaavat is all set to release on the big screen on January 25th.&nbsp; 
 
The reviews are already out. While the story has got mixed response, the film has been appreciated for its visual appeal and impactful performances.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568">Read </a><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 here.</a> 
 
It has been a long, tedious journey to the cinema halls for Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat. Troubles the film began in January 2017 when activists of Shri Rajput Karni Sena assaulted Bhansali on the sets in Jaipur, followed by vandalism on the movie`s Kolhapur set. Protests against its release continue to pose law and order issues even now.&nbsp; 
 
Interestingly, Trade analysts feel that the protest may affect some places but for the most, the interest around the film has piqued due to the ongoing protest. The curiosity will ensure audiences go and watch the film.&nbsp; 
 
Paid previews for the film on Wednesday evening registered promising footfalls. In Delhi-NCR, the 3D Prime category for PVR Cinemas was sold out, according to an online ticketing platform. 
 
&quot;The advance booking is good and strong, especially in metros. People who have seen it have said there`s nothing to hurt sentiments. So, `Padmaavat` will take a bumper opening and will perform big at the box office. 
&quot;Initially, people may be a bit apprehensive, but eventually they will come out to watch it,&quot; Girish Johar, film and trade business analyst was quoted as saying to a news agency. 
 
The Supreme Court on Tuesday cleared the decks for the all-India release of the movie, saying all states must comply with its order not to stand in the way of the film. But violence erupted in Ahmedabad on Tuesday evening as protestors vandalised cinema halls in the city.&nbsp; 
 
The Karni Sena is adamant about not letting the movie release. It has alleged historical inaccuracies in the film and continues to stage violent protests in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. States are ensuring adequate security for cinema halls. 
 
Meanwhile, the makers have maintained that the film is an adaptation of &nbsp;Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi`s epic poem Padmavat&nbsp;and glorifies the Rajput ethos of honour, bravery and sacrifice. 
 
Trade analysts&nbsp;have also predicted that the film may touch the Rs 100 crore mark by Saturday owing to a long weekend.&nbsp; 
 
Deepika looks ethereal as Rani Padmavati, Ranveer ups his own ante by portraying Alauddin Khilji -- a villain that Bollywood will remember for a long time to come, and Shahid impresses with his restrained and effective performance as Maharawal Ratan Singh.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c64I9HNpiOY" width="560"></iframe>

Padmaavat is releasing with a U/A certificate after incorporating five modifications -- including a title change.

&nbsp;

The film is releasing nation-wide on January 25th.

Even as certain parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat continue to face protests, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's much-anticipated film Padmaavat is all set to release on the big screen on January 25th. The reviews are already out. While the story has got mixed response, the film has been appreciated for its visual appeal and impactful performances. Read Padmaavat review here. It has been a long, tedious journey to the cinema halls for Bhansali's Padmaavat. Troubles the film began in January 2017 when activists of Shri Rajput Karni Sena assaulted Bhansali on the sets in Jaipur, followed by vandalism on the movie`s Kolhapur set. Protests against its release continue to pose law and order issues even now. Interestingly, Trade analysts feel that the protest may affect some places but for the most, the interest around the film has piqued due to the ongoing protest. The curiosity will ensure audiences go and watch the film. Paid previews for the film on Wednesday evening registered promising footfalls. In Delhi-NCR, the 3D Prime category for PVR Cinemas was sold out, according to an online ticketing platform. "The advance booking is good and strong, especially in metros. People who have seen it have said there`s nothing to hurt sentiments. So, `Padmaavat` will take a bumper opening and will perform big at the box office. "Initially, people may be a bit apprehensive, but eventually they will come out to watch it," Girish Johar, film and trade business analyst was quoted as saying to a news agency. The Supreme Court on Tuesday cleared the decks for the all-India release of the movie, saying all states must comply with its order not to stand in the way of the film. But violence erupted in Ahmedabad on Tuesday evening as protestors vandalised cinema halls in the city. The Karni Sena is adamant about not letting the movie release. It has alleged historical inaccuracies in the film and continues to stage violent protests in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. States are ensuring adequate security for cinema halls. Meanwhile, the makers have maintained that the film is an adaptation of Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi`s epic poem Padmavat and glorifies the Rajput ethos of honour, bravery and sacrifice. Trade analysts have also predicted that the film may touch the Rs 100 crore mark by Saturday owing to a long weekend. Deepika looks ethereal as Rani Padmavati, Ranveer ups his own ante by portraying Alauddin Khilji -- a villain that Bollywood will remember for a long time to come, and Shahid impresses with his restrained and effective performance as Maharawal Ratan Singh. Padmaavat is releasing with a U/A certificate after incorporating five modifications -- including a title change.

Padmaavat: Will Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus create magic at the box office?

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday slammed the Centre, state governments and the Supreme Court over failing to restrict ongoing violence in various parts of the country against film &#39;Padmaavat&#39;.

&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 already dwindling economy. Bad for jobs,&quot; Kejriwal tweeted.

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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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Protests against Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat have escalated ahead of its January 25 release. Despite stringent security measures being in place in various parts of the country, reports of vandalism are coming in from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The film is finally getting released on January 25 after facing legal hurdles and continuous opposition from various groups, especially Rajput Karni Sena.

They have been alleging that the Rajput queen, Padmavati, has been misportrayed in the film.

The film has been facing protests by the Karni Sena and other fringe groups over allegations that historical facts were distorted in the movie

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday slammed the Centre, state governments and the Supreme Court over failing to restrict ongoing violence in various parts of the country against film 'Padmaavat'. "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 already dwindling economy. Bad for jobs," Kejriwal 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 × Protests against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat have escalated ahead of its January 25 release. Despite stringent security measures being in place in various parts of the country, reports of vandalism are coming in from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan. The film is finally getting released on January 25 after facing legal hurdles and continuous opposition from various groups, especially Rajput Karni Sena. They have been alleging that the Rajput queen, Padmavati, has been misportrayed in the film.

Arvind Kejriwal slams Centre over anti-'Padmaavat' protests

Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s magnum opus &quot;Padmaavat&quot;&nbsp;is finally on the big screen and it&#39;s 2 hours, 40 minutes of visual brilliance.&nbsp;

The film which&nbsp;has been mired in&nbsp;controversy for better part of 2017 gives a clear disclaimer right at the beginning that it is based on Jayasi&#39;s poem by the same name and&nbsp;that it does not aim to disrespect the Rajput community and in no way does it promote the practice of sati.

With that disclaimer, Bhansali literally wastes no time in getting on with the story.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-how-sanjay-leela-bhansali-plays-to-the-gallery-with-padmaavat-30890">Also see: 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>

Delhi sultan Allaudin Khilji only knows one language - that of loot, plunder and ruthless killing. He is told by Raghav Chetan, the former priest of Chittor that only when he attains victory over the Rajputs and acquires the beautiful queen Padmavati can he be truly called the Sultan of Hind.&nbsp;

Khilji, almost possessed by the dream of having the beautiful Padmavati by his side, declares war over Chittor but clearly underestimates the valour and strength of the Rajput community and their king Ratan Sen.&nbsp;

While the story is known to most of us, it is the way the film is treated and each character is portrayed that makes a difference.&nbsp;

Bhansali&#39;s film is mounted on a huge scale and camera work by Sudeep Chatterjee is clearly the highlight of the film. Every scene is breathtaking, the battle scenes are&nbsp;shot with dynamic precision as if&nbsp;one is witnessing it live.

Among the actors, Shahid and Deepika deliver a restrained performance while&nbsp;Deepika looks absolutely ethereal in every frame&nbsp;but the film belongs to Ranveer Singh, that man owns every scene. Ranveer&nbsp;completely transforms himself as the barbaric Khilji who is a stark contrast to Shahid and Deepika &#39;s pristine presence.&nbsp;

Here&#39;s the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568">full review of &quot;Padmaavat&quot;.</a>

The film belongs to Ranveer Singh, that man owns every scene

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus "Padmaavat" is finally on the big screen and it's 2 hours, 40 minutes of visual brilliance. The film which has been mired in controversy for better part of 2017 gives a clear disclaimer right at the beginning that it is based on Jayasi's poem by the same name and that it does not aim to disrespect the Rajput community and in no way does it promote the practice of sati. With that disclaimer, Bhansali literally wastes no time in getting on with the story. Also see: How Sanjay Leela Bhansali plays to the gallery with Padmaavat Delhi sultan Allaudin Khilji only knows one language - that of loot, plunder and ruthless killing. He is told by Raghav Chetan, the former priest of Chittor that only when he attains victory over the Rajputs and acquires the beautiful queen Padmavati can he be truly called the Sultan of Hind. Khilji, almost possessed by the dream of having the beautiful Padmavati by his side, declares war over Chittor but clearly underestimates the valour and strength of the Rajput community and their king Ratan Sen. While the story is known to most of us, it is the way the film is treated and each character is portrayed that makes a difference. Bhansali's film is mounted on a huge scale and camera work by Sudeep Chatterjee is clearly the highlight of the film. Every scene is breathtaking, the battle scenes are shot with dynamic precision as if one is witnessing it live. Among the actors, Shahid and Deepika deliver a restrained performance while Deepika looks absolutely ethereal in every frame but the film belongs to Ranveer Singh, that man owns every scene. Ranveer completely transforms himself as the barbaric Khilji who is a stark contrast to Shahid and Deepika 's pristine presence. Here's the full review of "Padmaavat".

Padmaavat: Quick Review

Security in Rajasthan has been raised following the Supreme court dismissing plea of modifying its earlier order on the stay on the ban on the film &#39;Padmaavat&#39; renamed from &#39;Padmavati&#39;.

Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria also addressed the law and order issue in the state and said, &quot;Now, we have no other alternative but to ensure law and order situation in the state and that we will do&quot;.

Additional Director General (Law and order), NRK Reddy also asked additional forces to pressed into service and all district SPs have been asked to remain alert.

&quot;Jaipur commissioner will be provided RAC companies to deal with the situation,&quot; said Reddy.

Additional Police Commissioner of Jaipur has demanded additional force deployment in the state to maintain law and order.

Today Supreme Court rejected the pleas of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh against the release of the movie, the apex court said, &quot;People must understand that the Supreme Court has passed an order. They must abide by it. It is the obligation of the states to maintain law and order&quot;.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s highly controversial film &#39;Padmaavat&#39; is facing controversy from various fringe groups of the nation.

Rajput women in Chittorgarh has also threatened to commit mass suicide at the Supreme court if the film doesn&#39;t get banned.

Police in Haryana said a mall is Kurukshetra was vandalised on Sunday evening in protest against the movie. They said a group of 20 to 22 miscreants had attacked the mall with swords and hammers.&nbsp;

Protesters had also blocked roads and set buses on fire in Gujarat on Sunday evening, again in protest against the movie.

The Rajput Karni Sena and several BJP leaders have opposed the film on the grounds that it violates Rajput sentiments, a claim that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has repeatedly denied.

Today Supreme Court rejected the pleas of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh against the release of the movie seeking ban

Security in Rajasthan has been raised following the Supreme court dismissing plea of modifying its earlier order on the stay on the ban on the film 'Padmaavat' renamed from 'Padmavati'. Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria also addressed the law and order issue in the state and said, "Now, we have no other alternative but to ensure law and order situation in the state and that we will do". Additional Director General (Law and order), NRK Reddy also asked additional forces to pressed into service and all district SPs have been asked to remain alert. "Jaipur commissioner will be provided RAC companies to deal with the situation," said Reddy. Additional Police Commissioner of Jaipur has demanded additional force deployment in the state to maintain law and order. Today Supreme Court rejected the pleas of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh against the release of the movie, the apex court said, "People must understand that the Supreme Court has passed an order. They must abide by it. It is the obligation of the states to maintain law and order". Sanjay Leela Bhansali's highly controversial film 'Padmaavat' is facing controversy from various fringe groups of the nation. Rajput women in Chittorgarh has also threatened to commit mass suicide at the Supreme court if the film doesn't get banned. Police in Haryana said a mall is Kurukshetra was vandalised on Sunday evening in protest against the movie. They said a group of 20 to 22 miscreants had attacked the mall with swords and hammers. Protesters had also blocked roads and set buses on fire in Gujarat on Sunday evening, again in protest against the movie. The Rajput Karni Sena and several BJP leaders have opposed the film on the grounds that it violates Rajput sentiments, a claim that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has repeatedly denied.

Rajasthan police increases security fearing law and order issue after Supreme Court decision

Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat is finally going to release in theaters on 25th January. And while states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have appealed to the Supreme Court to ban its release, Karni Sena has sought to vandalism and threats to stop the film&#39;s release. The fringe groups have been protesting since last year about the film stating that it shows the Rajput community in bad light.&nbsp; 
 
On Monday, in private screening, a select few journalist were shown the film. The first few reviews are out and everyone seems to be saying that the film is a visual spectacle and does not dishonour the community. On the contrary, it upholds the honour of the Rajputs.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-ahead-of-padmaavat-release-deepika-padukone-visits-siddhivinayak-temple-30486">Also see: Deepika Padukone visits Siddhivinayak Temple ahead of Padmaavat&#39;s release</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568">Read the full review of Padmaavat </a> 
 
Here, have a look.

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Padmaavat is a non-stop, breathless celebration of 14th Cent Rajput tradition. Anybody protesting on that count will feel very foolish after watching it. And it&rsquo;s no history or sociology, but pure Sanjay Leela Bhansali
&mdash; Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShekharGupta/status/955140952905035776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Just watched <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> at a select screening. I am not aware of any movie which is more laudatory to the Rajputs
&mdash; avijit ghosh (@cinemawaleghosh) <a href="https://twitter.com/cinemawaleghosh/status/955477205349416961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Saw Padmaavat. The film is visually stunning &amp; has great performances. It is more about Khilji, his sexuality &amp; his obsessions. Celebrates the moral courage and strength of character of Rajputs. Karni sena should be proud of the movie :)
&mdash; Vasudha Venugopal (@vasudha_ET) <a href="https://twitter.com/vasudha_ET/status/955396003338731525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Watched <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> at a screening. Not qualified to debate over the debate, but as cinema,it&rsquo;s riveting storytelling and visual delight. <a href="https://twitter.com/shahidkapoor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shahidkapoor</a> is understated good, <a href="https://twitter.com/deepikapadukone?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@deepikapadukone</a>&rsquo;s eyes speak. <a href="https://twitter.com/RanveerOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RanveerOfficial</a> OWNS the film. And <a href="https://twitter.com/jimSarbh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jimSarbh</a> is a surprise bundle of acting!
&mdash; Sonal Kalra (@sonalkalra) <a href="https://twitter.com/sonalkalra/status/955160040171651072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Today watched <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a>. Wonderful film, no scene of any type which is objectionable. Rather Rajput Community is glorified. <a href="https://twitter.com/deepikapadukone?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@deepikapadukone</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RanveerOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RanveerOfficial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/shahidkapoor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shahidkapoor</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/aditiraohydari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aditiraohydari</a> ने किरदारों को जीवंत कर दिया। <a href="https://t.co/YaJ20ObKTQ">pic.twitter.com/YaJ20ObKTQ</a>
&mdash; Anant Vijay (@anantvijay) <a href="https://twitter.com/anantvijay/status/955130171899576320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The violence and protests against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/padmavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#padmavat</a> is so saddening especially after having watched before its release and more so after all the changes that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanjayLeelaBhansali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanjayLeelaBhansali</a> has done. I would call <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> the real <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/beautywithbrain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#beautywithbrain</a>. Hope good sense prevails!
&mdash; Namita Joshi (@iamNamitaJoshi) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamNamitaJoshi/status/955079742113361920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s film has Deepika Padukone playing the titular role. Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor also feature in the film.&nbsp;

Most reviews state that the film, in fact, upholds the 'honour' of the Rajput community

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat is finally going to release in theaters on 25th January. And while states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have appealed to the Supreme Court to ban its release, Karni Sena has sought to vandalism and threats to stop the film's release. The fringe groups have been protesting since last year about the film stating that it shows the Rajput community in bad light. On Monday, in private screening, a select few journalist were shown the film. The first few reviews are out and everyone seems to be saying that the film is a visual spectacle and does not dishonour the community. On the contrary, it upholds the honour of the Rajputs. Also see: Deepika Padukone visits Siddhivinayak Temple ahead of Padmaavat's release Read the full review of Padmaavat Here, have a look. Padmaavat is a non-stop, breathless celebration of 14th Cent Rajput tradition. Anybody protesting on that count will feel very foolish after watching it. And it’s no history or sociology, but pure Sanjay Leela Bhansali — Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) January 21, 2018 × Just watched #Padmaavat at a select screening. I am not aware of any movie which is more laudatory to the Rajputs — avijit ghosh (@cinemawaleghosh) January 22, 2018 × Saw Padmaavat. The film is visually stunning & has great performances. It is more about Khilji, his sexuality & his obsessions. Celebrates the moral courage and strength of character of Rajputs. Karni sena should be proud of the movie :) — Vasudha Venugopal (@vasudha_ET) January 22, 2018 × Watched #Padmaavat at a screening. Not qualified to debate over the debate, but as cinema,it’s riveting storytelling and visual delight. @shahidkapoor is understated good, @deepikapadukone’s eyes speak. @RanveerOfficial OWNS the film. And @jimSarbh is a surprise bundle of acting! — Sonal Kalra (@sonalkalra) January 21, 2018 × Today watched #Padmaavat. Wonderful film, no scene of any type which is objectionable. Rather Rajput Community is glorified. @deepikapadukone @RanveerOfficial @shahidkapoor and @aditiraohydari ने किरदारों को जीवंत कर दिया। pic.twitter.com/YaJ20ObKTQ — Anant Vijay (@anantvijay) January 21, 2018 × The violence and protests against #padmavat is so saddening especially after having watched before its release and more so after all the changes that #SanjayLeelaBhansali has done. I would call #Padmaavat the real #beautywithbrain. Hope good sense prevails! — Namita Joshi (@iamNamitaJoshi) January 21, 2018 × Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film has Deepika Padukone playing the titular role. Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor also feature in the film.

Padmaavat: Here are the first reactions to the film 

Unidentified miscreants on Monday vandalised a ticket counter in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh in protest against the upcoming release of the film &quot;Padmaavat.&quot;

On Sunday, members of the Shri Rajput Karni Sena and other Rajput organisations damaged toll plaza counters at DND flyway connecting Noida to Delhi and set a barrier ablaze.

Earlier this month, the Rajput Karni Sena had vandalised a school in Madhya Pradesh for their students performing to the song &quot;Ghoomar&quot; from the film.

Yesterday, the Karni Sena<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/janta-curfew-in-cinema-halls-if-padmaavat-is-screened-threatens-karni-sena-30418"> threatened &quot;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/janta-curfew-in-cinema-halls-if-padmaavat-is-screened-threatens-karni-sena-30418">janta</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/janta-curfew-in-cinema-halls-if-padmaavat-is-screened-threatens-karni-sena-30418"> curfews&quot;</a> in cinema halls across the country if &quot;Padmaavat&quot; was released.

The Karni Sena had previously vandalised the film&#39;s sets in Jaipur and allegedly assaulted the film&#39;s director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

The Karni Sena, several Rajput fringe groups and some leaders of the BJP are opposed to the film on the grounds that it violates Rajput sentiments, a claim that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has repeatedly rubbished.

The Supreme Court has stayed a ban on the film by the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh, stating that it is the responsibility of the governments to maintain law and order and allow the film&#39;s screening.

&quot;Padmaavat&quot;, which stars Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor, is set for release on January 25.

'Padmaavat', which stars Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor, is set for release on January 25

Unidentified miscreants on Monday vandalised a ticket counter in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh in protest against the upcoming release of the film "Padmaavat." On Sunday, members of the Shri Rajput Karni Sena and other Rajput organisations damaged toll plaza counters at DND flyway connecting Noida to Delhi and set a barrier ablaze. Earlier this month, the Rajput Karni Sena had vandalised a school in Madhya Pradesh for their students performing to the song "Ghoomar" from the film. Yesterday, the Karni Sena threatened "janta curfews" in cinema halls across the country if "Padmaavat" was released. The Karni Sena had previously vandalised the film's sets in Jaipur and allegedly assaulted the film's director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The Karni Sena, several Rajput fringe groups and some leaders of the BJP are opposed to the film on the grounds that it violates Rajput sentiments, a claim that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has repeatedly rubbished. The Supreme Court has stayed a ban on the film by the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh, stating that it is the responsibility of the governments to maintain law and order and allow the film's screening. "Padmaavat", which stars Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor, is set for release on January 25.

'Padmaavat' protests: Miscreants vandalise ticket counter in Uttar Pradesh

Karni Sena, a group opposing film &lsquo;Padmaavat&rsquo;, on Monday said it was ready to watch the film, ahead of its release as offered by Bhansali productions.&nbsp;

The film has been in controversy ever since the declaration of its star cast. The Karni Sena has had reservations regarding the portrayal of Rani Padmavati played by Deepika Padukone in the film.

The film, slated to be released on January 25, has been facing protests by Karni Sena and other fringe groups over allegations that historical facts were distorted in the film.

&quot;We are ready to watch the film. We never said that we will not watch the film. The filmmaker had assured us one year ago that he will go for a special screening and now he has written for the screening and we are ready for that,&quot; Sena leader Lokendra Singh Kalvi, who was in Uttar Pradesh, told over the phone.

Earlier, Bhansali production had on January 20 written a letter to Shree Rajput Karni Sena and Rajput Sabha, Jaipur, inviting them to watch the film and assured that the film showcased the honour and valour of the Rajput community.

As per the report, Bhansali&#39;s&nbsp;letter has once again stated that there is no dream sequence or love scene in the movie between Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji.

(With inputs from PTI)

Bhansali's letter has once again stated that there is no dream sequence or love scene in the movie between Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji

Karni Sena, a group opposing film ‘Padmaavat’, on Monday said it was ready to watch the film, ahead of its release as offered by Bhansali productions. The film has been in controversy ever since the declaration of its star cast. The Karni Sena has had reservations regarding the portrayal of Rani Padmavati played by Deepika Padukone in the film. The film, slated to be released on January 25, has been facing protests by Karni Sena and other fringe groups over allegations that historical facts were distorted in the film. "We are ready to watch the film. We never said that we will not watch the film. The filmmaker had assured us one year ago that he will go for a special screening and now he has written for the screening and we are ready for that," Sena leader Lokendra Singh Kalvi, who was in Uttar Pradesh, told over the phone. Earlier, Bhansali production had on January 20 written a letter to Shree Rajput Karni Sena and Rajput Sabha, Jaipur, inviting them to watch the film and assured that the film showcased the honour and valour of the Rajput community. As per the report, Bhansali's letter has once again stated that there is no dream sequence or love scene in the movie between Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji. (With inputs from PTI)

Karni Sena ready to watch 'Padmaavat' as offered by Bhansali

By now half of the country has watched Padmaavat. Even those who haven&#39;t - I am sure - intend to watch it in the coming days. Because even if you aren&#39;t a fan of Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s film or Deepika Padukone, or just don&#39;t like period dramas, Karni Sena has ensured in the past few months that you get curious about Bhansali&#39;s magnum opus and rush to watch it in theaters to understand what the fuss is all about.&nbsp; 
 
Here&#39;s some good news for those who haven&#39;t watched it yet. There really isn&#39;t anything offensive about the Rajput community in the film. Instead, it glorifies the community to the hilt. The film also for the first time, shows a leading man as bisexual. Okay, it just hints that Khilji swung both ways. But that itself is an achievement from Bollywood which has for generations treated members of the LGBT community as comic relief in films. Neither has any of the leading men in commercial cinema played a character who could lust over women and also get &#39;physically&#39; comfortable with his prime confidant at the same time like Khilji does with his manservant Malik Kafur in Padmaavat.&nbsp;

It&#39;s a first in Bollywood and hopefully, the crackling performances by both Ranveer Singh and Jim Sarbh will encourage more writers to write bisexual and homosexual characters as leads in films and inspire more mainstream Bollywood actors to take up such roles.&nbsp;

But did Sanjay Leela Bhansali really think of breaking the taboo when he wrote Khilji and Malik Kafur&#39;s characters? Or was it an accidental breakthrough? Because if one looks at Padmaavat closely, (and shut all the unnecessary noise that Karni Sena is creating) Bhansali&#39;s film sticks to all sorts of stereotypes and plays to the gallery.&nbsp;

At its core, Padmaavat focusses on Khilji and his maverick, brutal ways. He is the antagonist in the film, even though the story is from his perspective. He is pitted against the moralistic, brave Rajputs.&nbsp;

A Muslim invader, who is ruthless, barbaric and conniving, Bhansali&#39;s depiction of Khilji is far from how the actual Sultan of Delhi was. It just clearly ticks all sorts of stereotypes that one can possibly think of while depicting a Muslim ruler. His tents are dark, he is unkempt, he philanders, plunders, loots and chomps on meat like a barbaric nomad. Something that Khilji&nbsp;actually wasn&#39;t.&nbsp; 
 
History states that in real life Alauddin Khilji was not cruel but a great administrator and that his siege of Chittor was clearly politically motivated. He wanted to take charge of Chittor and eventually the rest of the Rajput kingdoms and expand his territory of <span class="m_405305391776333809gmail-gr_ m_405305391776333809gmail-gr_231 m_405305391776333809gmail-gr-alert m_405305391776333809gmail-gr_gramm m_405305391776333809gmail-gr_inline_cards m_405305391776333809gmail-gr_run_anim m_405305391776333809gmail-Grammar m_405305391776333809gmail-only-ins m_405305391776333809gmail-doubleReplace m_405305391776333809gmail-replaceWithoutSep" id="m_405305391776333809gmail-231">rule.&nbsp;He wasn&#39;t, in fact, motivated by any woman or her beauty.&nbsp;

On the other hand, the Rajput ruler Ratan Singh is shown as a man of principles in Padmaavat. He is loyal to his wives (yes, wives), fights to protect the <span class="m_405305391776333809gmail-gr_ m_405305391776333809gmail-gr_82 m_405305391776333809gmail-gr-alert m_405305391776333809gmail-gr_spell m_405305391776333809gmail-gr_inline_cards m_405305391776333809gmail-gr_run_anim m_405305391776333809gmail-ContextualSpelling m_405305391776333809gmail-multiReplace" id="m_405305391776333809gmail-82">honour of his people and his love, and doesn&#39;t even attack or kill the enemy when he comes visiting his palace as a guest. Because his morals don&#39;t allow him to kill someone outside the battlefield, unarmed. He is shown as the epitome of all things right and yes, he is a Hindu ruler, a worshiper of Bhawani.&nbsp;

The narrative, pretty evidently, makes clear demarcations. The righteous one is Hindu, the ruthless, barbaric one is a Muslim. Khilji is flawed in every possible way. He only knows and understands the language of killing. And unlike his Hindu enemy, Khilji isn&#39;t governed by usool or marayada or shaan. Bhansali&#39;s depiction of Khilji is all black, there are no grey spots even. In the final battle scene, the antagonist wins the battle by unfair means, but the viewer&#39;s take away is of the moral victory of the righteous Rajput king.&nbsp;

Which is why the fact that Khilji is shown as bisexual could also be just one of the &#39;negative&#39; traits that the character possesses. Maybe, the fact that he lusts over women, and even eyes his eunuch commander general is also supposed to be a flaw. That even though he is obsessed about Padmavati, he is not really loyal to anyone.&nbsp;

The film not just caters to a certain section of the society with its subtle jingoism, but it is also regressive in the way it over-dramatizes and glorifies something as horrible as Jauhar. And no, the disclaimer, in the beginning, doesn&#39;t help much. But that&#39;s a discussion for another day perhaps.&nbsp;

The irony is not lost on anyone. Bhansali plays to the gallery and his film can appeal to a larger population- going by the current sentiments of the nation, where demarcations are often made on religious lines. Yet, the film is opposed by those very people who harp about their national identity time and again.

If one looks at Padmaavat closely, Bhansali's film sticks to all sorts of stereotypes and plays to the gallery.

By now half of the country has watched Padmaavat. Even those who haven't - I am sure - intend to watch it in the coming days. Because even if you aren't a fan of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film or Deepika Padukone, or just don't like period dramas, Karni Sena has ensured in the past few months that you get curious about Bhansali's magnum opus and rush to watch it in theaters to understand what the fuss is all about. Here's some good news for those who haven't watched it yet. There really isn't anything offensive about the Rajput community in the film. Instead, it glorifies the community to the hilt. The film also for the first time, shows a leading man as bisexual. Okay, it just hints that Khilji swung both ways. But that itself is an achievement from Bollywood which has for generations treated members of the LGBT community as comic relief in films. Neither has any of the leading men in commercial cinema played a character who could lust over women and also get 'physically' comfortable with his prime confidant at the same time like Khilji does with his manservant Malik Kafur in Padmaavat. It's a first in Bollywood and hopefully, the crackling performances by both Ranveer Singh and Jim Sarbh will encourage more writers to write bisexual and homosexual characters as leads in films and inspire more mainstream Bollywood actors to take up such roles. But did Sanjay Leela Bhansali really think of breaking the taboo when he wrote Khilji and Malik Kafur's characters? Or was it an accidental breakthrough? Because if one looks at Padmaavat closely, (and shut all the unnecessary noise that Karni Sena is creating) Bhansali's film sticks to all sorts of stereotypes and plays to the gallery. At its core, Padmaavat focusses on Khilji and his maverick, brutal ways. He is the antagonist in the film, even though the story is from his perspective. He is pitted against the moralistic, brave Rajputs. A Muslim invader, who is ruthless, barbaric and conniving, Bhansali's depiction of Khilji is far from how the actual Sultan of Delhi was. It just clearly ticks all sorts of stereotypes that one can possibly think of while depicting a Muslim ruler. His tents are dark, he is unkempt, he philanders, plunders, loots and chomps on meat like a barbaric nomad. Something that Khilji actually wasn't. History states that in real life Alauddin Khilji was not cruel but a great administrator and that his siege of Chittor was clearly politically motivated. He wanted to take charge of Chittor and eventually the rest of the Rajput kingdoms and expand his territory of rule. He wasn't, in fact, motivated by any woman or her beauty. On the other hand, the Rajput ruler Ratan Singh is shown as a man of principles in Padmaavat. He is loyal to his wives (yes, wives), fights to protect the honour of his people and his love, and doesn't even attack or kill the enemy when he comes visiting his palace as a guest. Because his morals don't allow him to kill someone outside the battlefield, unarmed. He is shown as the epitome of all things right and yes, he is a Hindu ruler, a worshiper of Bhawani. The narrative, pretty evidently, makes clear demarcations. The righteous one is Hindu, the ruthless, barbaric one is a Muslim. Khilji is flawed in every possible way. He only knows and understands the language of killing. And unlike his Hindu enemy, Khilji isn't governed by usool or marayada or shaan. Bhansali's depiction of Khilji is all black, there are no grey spots even. In the final battle scene, the antagonist wins the battle by unfair means, but the viewer's take away is of the moral victory of the righteous Rajput king. Which is why the fact that Khilji is shown as bisexual could also be just one of the 'negative' traits that the character possesses. Maybe, the fact that he lusts over women, and even eyes his eunuch commander general is also supposed to be a flaw. That even though he is obsessed about Padmavati, he is not really loyal to anyone. The film not just caters to a certain section of the society with its subtle jingoism, but it is also regressive in the way it over-dramatizes and glorifies something as horrible as Jauhar. And no, the disclaimer, in the beginning, doesn't help much. But that's a discussion for another day perhaps. The irony is not lost on anyone. Bhansali plays to the gallery and his film can appeal to a larger population- going by the current sentiments of the nation, where demarcations are often made on religious lines. Yet, the film is opposed by those very people who harp about their national identity time and again.

Opinion: How Sanjay Leela Bhansali plays to the gallery with Padmaavat

When Karni Sena threatened to behead Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Deepika Padukone most expected the stars along with Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Kapoor to speak out. But contrary to expectations, the film&#39;s cast maintained an eerie silence over the matter.&nbsp; 
 
In a recent interview, Ranveer revealed that when he first heard Karni Sena issuing threats to chop off Deepika&#39;s nose, he was angry and wanted to react but was asked not to. &quot;I was filled with rage. There&rsquo;s no doubt about that. I had a very strong urge to act out, to speak out, but I was given strict instructions not to. And I had to respect that because I was not at the forefront of this fight. It&rsquo;s the prerogative of the producers, of the director. If they were explicitly telling me that me saying something or doing something is going to complicate things further, I don&rsquo;t want to complicate their lives. I want to do my bit to make sure that this film gets made and it gets released. If this is what they are asking me to do, I have to abide by that.&rdquo; 
 
&nbsp;&ldquo;I could choose to act out destructively but I chose not to. I channeled it and I put all of it into my performance. Whatever you may feel after watching this performance is born out of having felt a certain way,&quot; the actor added. 
 
Karni Sena had been protesting against the film ever since the crew started shooting in early January 2017. Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali was thrashed and the sets were vandalised in Jaipur. Condemning the incident, Ranveer said, &quot;It&rsquo;s extremely disturbing. When I saw that, I was filled with rage. How dare you do that to somebody who I worship? How dare you go to my place of worship and do what you did? All of these feelings were like a tornado inside me, and I actually had to be calmed down by people around me. Now that I look back, when the film has released and is being celebrated, I think it was a good decision to channel it into my performance because that is my protest.&rdquo; 
Appaluding Bhansali&#39;s strength, Ranveer said, &quot;He took his time to come out of it, understandably. But hats off to the guy when he came back, it was like a mad man. The kind of rigour and energy he was filled with was like a man possessed.&rdquo;&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;Eventually, these perpetrators have lost. The film has won, Mr Bhansali has won. It&rsquo;s a victory, the way this film is celebrated not just in our country but across the world. The kind of numbers it is posting is an indicator of widespread audience acceptance, approval and validation. I am very happy, especially for Mr Bhansali, because he has been through the most,&rdquo; the actor said.

Ranveer Singh spoke out for the first time about the protests around Padmaavat.

When Karni Sena threatened to behead Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Deepika Padukone most expected the stars along with Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Kapoor to speak out. But contrary to expectations, the film's cast maintained an eerie silence over the matter. In a recent interview, Ranveer revealed that when he first heard Karni Sena issuing threats to chop off Deepika's nose, he was angry and wanted to react but was asked not to. "I was filled with rage. There’s no doubt about that. I had a very strong urge to act out, to speak out, but I was given strict instructions not to. And I had to respect that because I was not at the forefront of this fight. It’s the prerogative of the producers, of the director. If they were explicitly telling me that me saying something or doing something is going to complicate things further, I don’t want to complicate their lives. I want to do my bit to make sure that this film gets made and it gets released. If this is what they are asking me to do, I have to abide by that.” “I could choose to act out destructively but I chose not to. I channeled it and I put all of it into my performance. Whatever you may feel after watching this performance is born out of having felt a certain way," the actor added. Karni Sena had been protesting against the film ever since the crew started shooting in early January 2017. Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali was thrashed and the sets were vandalised in Jaipur. Condemning the incident, Ranveer said, "It’s extremely disturbing. When I saw that, I was filled with rage. How dare you do that to somebody who I worship? How dare you go to my place of worship and do what you did? All of these feelings were like a tornado inside me, and I actually had to be calmed down by people around me. Now that I look back, when the film has released and is being celebrated, I think it was a good decision to channel it into my performance because that is my protest.” Appaluding Bhansali's strength, Ranveer said, "He took his time to come out of it, understandably. But hats off to the guy when he came back, it was like a mad man. The kind of rigour and energy he was filled with was like a man possessed.” “Eventually, these perpetrators have lost. The film has won, Mr Bhansali has won. It’s a victory, the way this film is celebrated not just in our country but across the world. The kind of numbers it is posting is an indicator of widespread audience acceptance, approval and validation. I am very happy, especially for Mr Bhansali, because he has been through the most,” the actor said.

Ranveer Singh on threats to Deepika Padukone: Had the urge to speak out but was asked not to

Even though Karni Sena has withdrawn its protest against Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat, the film did not release in theatres in Bhopal and Indore on Thursday. Members of the MP chapter of the fringe outfit watched the film late on Wednesday night and continued to oppose the film&#39;s content leading to protests.&nbsp; 
 
It was earlier decided that cinema halls would screen the film in theatres after the police assured cinema hall owners ample security for the film.&nbsp; 
 
In Bhopal, five cinema halls had agreed to screen the film but only in the evening. But after the cinema hall owners in Indore did not release the film, their counterparts in Bhopal also backed out.

The Karni Sena -- after over two years of protesting against the movie Padmaavat -- finally withdrew its protest on Friday, saying the movie glorifies Rajput valour.&nbsp;

Padmaavat starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, released worldwide on January 25th. Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan did not screen the film due to threats from Karni Sena.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It was earlier decided that cinema halls would screen the film in theatres after the police assured cinema hall owners ample security for the film.

Even though Karni Sena has withdrawn its protest against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat, the film did not release in theatres in Bhopal and Indore on Thursday. Members of the MP chapter of the fringe outfit watched the film late on Wednesday night and continued to oppose the film's content leading to protests. It was earlier decided that cinema halls would screen the film in theatres after the police assured cinema hall owners ample security for the film. In Bhopal, five cinema halls had agreed to screen the film but only in the evening. But after the cinema hall owners in Indore did not release the film, their counterparts in Bhopal also backed out. The Karni Sena -- after over two years of protesting against the movie Padmaavat -- finally withdrew its protest on Friday, saying the movie glorifies Rajput valour. Padmaavat starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, released worldwide on January 25th. Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan did not screen the film due to threats from Karni Sena.

Madhya Pradesh fails to release Padmaavat in theatres

With three consecutive hits with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, actor Ranveer Singh says he wants to create a &quot;vast legacy of memorable films&quot; with the director. 
 
After working with him in Ram Leela&nbsp;and Bajirao Mastani, Ranveer&#39;s latest collaboration with Bhansali, Padmaavat&nbsp;has given the actor his biggest hit and one of his most critically-acclaimed performances. 
 
Speaking at an event here last night, Ranveer told reporters, &quot;I am ready to do anything for Mr. Bhansali! I understand too well that our collaboration is very special, and a lot of people recognise that, I recognise it too. I hope to do more films with him, and I hope that I am able to create a vast legacy of memorable films with such a special filmmaker.&quot; 
 
As Alauddin Khilji, Ranveer garnered lots of praise for his performance in the recently-released Padmaavat. The film, which already crossed Rs 200 crore at the box office, has overwhelmed the actor. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t get too carried away with success, neither do I get too bogged down by failure. What&#39;s most important for me is that you deliver on your promise to the audience. I have pledged to try and be the best entertainer that I can possibly be, and to see the kind of response, love and praise that people are showering on our performance is extremely heartening for me. 
 
&quot;It fills me with more motivation to go out and work even harder and keep doing good work. Of course, Padmaavat&nbsp;will be a gem in my filmography. It is one of those rare successes that get the kind of critical acclaim that it has, as well as the commercial success. It&#39;s been an avalanche of love coming from everywhere and it is quite overwhelming,&quot; he added. 
 
The actor is currently in the midst of shooting his next with Zoya Akhtar&#39;s Gully Boy, in which he plays a street rapper. 
 
&quot;I haven&#39;t really had the time to celebrate, I have been shooting Gully Boy&nbsp;every day and it is going extremely well. Things are just flowing along sparklingly, delightfully with Zoya (Akhtar) and Alia (Bhatt). I am really enjoying the shooting process. 
 
&quot;Honestly, what more can I ask for, it is my greatest gift that I can go to a film set every day and do what I love doing,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

After working with him in Ram Leela and Bajirao Mastani, Ranveer's latest collaboration with Bhansali, Padmaavat has given the actor his biggest hit

With three consecutive hits with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, actor Ranveer Singh says he wants to create a "vast legacy of memorable films" with the director. After working with him in Ram Leela and Bajirao Mastani, Ranveer's latest collaboration with Bhansali, Padmaavat has given the actor his biggest hit and one of his most critically-acclaimed performances. Speaking at an event here last night, Ranveer told reporters, "I am ready to do anything for Mr. Bhansali! I understand too well that our collaboration is very special, and a lot of people recognise that, I recognise it too. I hope to do more films with him, and I hope that I am able to create a vast legacy of memorable films with such a special filmmaker." As Alauddin Khilji, Ranveer garnered lots of praise for his performance in the recently-released Padmaavat. The film, which already crossed Rs 200 crore at the box office, has overwhelmed the actor. "I don't get too carried away with success, neither do I get too bogged down by failure. What's most important for me is that you deliver on your promise to the audience. I have pledged to try and be the best entertainer that I can possibly be, and to see the kind of response, love and praise that people are showering on our performance is extremely heartening for me. "It fills me with more motivation to go out and work even harder and keep doing good work. Of course, Padmaavat will be a gem in my filmography. It is one of those rare successes that get the kind of critical acclaim that it has, as well as the commercial success. It's been an avalanche of love coming from everywhere and it is quite overwhelming," he added. The actor is currently in the midst of shooting his next with Zoya Akhtar's Gully Boy, in which he plays a street rapper. "I haven't really had the time to celebrate, I have been shooting Gully Boy every day and it is going extremely well. Things are just flowing along sparklingly, delightfully with Zoya (Akhtar) and Alia (Bhatt). I am really enjoying the shooting process. "Honestly, what more can I ask for, it is my greatest gift that I can go to a film set every day and do what I love doing," he said.

Ranveer Singh wants to create a 'vast legacy of memorable films' with Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s period drama Padmaavat, which faced widespread protests before its release, has had an impressive run at the box office so far by earning over Rs 200 crore in two weeks.

The film got mired in a controversy after various Rajput groups alleged that it distorts history, a claim repeatedly denied by its director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

According to the producer Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, the film has collected Rs 212.5 crore since its release on January 25.

The collection in the second weekend was Rs 46 crore. The film enjoyed a free run in its second week with no other major Bollywood film releasing.

The figures come even as several multiplex owners have shown reluctance to screen the film, fearing violent protests.

Theatre owners in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are not screening the film.

Starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, the film was released on January 25.

Reacting to the box office success of Padmaavat, Ranveer said, &quot;From playing one of the most challenging characters ever to notching my first 200 crore grosser, this film has already given me so many overwhelming, emotional and humbling memories,&quot; he said in a statement.&nbsp;

The film has made Rs 212.5 crore since its January 25 release

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama Padmaavat, which faced widespread protests before its release, has had an impressive run at the box office so far by earning over Rs 200 crore in two weeks. The film got mired in a controversy after various Rajput groups alleged that it distorts history, a claim repeatedly denied by its director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. According to the producer Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, the film has collected Rs 212.5 crore since its release on January 25. The collection in the second weekend was Rs 46 crore. The film enjoyed a free run in its second week with no other major Bollywood film releasing. The figures come even as several multiplex owners have shown reluctance to screen the film, fearing violent protests. Theatre owners in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are not screening the film. Starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, the film was released on January 25. Reacting to the box office success of Padmaavat, Ranveer said, "From playing one of the most challenging characters ever to notching my first 200 crore grosser, this film has already given me so many overwhelming, emotional and humbling memories," he said in a statement.

Padmaavat continues impressive run, enters 200-crore club

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

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

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

Protest against 'Padmaavat' will continue: Karni Sena leaders

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who is laughing all the way to the bank with the box office success of &quot;Padmaavat&quot;, says there were enough reasons for him to drop the film but he never thought of quitting.

Bhansali, who has called the film his career&#39;s most &quot;anxious release&quot;, says he faced hurdles right from the beginning and had three other stories that could have made it to the screens but &#39;Padmaavat&#39; was always special.

Referring to 1988&#39;s &quot;Bharat Ek Khoj&quot;, which had an episode on Padmavati and Alaudin Khilji, he said the atmosphere then &quot;was nicer, more creative, more liberal&quot; but no filmmaker should lose hope.

The sets of &quot;Padmaavat&quot; were vandalised twice and nation wide protests from Rajput groups, who said the film distorted history and defamed their queen Padmini, resulted in a delay in release.

Excerpts from an interview with the director:

Q) You were the assistant editor on Shyam Benegal&#39;s TV series, &quot;Bharat Ek Khoj&quot;. In one of the episodes, Om Puri played the part of Alauddin Khilji. Do you remember that time?

A) It was a huge project and they shot throughout the year. Shyam Babu being one of my favourite directors, I learnt so much. I remember being there on that episode, in 1988.

Q) Were there any references that you drew from Om Puri&#39;s part for Ranveer Singh?

A) No... The only thing was there was no protest when people saw it. There was nothing being said about Padmavati or Alauddin Khilji. There was a film made in 1964 called &quot;Rani Padmini&quot;, there were no objections even then. I don&#39;t know why it happened now.

Q) Do you think people were more liberal then?

A) I feel the overall atmosphere was nicer, more creative, more liberal. Now, jo hai so hai... (But) no filmmaker should lose hope. If tomorrow, another filmmaker goes through the same experience as I have gone through, he must never give up or stop fighting. I think we filmmakers love our films so much that in any case we will never give up fighting... Truth prevails, even if it is four months late. 
I had so many reasons (to give up), may be even before the problem started... The casting was not falling in place. There were so many reasons I should have got up and said, &#39;we will talk about this film some other time, let&#39;s leave it for now&#39;, but I didn&#39;t. I went on and achieved what I wanted to and that&#39;s what filmmakers need to understand -- that sometimes circumstances are not favourable to you, but you should keep fighting.

Q) Will you continue to make historical films given the problems you faced with this one?

A) I don&#39;t know if one would decide to say that I will give up making period films because I don&#39;t want to go through this again. Each story has its own destiny. Sometimes things happen which are beyond your control, you can&#39;t help them. But I would only make a film which comes to my heart, whether it is a contemporary film or a period film. I don&#39;t plan. I wrote three stories before I decided to make &quot;Padmaavat&quot;. The whole office was geared to make the other films, all the research was done, homework done and I said no, we are making &quot;Padmaavat&quot;. Suddenly, it all changed. So I am spontaneous. What comes from the heart, I make it, without worrying about the future or the past.

The film helmer said that no filmmaker should lose hope

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who is laughing all the way to the bank with the box office success of "Padmaavat", says there were enough reasons for him to drop the film but he never thought of quitting. Bhansali, who has called the film his career's most "anxious release", says he faced hurdles right from the beginning and had three other stories that could have made it to the screens but 'Padmaavat' was always special. Referring to 1988's "Bharat Ek Khoj", which had an episode on Padmavati and Alaudin Khilji, he said the atmosphere then "was nicer, more creative, more liberal" but no filmmaker should lose hope. The sets of "Padmaavat" were vandalised twice and nation wide protests from Rajput groups, who said the film distorted history and defamed their queen Padmini, resulted in a delay in release. Excerpts from an interview with the director: Q) You were the assistant editor on Shyam Benegal's TV series, "Bharat Ek Khoj". In one of the episodes, Om Puri played the part of Alauddin Khilji. Do you remember that time? A) It was a huge project and they shot throughout the year. Shyam Babu being one of my favourite directors, I learnt so much. I remember being there on that episode, in 1988. Q) Were there any references that you drew from Om Puri's part for Ranveer Singh? A) No... The only thing was there was no protest when people saw it. There was nothing being said about Padmavati or Alauddin Khilji. There was a film made in 1964 called "Rani Padmini", there were no objections even then. I don't know why it happened now. Q) Do you think people were more liberal then? A) I feel the overall atmosphere was nicer, more creative, more liberal. Now, jo hai so hai... (But) no filmmaker should lose hope. If tomorrow, another filmmaker goes through the same experience as I have gone through, he must never give up or stop fighting. I think we filmmakers love our films so much that in any case we will never give up fighting... Truth prevails, even if it is four months late. I had so many reasons (to give up), may be even before the problem started... The casting was not falling in place. There were so many reasons I should have got up and said, 'we will talk about this film some other time, let's leave it for now', but I didn't. I went on and achieved what I wanted to and that's what filmmakers need to understand -- that sometimes circumstances are not favourable to you, but you should keep fighting. Q) Will you continue to make historical films given the problems you faced with this one? A) I don't know if one would decide to say that I will give up making period films because I don't want to go through this again. Each story has its own destiny. Sometimes things happen which are beyond your control, you can't help them. But I would only make a film which comes to my heart, whether it is a contemporary film or a period film. I don't plan. I wrote three stories before I decided to make "Padmaavat". The whole office was geared to make the other films, all the research was done, homework done and I said no, we are making "Padmaavat". Suddenly, it all changed. So I am spontaneous. What comes from the heart, I make it, without worrying about the future or the past.

Never felt like giving up: Sanjay Bhansali on 'Padmaavat'

Swara Bhaskar and her open letter to Padmaavat director Sanjay Leela Bhansali went viral after she used phrases like &quot;felt reduced to a vagina-only&quot; in context of feelings post watching the movie as a woman and a feminist.&nbsp;

This Swara wrote in the context of the entire film and especially the portrayal of the finale scene where Deepika Padukone (Rani Padmini) plunges herself into the fire to commit Jauhar&nbsp;so as to avoid being captured by a psychotic king Alauddin Khilji (as portrayed in the film).&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/swara-bhaskar-feels-like-reduced-to-vagina-after-watching-padmaavat-31009" target="_blank">Also Read: Swara Bhaskar&#39;s full letter</a>

Questioning Bhansali&#39;s conceptualisation of the film, Swara wrote: &quot;your act of thoughtlessly glorifying this misogynistic criminal practice is something you ought to answer for, Sir.&quot;&nbsp;

To this, Deepika who played the titular role in the film replied back saying that she (Swara) probably missed the disclaimer at the beginning of the film.

In an interview to a Mumbai-based daily, she said (referring to Swara), &quot;You probably went out to buy some popcorn and missed the initial disclaimers that come out.&quot;

She further added that the film &quot;was set in an era- in the 12th and 13th century when rituals (Jauhar) like this were practised.&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-deepika-padukone-opens-up-about-the-jauhar-scene-and-the-controversy-around-it-31318" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;Deepika Padukone opens up about the Jauhar scene and the controversy around it</a>

Earlier, Shahid Kapoor who played the role of Deepika&#39;s husband in the film also <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-shahid-kapoor-reacts-to-swara-bhaskars-open-letter-to-sanjay-leela-bhansali-31169" target="_blank">responded</a> to the letter. He said,&nbsp;&quot;Every practice happens for various reasons. Within this film, Padmavati believed she would want to go into the fire as opposed to handing herself over to a man who is so evil, that he is ready to kill the entire kingdom to achieve one woman.&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-swara-bhaskar-on-padmaavat-letter-didnt-expect-so-much-chaos-just-because-i-used-a-word-which-starts-with-v-31326" target="_blank">Also </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-swara-bhaskar-on-padmaavat-letter-didnt-expect-so-much-chaos-just-because-i-used-a-word-which-starts-with-v-31326" target="_blank">Read:</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-swara-bhaskar-on-padmaavat-letter-didnt-expect-so-much-chaos-just-because-i-used-a-word-which-starts-with-v-31326" target="_blank">&nbsp;Swara Bhaskar on &#39;Padmaavat&#39; letter: Didn&#39;t expect so much chaos just because I used a word which starts with &#39;V</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Swara Bhaskar had earlier written an open-letter to 'Padmaavat' director Sanjay Leela Bhansali saying: 'your act of thoughtlessly glorifying this misogynistic criminal practice is something you ought to answer for, Sir'

Swara Bhaskar and her open letter to Padmaavat director Sanjay Leela Bhansali went viral after she used phrases like "felt reduced to a vagina-only" in context of feelings post watching the movie as a woman and a feminist. This Swara wrote in the context of the entire film and especially the portrayal of the finale scene where Deepika Padukone (Rani Padmini) plunges herself into the fire to commit Jauhar so as to avoid being captured by a psychotic king Alauddin Khilji (as portrayed in the film). Also Read: Swara Bhaskar's full letter Questioning Bhansali's conceptualisation of the film, Swara wrote: "your act of thoughtlessly glorifying this misogynistic criminal practice is something you ought to answer for, Sir." To this, Deepika who played the titular role in the film replied back saying that she (Swara) probably missed the disclaimer at the beginning of the film. In an interview to a Mumbai-based daily, she said (referring to Swara), "You probably went out to buy some popcorn and missed the initial disclaimers that come out." She further added that the film "was set in an era- in the 12th and 13th century when rituals (Jauhar) like this were practised." Also Read: Deepika Padukone opens up about the Jauhar scene and the controversy around it Earlier, Shahid Kapoor who played the role of Deepika's husband in the film also responded to the letter. He said, "Every practice happens for various reasons. Within this film, Padmavati believed she would want to go into the fire as opposed to handing herself over to a man who is so evil, that he is ready to kill the entire kingdom to achieve one woman." Also Read: Swara Bhaskar on 'Padmaavat' letter: Didn't expect so much chaos just because I used a word which starts with 'V

Deepika takes a dig at Swara, says 'You probably went to buy popcorn and missed disclaimers'

There is no stopping now. Padmaavat has fought hard and has clearly emerged as a winner. The film which released a week back has already earned Rs 150 crores and still running to packed theatres.&nbsp; 
 
Calling the film &#39;Unstoppable&#39;, trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted, &quot;#Padmaavat is UNSTOPPABLE... Crosses ₹ 150 cr mark... Wed [limited previews] 5 cr, Thu 19 cr, Fri 32 cr, Sat 27 cr, Sun 31 cr, Mon 15 cr, Tue 14 cr, Wed 12.50 cr. Total: ₹ 155.50 cr. India biz.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> is UNSTOPPABLE... Crosses ₹ 150 cr mark... Wed [limited previews] 5 cr, Thu 19 cr, Fri 32 cr, Sat 27 cr, Sun 31 cr, Mon 15 cr, Tue 14 cr, Wed 12.50 cr. Total: ₹ 155.50 cr. India biz.
&mdash; taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/959024049497178112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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After much controversy, Padmaavat released worldwide on January 25th. Though some of the states refused to screen the film fearing violence and protest, the film has opened to packed theaters in most parts of the country.&nbsp; 
 
This is Sanjay Leela Bhansali-Deepika Padukone- Ranveer Singh&#39;s third film together and second Rs 100 crore film. The trio&#39;s Bajiaro Mastani also had crossed Rs 100 crore mark back in 2015.&nbsp;

In a week's time the film has already earned more than Rs 150 crores.

There is no stopping now. Padmaavat has fought hard and has clearly emerged as a winner. The film which released a week back has already earned Rs 150 crores and still running to packed theatres. Calling the film 'Unstoppable', trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted, "#Padmaavat is UNSTOPPABLE... Crosses ₹ 150 cr mark... Wed [limited previews] 5 cr, Thu 19 cr, Fri 32 cr, Sat 27 cr, Sun 31 cr, Mon 15 cr, Tue 14 cr, Wed 12.50 cr. Total: ₹ 155.50 cr. India biz. #Padmaavat is UNSTOPPABLE... Crosses ₹ 150 cr mark... Wed [limited previews] 5 cr, Thu 19 cr, Fri 32 cr, Sat 27 cr, Sun 31 cr, Mon 15 cr, Tue 14 cr, Wed 12.50 cr. Total: ₹ 155.50 cr. India biz. — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) February 1, 2018 × After much controversy, Padmaavat released worldwide on January 25th. Though some of the states refused to screen the film fearing violence and protest, the film has opened to packed theaters in most parts of the country. This is Sanjay Leela Bhansali-Deepika Padukone- Ranveer Singh's third film together and second Rs 100 crore film. The trio's Bajiaro Mastani also had crossed Rs 100 crore mark back in 2015.

Padmaavat continues its dream run at the box office, earns Rs 150 crore

Compliments have been pouring in from all quarters for Ranveer Singh&#39;s performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat. The actor&#39;s portrayal of Alauddin Khilji is being termed by many as the defining performance of his career.&nbsp; 
 
While his co-stars, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor, have been lauded for their performances as well, it is Ranveer who has hogged the maximum limelight for his role. Interestingly, Shahid himself has stated that Ratan Singh&#39;s character was not author-backed, unlike Ranveer&#39;s Khilji. 
 
When Shahid was asked what he felt about Ranveer&#39;s performance, his answer took some people by surprise.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Which actor would not wish to play a character like Khilji in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film? You know, once on Koffee with Karan, Ranveer said he would have done my role in Kaminey&nbsp;better than me... I would have done Khilji differently,&quot; he said. 
 
When Shahid was prodded further on how he would have played the character, the actor took a safer route by answering it diplomatically. &quot;Firstly, I do not want to get into those details. Always remember, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is the hero of all his films and we actors come second,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;So whether it is the loud and larger-than-life character of Khilji or the subtleness of Ratan Singh, everything was governed by Sanjay Sir. So, this is his vision of his. What I just said about performing differently, is because we are two different actors and our style of acting is different,&quot; Shahid added. 
 
Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat also stars Jim Sarbh, Aditi Rao Hydari and Raza Murad in prominent roles.&nbsp;

Compliments have been pouring in from all quarters for Ranveer Singh's performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat.

Compliments have been pouring in from all quarters for Ranveer Singh's performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat. The actor's portrayal of Alauddin Khilji is being termed by many as the defining performance of his career. While his co-stars, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor, have been lauded for their performances as well, it is Ranveer who has hogged the maximum limelight for his role. Interestingly, Shahid himself has stated that Ratan Singh's character was not author-backed, unlike Ranveer's Khilji. When Shahid was asked what he felt about Ranveer's performance, his answer took some people by surprise. "Which actor would not wish to play a character like Khilji in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film? You know, once on Koffee with Karan, Ranveer said he would have done my role in Kaminey better than me... I would have done Khilji differently," he said. When Shahid was prodded further on how he would have played the character, the actor took a safer route by answering it diplomatically. "Firstly, I do not want to get into those details. Always remember, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is the hero of all his films and we actors come second," he said. "So whether it is the loud and larger-than-life character of Khilji or the subtleness of Ratan Singh, everything was governed by Sanjay Sir. So, this is his vision of his. What I just said about performing differently, is because we are two different actors and our style of acting is different," Shahid added. Bhansali's Padmaavat also stars Jim Sarbh, Aditi Rao Hydari and Raza Murad in prominent roles.

Shahid Kapoor on Ranveer Singh's performance in Padmaavat: Would have played Khilji differently

As you alight from a taxi in a quiet Juhu bylane, your eyes darting left to right to spot where Sanjay Leela Bhansali&rsquo;s office could possibly be, a police jeep comes into your vision. And you know immediately that behind the intimidating brown gates is where the man is &ldquo;imprisoned.&rsquo;&rsquo;

When the gate slams shut, a name and reference check is done. And then, a dozen safari suit-clad men with walkie-talkies point you in the right direction. Finally, you are seated opposite SLB, who is dressed in his signature kurta-pyjama. His mop of grey hair and dark-rimmed glasses lend style to his carefully-built persona. He is celebrating the runaway success of his magnum opus with chocolate. Urging you to dig in, he indicates that he is ready to talk. And so, we ask:

Padmaavat continues to go through a lot of strife&hellip; 
Yes, but Padmaavat is blessed. There are creative angels who come and bless such films. There is some divine energy that says this is the way it should be. It is fascinating to go with the flow. If you are supposed to face the attacks or these kind of protests that we have gone through, it&rsquo;s a part of the film&rsquo;s destiny. All I can say is that it just makes you stronger and wants you to make the movie better. When your whole being is at stake and you feel that you are going to perish, you give the thing on hand your best shot. Then things unfold in a way. So, from January 27, 2017, when we were attacked in Jaipur to January 25 this year when the film released, it has been one whole year of strife. I cannot describe all that my team and I went through.&nbsp;

Why didn&rsquo;t you speak earlier? 
A lot of people said that I didn&rsquo;t answer or defend myself. I didn&rsquo;t come out in the open to speak or react. But my only reaction was to make the film better. If it hit the screen, which it seemed would be almost impossible at one point, that itself would have been a victory.At the cost of repeating myself, I must say that movies like Padmaavat are destined. How can the same set of people (actor, technicians) who have worked on this film and go to another film, are not able to achieve the same kind of results that this movie has? There is some divine energy. When a film reaches a theatre, that is the happiest journey for me because there is no greater joy than that final lap from the laboratory to the screen. That is what you live for. When the first frame is beamed on the screen, it is the most fascinating and satisfying moment for me even after all these years and so many films. It is a moment to die for.

Do you agree that you have achieved a cult status in Bollywood? 
I don&rsquo;t know who says what. All I know is that there&rsquo;s a madness that is growing within me. I constantly strive to say something bigger and better. There is a time when you evolve. You feel that you have understood your craft, signature and style of filmmaking. You know you are more adept at doing things and find that rhythm slowly over the years. That&rsquo;s what I think has happened to me. I found scale during my Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas days. But the journey between Goliyon Ki Raas Leela Ram-Leela and Padmaavat taught me so many other aspects. It is very difficult to make a big-scale film. What people call, &lsquo;the big-screen experience&rsquo;, is hard to achieve.

All that I loved about music, drama; all that I have learnt from Raj Kapoor, K Asif or Kamal Amrohi, V Shantaram and Mehboob Khan, I started finding and putting it together. I have also deeply admired Ramesh Sippy (of Sholay fame). I&rsquo;m constantly imbibing the energies of these great men with vision and talking to them. So, I&rsquo;m discovering far more than the basic box-office collection.

You said Ram Leela was a learning curve... 
I started finding the rhythm of the shot for the first time during Ram Leela. I made sure the sur and the scale didn&rsquo;t go wrong. I found some joy in making Padmaavat irrespective of the problems that I encountered.

Is it right to say that you have been obsessed with your ideas long before your films went on floors? 
I took 12 years to make Bajirao Mastani. I waited nine years to make Ram Leela and I had to wait eight years from the time I did Padmavati, the opera on stage, in Paris to get to the film. I&rsquo;ve enjoyed making these movies so much. They were very challenging. How to put things into a big frame and how to spend money are things that I&rsquo;m obsessing about all the time. You know budgets become available to you but how you spend that money in the correct way is important. And I really don&rsquo;t care whether the films brought in the numbers at the box office or not. I never work with that fear.

One never hears of you taking a holiday... 
People say why don&rsquo;t you go on a holiday and I tell them I only want to go to the studio. I want to go to FilmCity and Mehboob Studios and sit over there. So often, when I&rsquo;m crossing Bandra, I make it a point to drive into the Mehboob Studio compound, sit there and just stare. That is the kind of love that I have for cinema.

That&rsquo;s why you have been labelled eccentric&hellip; 
(Laughs) They can call me what they want. If I&rsquo;m happy and I enjoy taking that detour into the studio compound and saluting the memory of Mehboob Khan, then let me be. Perhaps the energies of Mehboob saab will get into me and his soul will bless me. Who knows? I like doing that, so I do it. I go to V Shantaram&rsquo;s Rajkamal Studio in Parel for my mixing. And when I stroll in that place, I can feel his energy and soul. His trophies... the smell in that re-recording studio which has been exactly the same over the years. I had gone there first when I was remixing for Parinda (1989) because I was an assistant with Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

It does matter right that Padmaavat will cross the 150 crore mark today? 
It&rsquo;s so nice to know that the audience wants to see your work. A film without an audience makes no sense. When they say, &lsquo;We now understand your signature and style of filmmaking, so we come to see your film,&rsquo; it&rsquo;s a great high. Whether it has Ranveer (Singh) and Deepika (Padukone which is an added attraction), they come to see my film. I personally thank god for this blessing because even if I&rsquo;ve been cursed with all these innumerous problems &mdash; over the years which I have fought &mdash; inner demons and external problems &mdash; I&rsquo;ve also been blessed by God because he has said, &lsquo;Ok fine, you get a style and signature, you have an audience, you do not need anything more.&rsquo; Who puts in Rs 180 crore to make a film? It is easier said than done. I would say I&rsquo;m more blessed than I&rsquo;m cursed. Even though Padmaavat has gone through so many problems, today it is getting its due.

You have done three films with Aishwarya (Rai Bachchan) and three with Deepika. Is it time to look for a new muse? 
Deepika is so fabulous; she is such a jaan. I just love her. All her hard work and brilliance that she brings to the set is effortless. She does her preparation but there is none of the&mdash;I AM PREPARED FOR A ROLE&mdash;heaviness around her. It is done with so much silence. It&rsquo;s such a pleasure to work with someone who does what she is doing at that moment with absolute honesty. She&rsquo;s an actor who feels so honestly and simply, but her performances are detailed and nuanced. I&rsquo;m not done with her yet.

What about Ranveer Singh who seems to be your favourite? 
No other filmmaker understands Ranveer the way I do. Ranveer and I have a great chemistry and understanding. I know how to direct him and I&rsquo;m aware about his limitations and strengths. I know what to do with him. He&rsquo;s a very special actor. He has so much energy. I only feel he puts too much effort into &lsquo;I did my research and I went here and did that&rsquo;, all that I understand. For him to pursue his greatness, he has to be a little more effortless. He is fantastic. I am not done with him either.

Shahid was the new energy on your set? 
Shahid was a new energy on set because I hadn&rsquo;t worked with him before. It was interesting to see how a new actor works. He is a great-looking kid. He is extremely talented and so effortless. He is constantly wanting to become better. He would say, &lsquo;I&rsquo;m unhappy with that shot. Can I do this better?&rsquo; And I would tell him, &lsquo;Can you stop pushing yourself. And punishing yourself because I know what I want from you.&rsquo; It was great working with him. He gave Maharawal Ratan Singh such dignity and silence. It was a nuanced and delicate performance. I&rsquo;m so proud of what he has done in this film. Ranveer obviously had the author-backed role and he has come out with flying colours in it because of the range, but to play a straight and understated part, yet to make your presence felt is very difficult. Deepika and Shahid look so good together. I wish they do more films with each other.

Aren&rsquo;t you being too harsh on yourself by completely isolating yourself from the world? 
I&rsquo;m in a zone. I&rsquo;ve not met anyone. I only live for my films. I do not feel I&rsquo;m too harsh on myself. I&rsquo;m enjoying it immensely. Once I start a film, I&rsquo;m like that person who is sitting in a yagna completely consumed by the puja and the process. I&rsquo;m in that meditative state where I see nothing, but my film. Even if I&rsquo;ve been physically attacked or my set has been ransacked, my first reaction is, &lsquo;Oh god, that shot, which we had set up, was so beautiful! Where will I take it?&rsquo; The humiliation and the anger of what I went through became secondary in so many ways. My film mattered to me. I saw a film called Sant Tukaram so many years ago. When Tukaram was asked anything, he would say &lsquo;Vithal, Vithal.&rsquo; And you would wonder what he meant. Today, I understand what it means because for me it is only films. I have become Tukaram.

Doesn&rsquo;t all work and no play make you dull? 
The emotions that I may deprive myself of in terms of relationships don&rsquo;t matter. I live my life through my films. It is such a joy. Nothing distracts me. I just want to make bigger and better films. I&rsquo;m constantly asking myself, &lsquo;How do I evolve further?&rsquo; I&rsquo;ve done a lot of introspection to reach this stage. If a film worked, I&rsquo;ve never got up and said, &lsquo;Wow, my movie worked. Bro, let us have a party.&rsquo; For me, it is how do I get better. How do I get one more star from a reviewer? How do I become a better person and a better filmmaker? &nbsp;Which is why you are finding a slow growth in my films from Ram Leela to Padmaavat. The search for excellence doesn&rsquo;t die. It is getting more and more pronounced. And I&rsquo;m living it completely.

- By Meena Iyer

Sanjay Leela Bhansali opens up about Padmaavat, controversies, and why he can never go on a break.

As you alight from a taxi in a quiet Juhu bylane, your eyes darting left to right to spot where Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s office could possibly be, a police jeep comes into your vision. And you know immediately that behind the intimidating brown gates is where the man is “imprisoned.’’ When the gate slams shut, a name and reference check is done. And then, a dozen safari suit-clad men with walkie-talkies point you in the right direction. Finally, you are seated opposite SLB, who is dressed in his signature kurta-pyjama. His mop of grey hair and dark-rimmed glasses lend style to his carefully-built persona. He is celebrating the runaway success of his magnum opus with chocolate. Urging you to dig in, he indicates that he is ready to talk. And so, we ask: Padmaavat continues to go through a lot of strife… Yes, but Padmaavat is blessed. There are creative angels who come and bless such films. There is some divine energy that says this is the way it should be. It is fascinating to go with the flow. If you are supposed to face the attacks or these kind of protests that we have gone through, it’s a part of the film’s destiny. All I can say is that it just makes you stronger and wants you to make the movie better. When your whole being is at stake and you feel that you are going to perish, you give the thing on hand your best shot. Then things unfold in a way. So, from January 27, 2017, when we were attacked in Jaipur to January 25 this year when the film released, it has been one whole year of strife. I cannot describe all that my team and I went through. Why didn’t you speak earlier? A lot of people said that I didn’t answer or defend myself. I didn’t come out in the open to speak or react. But my only reaction was to make the film better. If it hit the screen, which it seemed would be almost impossible at one point, that itself would have been a victory.At the cost of repeating myself, I must say that movies like Padmaavat are destined. How can the same set of people (actor, technicians) who have worked on this film and go to another film, are not able to achieve the same kind of results that this movie has? There is some divine energy. When a film reaches a theatre, that is the happiest journey for me because there is no greater joy than that final lap from the laboratory to the screen. That is what you live for. When the first frame is beamed on the screen, it is the most fascinating and satisfying moment for me even after all these years and so many films. It is a moment to die for. Do you agree that you have achieved a cult status in Bollywood? I don’t know who says what. All I know is that there’s a madness that is growing within me. I constantly strive to say something bigger and better. There is a time when you evolve. You feel that you have understood your craft, signature and style of filmmaking. You know you are more adept at doing things and find that rhythm slowly over the years. That’s what I think has happened to me. I found scale during my Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas days. But the journey between Goliyon Ki Raas Leela Ram-Leela and Padmaavat taught me so many other aspects. It is very difficult to make a big-scale film. What people call, ‘the big-screen experience’, is hard to achieve. All that I loved about music, drama; all that I have learnt from Raj Kapoor, K Asif or Kamal Amrohi, V Shantaram and Mehboob Khan, I started finding and putting it together. I have also deeply admired Ramesh Sippy (of Sholay fame). I’m constantly imbibing the energies of these great men with vision and talking to them. So, I’m discovering far more than the basic box-office collection. You said Ram Leela was a learning curve... I started finding the rhythm of the shot for the first time during Ram Leela. I made sure the sur and the scale didn’t go wrong. I found some joy in making Padmaavat irrespective of the problems that I encountered. Is it right to say that you have been obsessed with your ideas long before your films went on floors? I took 12 years to make Bajirao Mastani. I waited nine years to make Ram Leela and I had to wait eight years from the time I did Padmavati, the opera on stage, in Paris to get to the film. I’ve enjoyed making these movies so much. They were very challenging. How to put things into a big frame and how to spend money are things that I’m obsessing about all the time. You know budgets become available to you but how you spend that money in the correct way is important. And I really don’t care whether the films brought in the numbers at the box office or not. I never work with that fear. One never hears of you taking a holiday... People say why don’t you go on a holiday and I tell them I only want to go to the studio. I want to go to FilmCity and Mehboob Studios and sit over there. So often, when I’m crossing Bandra, I make it a point to drive into the Mehboob Studio compound, sit there and just stare. That is the kind of love that I have for cinema. That’s why you have been labelled eccentric… (Laughs) They can call me what they want. If I’m happy and I enjoy taking that detour into the studio compound and saluting the memory of Mehboob Khan, then let me be. Perhaps the energies of Mehboob saab will get into me and his soul will bless me. Who knows? I like doing that, so I do it. I go to V Shantaram’s Rajkamal Studio in Parel for my mixing. And when I stroll in that place, I can feel his energy and soul. His trophies... the smell in that re-recording studio which has been exactly the same over the years. I had gone there first when I was remixing for Parinda (1989) because I was an assistant with Vidhu Vinod Chopra. It does matter right that Padmaavat will cross the 150 crore mark today? It’s so nice to know that the audience wants to see your work. A film without an audience makes no sense. When they say, ‘We now understand your signature and style of filmmaking, so we come to see your film,’ it’s a great high. Whether it has Ranveer (Singh) and Deepika (Padukone which is an added attraction), they come to see my film. I personally thank god for this blessing because even if I’ve been cursed with all these innumerous problems — over the years which I have fought — inner demons and external problems — I’ve also been blessed by God because he has said, ‘Ok fine, you get a style and signature, you have an audience, you do not need anything more.’ Who puts in Rs 180 crore to make a film? It is easier said than done. I would say I’m more blessed than I’m cursed. Even though Padmaavat has gone through so many problems, today it is getting its due. You have done three films with Aishwarya (Rai Bachchan) and three with Deepika. Is it time to look for a new muse? Deepika is so fabulous; she is such a jaan. I just love her. All her hard work and brilliance that she brings to the set is effortless. She does her preparation but there is none of the—I AM PREPARED FOR A ROLE—heaviness around her. It is done with so much silence. It’s such a pleasure to work with someone who does what she is doing at that moment with absolute honesty. She’s an actor who feels so honestly and simply, but her performances are detailed and nuanced. I’m not done with her yet. What about Ranveer Singh who seems to be your favourite? No other filmmaker understands Ranveer the way I do. Ranveer and I have a great chemistry and understanding. I know how to direct him and I’m aware about his limitations and strengths. I know what to do with him. He’s a very special actor. He has so much energy. I only feel he puts too much effort into ‘I did my research and I went here and did that’, all that I understand. For him to pursue his greatness, he has to be a little more effortless. He is fantastic. I am not done with him either. Shahid was the new energy on your set? Shahid was a new energy on set because I hadn’t worked with him before. It was interesting to see how a new actor works. He is a great-looking kid. He is extremely talented and so effortless. He is constantly wanting to become better. He would say, ‘I’m unhappy with that shot. Can I do this better?’ And I would tell him, ‘Can you stop pushing yourself. And punishing yourself because I know what I want from you.’ It was great working with him. He gave Maharawal Ratan Singh such dignity and silence. It was a nuanced and delicate performance. I’m so proud of what he has done in this film. Ranveer obviously had the author-backed role and he has come out with flying colours in it because of the range, but to play a straight and understated part, yet to make your presence felt is very difficult. Deepika and Shahid look so good together. I wish they do more films with each other. Aren’t you being too harsh on yourself by completely isolating yourself from the world? I’m in a zone. I’ve not met anyone. I only live for my films. I do not feel I’m too harsh on myself. I’m enjoying it immensely. Once I start a film, I’m like that person who is sitting in a yagna completely consumed by the puja and the process. I’m in that meditative state where I see nothing, but my film. Even if I’ve been physically attacked or my set has been ransacked, my first reaction is, ‘Oh god, that shot, which we had set up, was so beautiful! Where will I take it?’ The humiliation and the anger of what I went through became secondary in so many ways. My film mattered to me. I saw a film called Sant Tukaram so many years ago. When Tukaram was asked anything, he would say ‘Vithal, Vithal.’ And you would wonder what he meant. Today, I understand what it means because for me it is only films. I have become Tukaram. Doesn’t all work and no play make you dull? The emotions that I may deprive myself of in terms of relationships don’t matter. I live my life through my films. It is such a joy. Nothing distracts me. I just want to make bigger and better films. I’m constantly asking myself, ‘How do I evolve further?’ I’ve done a lot of introspection to reach this stage. If a film worked, I’ve never got up and said, ‘Wow, my movie worked. Bro, let us have a party.’ For me, it is how do I get better. How do I get one more star from a reviewer? How do I become a better person and a better filmmaker? Which is why you are finding a slow growth in my films from Ram Leela to Padmaavat. The search for excellence doesn’t die. It is getting more and more pronounced. And I’m living it completely. - By Meena Iyer

Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Padmaavat: Cannot describe all that my team and I went through

Actor Shahid Kapoor on Tuesday said that that cast and crew of Padmaavat&nbsp;had to be &quot;politically correct&quot; as the film was embroiled in a prolonged controversy and that they had to keep a lot of &quot;emotions&quot; in check. 
 
The actor, who played Maha Rawal Ratan Singh in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed period drama, said the team had to endure a lot in &quot;these past one-and-a-half years&quot;. 
 
&quot;We missed out on a lot of things. We had to make lots of sacrifices. We had to learn to keep a lot of emotions in our hearts for one-and-a-half years in check. 
 
&quot;We had to be politically correct. The film had to go through a lot. But, today we feel vindicated,&quot; Shahid told reporters on the sidelines of the Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2018. 
 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-shahid-kapoor-and-wife-mira-turn-showstoppers-for-anita-dongre-on-the-first-day-of-lakme-fashion-week-see-pics-31384">The actor&#39;s appearance as the showstopper, along with wife Mira Rajput who walked the ramp for the first time</a>, for designer Anita Dongre&#39;s collection Songs of Summer&nbsp;was a well-kept surprise. 
 
Shahid also quipped that the controversy surrounding the film had assumed such large proportions in the media that they did not need to promote the movie. 
 
The film, which is based on 16th Century poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi&#39;s Padmaavat, got mired in controversy after various Rajput groups, including the Karni Sena, alleged that it distorts history, a claim repeatedly denied by Bhansali. 
 
Historians are divided on whether Padmavati actually existed. 
 
The film starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid, and Ranveer Singh was released on January 25 after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cleared it last month with a &#39;U/A&#39; certificate and five modifications, including title change from Padmavati&nbsp;to Padmaavat. 
 
Shahid rued the film was not released in some parts of the country such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa, but he was glad that it was being loved wherever it had released. 
 
&quot;We are very, very happy and grateful. This country has always supported good films and that&#39;s what has happened. The love and result has been more than what I expected,&quot; he said. 
 
Mira said Padmaavat&nbsp;is one of Shahid&#39;s career-best performances. 
 
&quot;To play a character that does not have the support of many words is when your acting talent must really shine through. Shahid did just that with so much ease and you can see it onscreen,&quot; she said.&nbsp;

The actor was speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week.

Actor Shahid Kapoor on Tuesday said that that cast and crew of Padmaavat had to be "politically correct" as the film was embroiled in a prolonged controversy and that they had to keep a lot of "emotions" in check. The actor, who played Maha Rawal Ratan Singh in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed period drama, said the team had to endure a lot in "these past one-and-a-half years". "We missed out on a lot of things. We had to make lots of sacrifices. We had to learn to keep a lot of emotions in our hearts for one-and-a-half years in check. "We had to be politically correct. The film had to go through a lot. But, today we feel vindicated," Shahid told reporters on the sidelines of the Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2018. The actor's appearance as the showstopper, along with wife Mira Rajput who walked the ramp for the first time, for designer Anita Dongre's collection Songs of Summer was a well-kept surprise. Shahid also quipped that the controversy surrounding the film had assumed such large proportions in the media that they did not need to promote the movie. The film, which is based on 16th Century poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi's Padmaavat, got mired in controversy after various Rajput groups, including the Karni Sena, alleged that it distorts history, a claim repeatedly denied by Bhansali. Historians are divided on whether Padmavati actually existed. The film starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid, and Ranveer Singh was released on January 25 after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cleared it last month with a 'U/A' certificate and five modifications, including title change from Padmavati to Padmaavat. Shahid rued the film was not released in some parts of the country such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa, but he was glad that it was being loved wherever it had released. "We are very, very happy and grateful. This country has always supported good films and that's what has happened. The love and result has been more than what I expected," he said. Mira said Padmaavat is one of Shahid's career-best performances. "To play a character that does not have the support of many words is when your acting talent must really shine through. Shahid did just that with so much ease and you can see it onscreen," she said.

Padmaavat cast and crew had to be 'politically correct' and keep emotions in check, reveals Shahid Kapoor

Ever since Swara Bhasker wrote an<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/swara-bhaskar-feels-like-reduced-to-vagina-after-watching-padmaavat-31009"> open letter to Sanjay Leela Bhansali over his depiction of the Jauhar scene in Padmaavat,</a> the actress has been receiving praises and criticism alike. While many agree with her point that Bhansali has glorified the Jauhar scene in the film, there are others who have criticised her for her opinion.&nbsp; 
 
After indulging in war of words with the trolls on micro-blogging site Twitter for the actress&nbsp;has now said that she did not &quot;expect so much chaos just because of a word that starts with `V`.&quot; 
 
While attending an event, when asked about her open letter, Swara said, &quot;Everybody has right to express an opinion. I kept my views in a very polite manner and had no wrong intentions. I put forward a few legitimate questions. I didn`t expect so much chaos just because I used a word which starts with `V`.&quot; 
 
She added, &quot;If people don`t agree with me, it`s alright as it is a democratic country. I had no idea that this would create such a mayhem and that people who are not connected to the film at all will get upset.&quot;Bhasker wrote a thought-provoking letter to Sanjay Leela Bhansali after watching Padmaavat. 
 
A part her letter read, &quot;You may be wondering why the hell I am going on and on thus about vaginas. Because Sir, that`s what I felt like at the end of your magnum opus. I felt like a vagina. I felt reduced to a vagina-only.&quot; 
The letter went viral and Swara continues to fight a spirited battle against those abusing her on social media - and there are many. 
 
While Padmaavat&nbsp;director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has not responded to the open letter, actor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-shahid-kapoor-reacts-to-swara-bhaskars-open-letter-to-sanjay-leela-bhansali-31169">Shahid Kapoor, who plays the role of Maharawal Ratan Singh in the movie said</a>, &quot;I haven`t read it yet. We have been busy with other things, but I think this isn`t the right time. It has been a tough battle for us to be able to bring forth the film to the audience. It feels great to receive support from the entire industry but it feels odd that someone said something on a personal level. That`s OK though as everyone has the right to say what they want but I haven`t read it yet.&quot; 
 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-deepika-padukone-opens-up-about-the-jauhar-scene-and-the-controversy-around-it-31318">The film&#39;s leading lady, Deepika Padukone, in an interview has stated that the film does not endorse the practice of Jauhar </a>and that it should be seen in the context of the period in which it is set in. 
 
Meanwhile, Padmaavat&nbsp;continues to roar at the box-office as the movie crossed the Rs. 120 crores in five days of its release.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Ever since Swara Bhasker wrote an open letter to Sanjay Leela Bhansali over his depiction of the Jauhar scene in Padmaavat, the actress has been receiving praises and criticism alike.

Ever since Swara Bhasker wrote an open letter to Sanjay Leela Bhansali over his depiction of the Jauhar scene in Padmaavat, the actress has been receiving praises and criticism alike. While many agree with her point that Bhansali has glorified the Jauhar scene in the film, there are others who have criticised her for her opinion. After indulging in war of words with the trolls on micro-blogging site Twitter for the actress has now said that she did not "expect so much chaos just because of a word that starts with `V`." While attending an event, when asked about her open letter, Swara said, "Everybody has right to express an opinion. I kept my views in a very polite manner and had no wrong intentions. I put forward a few legitimate questions. I didn`t expect so much chaos just because I used a word which starts with `V`." She added, "If people don`t agree with me, it`s alright as it is a democratic country. I had no idea that this would create such a mayhem and that people who are not connected to the film at all will get upset."Bhasker wrote a thought-provoking letter to Sanjay Leela Bhansali after watching Padmaavat. A part her letter read, "You may be wondering why the hell I am going on and on thus about vaginas. Because Sir, that`s what I felt like at the end of your magnum opus. I felt like a vagina. I felt reduced to a vagina-only." The letter went viral and Swara continues to fight a spirited battle against those abusing her on social media - and there are many. While Padmaavat director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has not responded to the open letter, actor Shahid Kapoor, who plays the role of Maharawal Ratan Singh in the movie said, "I haven`t read it yet. We have been busy with other things, but I think this isn`t the right time. It has been a tough battle for us to be able to bring forth the film to the audience. It feels great to receive support from the entire industry but it feels odd that someone said something on a personal level. That`s OK though as everyone has the right to say what they want but I haven`t read it yet." The film's leading lady, Deepika Padukone, in an interview has stated that the film does not endorse the practice of Jauhar and that it should be seen in the context of the period in which it is set in. Meanwhile, Padmaavat continues to roar at the box-office as the movie crossed the Rs. 120 crores in five days of its release.

Swara Bhaskar on 'Padmaavat' letter: Didn't expect so much chaos just because I used a word which starts with 'V'

A lot of reactions around Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s film Padmaavat has been coming ever since the magnum opus hit the big screens on January 25th. While most have appreciated the performances and the scale of the film, many have raised objections on how Bhansali has glamorized the Jauhar scene. 
 
Among the many voices, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/swara-bhaskar-feels-like-reduced-to-vagina-after-watching-padmaavat-31009">actress Swara Bhaskar&#39;s open letter for Bhansali has made the most impact.&nbsp;</a>Swara wrote that how the Jauhar scene glorified a medieval practice that should be condemned at all cost.&nbsp; 
 
Padmaavat&#39;s leading man <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-shahid-kapoor-reacts-to-swara-bhaskars-open-letter-to-sanjay-leela-bhansali-31169">Shahid, on Wednesday, had reacted </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-shahid-kapoor-reacts-to-swara-bhaskars-open-letter-to-sanjay-leela-bhansali-31169">on</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-shahid-kapoor-reacts-to-swara-bhaskars-open-letter-to-sanjay-leela-bhansali-31169"> the letter. </a>Shahid said she was entitled to her opinion but added that it felt odd to him that she had taken it personally.&nbsp; 
 
Now the film&#39;s leading lady, Deepika Padukone, who features in the said scene, has spoken about the scene. While speaking to DNA, Deepika said neither does she or the film&#39;s director endorse the practice of Jauhar and that the scene should be seen in the context of the period&nbsp;it is set in.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;You must see the scene/practice in context to the period in which it was shown. And when you do that, you will realise, it&rsquo;s so powerful. You do not feel like she is doing anything wrong. You want her to embrace the flames because she is going to be united with the man she loves, &quot; DNA quoted her as saying.&nbsp; 
 
The actress also mentioned that how it was a difficult scene to enact as it was shot in the summers and she was wearing heavy jewellery and costume. &quot; We shot it in peak summer at Film City in Mumbai. I cannot tell you how challenging it was. After every single take, I would go up to my van, have a shower, get ready for my scene and go back. With my heavy costume and jewellery, the heat was oppressive. It was such a difficult thing to execute.&quot;&nbsp; 
The actress also mentioned that while there has been criticism, the scene has also been receiving standing ovation in theatres.&nbsp; 
 
&quot; When I saw the scene during the cast and crew screening, Sanjay sir, Ranveer (Singh) and I, who were sitting together, started bawling. Everyone stood up and clapped. We are part of this film, we know the story, we have been through the journey, yet it moved us. Then, Janhvi (Sridevi&rsquo;s daughter), who had gone for a screening, told me that people there were standing and clapping, &quot; Deepika said.&nbsp; 
 
The actress has earned praise for her portrayal and she is clear that she doesn&#39;t want to play any more historical characters. &quot;I do not think you can ever move on from a character like Padmavati. You feel a sense of relief and when you start moving on to other films, it takes a long time. Next week, I start preparing for my new movie, so I do not have the luxury of letting Padmavati possess me completely, but I know she is someone who will always be within me,&quot; the actress said.&nbsp;

The actress said neither she nor Bhansali endorses the practice of Jauhar.

A lot of reactions around Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Padmaavat has been coming ever since the magnum opus hit the big screens on January 25th. While most have appreciated the performances and the scale of the film, many have raised objections on how Bhansali has glamorized the Jauhar scene. Among the many voices, actress Swara Bhaskar's open letter for Bhansali has made the most impact. Swara wrote that how the Jauhar scene glorified a medieval practice that should be condemned at all cost. Padmaavat's leading man Shahid, on Wednesday, had reacted on the letter. Shahid said she was entitled to her opinion but added that it felt odd to him that she had taken it personally. Now the film's leading lady, Deepika Padukone, who features in the said scene, has spoken about the scene. While speaking to DNA, Deepika said neither does she or the film's director endorse the practice of Jauhar and that the scene should be seen in the context of the period it is set in. "You must see the scene/practice in context to the period in which it was shown. And when you do that, you will realise, it’s so powerful. You do not feel like she is doing anything wrong. You want her to embrace the flames because she is going to be united with the man she loves, " DNA quoted her as saying. The actress also mentioned that how it was a difficult scene to enact as it was shot in the summers and she was wearing heavy jewellery and costume. " We shot it in peak summer at Film City in Mumbai. I cannot tell you how challenging it was. After every single take, I would go up to my van, have a shower, get ready for my scene and go back. With my heavy costume and jewellery, the heat was oppressive. It was such a difficult thing to execute." The actress also mentioned that while there has been criticism, the scene has also been receiving standing ovation in theatres. " When I saw the scene during the cast and crew screening, Sanjay sir, Ranveer (Singh) and I, who were sitting together, started bawling. Everyone stood up and clapped. We are part of this film, we know the story, we have been through the journey, yet it moved us. Then, Janhvi (Sridevi’s daughter), who had gone for a screening, told me that people there were standing and clapping, " Deepika said. The actress has earned praise for her portrayal and she is clear that she doesn't want to play any more historical characters. "I do not think you can ever move on from a character like Padmavati. You feel a sense of relief and when you start moving on to other films, it takes a long time. Next week, I start preparing for my new movie, so I do not have the luxury of letting Padmavati possess me completely, but I know she is someone who will always be within me," the actress said.

Padmaavat: Deepika Padukone opens up about the Jauhar scene and the controversy around it

Padmaavat is clearly making an impact worldwide. While the film is running to packed theaters in most parts of the country, the film is being lapped up by the international audience as well.&nbsp; 
 
On 28th January, during the halftime of an NBA game, cheerleaders performed on the Ghoomar song to a cheering crowd. The video of their dance gone viral and the audience can be seen cheering the dancers. The match was&nbsp; 
between&nbsp;Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat. 
 
Here, have a look.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GYt5XWwu9JQ" width="560"></iframe>

The film and the song have been mired in controversy for a long time. A <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/madhya-pradesh-student-injured-as-rajput-karni-sena-vandalise-school-for-padmaavat-performance-29634">school in Madhya Pradesh was vandalized </a>a few weeks back because the students danced to the popular song. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-mulayam-singh-yadavs-daughter-in-law-aparna-dances-on-ghoomar-song-from-padmavati-draws-criticism-from-fringe-groups-25461">Mulayam Singh Yadav&#39;s daughter in law </a>was called a &#39;Nachaniya&#39; the Karni Sena when she had danced at her brother&#39;s wedding on the same song. Incidentally, the song had to be&nbsp;modified after the CBFC gave certification. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-deepika-padukones-midriff-gets-covered-in-the-new-version-of-ghoomar-song-30142">Deepika Padukone&#39;s midriff was covered </a>via VFX as former royals opposed the earlier version of the song.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

On 28th January, during the halftime of an NBA game, cheerleaders performed on the Ghoomar song to a cheering crowd.

Padmaavat is clearly making an impact worldwide. While the film is running to packed theaters in most parts of the country, the film is being lapped up by the international audience as well. On 28th January, during the halftime of an NBA game, cheerleaders performed on the Ghoomar song to a cheering crowd. The video of their dance gone viral and the audience can be seen cheering the dancers. The match was between Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat. Here, have a look. The film and the song have been mired in controversy for a long time. A school in Madhya Pradesh was vandalized a few weeks back because the students danced to the popular song. Mulayam Singh Yadav's daughter in law was called a 'Nachaniya' the Karni Sena when she had danced at her brother's wedding on the same song. Incidentally, the song had to be modified after the CBFC gave certification. Deepika Padukone's midriff was covered via VFX as former royals opposed the earlier version of the song.

Padmaavat reaches NBA: Cheerleaders dance to Ghoomar song during half-time

Sanjay Leela Bhansali believes the phenomenal audience response to Padmaavat&nbsp;is his answer to those who have been protesting against the film. 
 
Finally opening up about the trouble he faced over the release of the film, the director said he was deeply troubled but instead of reacting to the furore, which he realised would not make a difference, he focused on making the best possible film that he could. 
 
Padmaavat, which released last week after facing nation-wide protests by Rajput groups led by the Karni Sena, has already become a blockbuster. 
 
Bhansali, who calls it the &quot;most anxious release&quot; of his life, is happy that despite hardships, the film managed to reach theatres. 
 
&quot;It is just an answer to the anguish that we all went through including me, the actors and the technicians. All of us were not being heard even after repeatedly saying that there is nothing wrong in the film. I realised that the best way of going ahead and fighting this is to make the film that is in my mind,&quot; Bhansali told PTI in an interview here. 
 
The director admitted that he found it mentally difficult to cope with the negativities surrounding the film but did not let it reflect on the screen. 
 
&quot;I know I was troubled, I know I was distracted but deep inside, I found the strength to make the film and not let this anguish and disturbance reflect on the screen. In the last few months, I was constantly correcting, making creative touches and taking the film to the next level. That&#39;s the answer to all the objections that were based on rumours and a certain agenda that I could not understand.&quot; The director said it was hard for him to fathom the threats that he and the leading lady Deepika Padukone received. 
 
&quot;The protests were illogical, they had no reasoning and there was nothing to be discussed. It had reached an obnoxious level with people sitting with swords on national television and giving death threats... 
 
&quot;Even if I went on every channel on television saying there was nothing wrong in the film, they would not understand it. No amount of justification would have reached them or been heard.&quot; 
 
Bhansali said he as a filmmaker chose to focus their energies on making it a once in a lifetime experience. 
 
&quot;There was no need for us to go around the town tom- tomming how honest and true we were. At the end, truth prevails,&quot; he said thanking the Mumbai police for providing him and the actors with security. 
 
The film is doing well at the box office despite not getting a release in four states and Bhansali says it only proves that people were eager to watch it. 
 
&quot;(The response) shows that people had so much eagerness to see the film. I can only see love for the film... I knew deep down that the film was beautiful. There were anxious moments right from finishing it to getting the censors and to getting it into theatres... It was a relentless process. It was the most anxious release of my life for sure. I think it is the most anxious release in the history of Indian cinema. 
 
&quot;Lots of Rajput people have seen the film and they are saying this is our glory, this is celebrating us, our forefathers and ancestors and that there was nothing wrong in the film, and what the noise was all about?&quot; 
 
Bhansali said he had a special attachment to the 16th-century poem written by Malik Muhammad Jayasi.

&quot;It is also special because I did an opera in 2008 in Paris. It was living in my mind since then and I wanted to make it into a film,&quot; he said about the opera that he directed, based on French composer Albert Roussel&#39;s work from 1923. It premiered at the Theatre Du Chatelet in Paris and was a huge success. 
 
The director said it was a &quot;rare experience&quot; to see such support from the media, film fraternity and the audiences.

&quot;It is a rare experience. I have never seen or heard of any filmmaker go through all this and yet survive and the film reach&nbsp;the theatres and be loved by the audience. So all said and done, it makes the film special.&quot; 
 
The film star Deepika as queen Padmavati, Shahid Kapoor as Maha Rawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Sultan Alauddin Khilji.&nbsp;

Bhansali believes the phenomenal audience response to Padmaavat is his answer to those who have been protesting against the film.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali believes the phenomenal audience response to Padmaavat is his answer to those who have been protesting against the film. Finally opening up about the trouble he faced over the release of the film, the director said he was deeply troubled but instead of reacting to the furore, which he realised would not make a difference, he focused on making the best possible film that he could. Padmaavat, which released last week after facing nation-wide protests by Rajput groups led by the Karni Sena, has already become a blockbuster. Bhansali, who calls it the "most anxious release" of his life, is happy that despite hardships, the film managed to reach theatres. "It is just an answer to the anguish that we all went through including me, the actors and the technicians. All of us were not being heard even after repeatedly saying that there is nothing wrong in the film. I realised that the best way of going ahead and fighting this is to make the film that is in my mind," Bhansali told PTI in an interview here. The director admitted that he found it mentally difficult to cope with the negativities surrounding the film but did not let it reflect on the screen. "I know I was troubled, I know I was distracted but deep inside, I found the strength to make the film and not let this anguish and disturbance reflect on the screen. In the last few months, I was constantly correcting, making creative touches and taking the film to the next level. That's the answer to all the objections that were based on rumours and a certain agenda that I could not understand." The director said it was hard for him to fathom the threats that he and the leading lady Deepika Padukone received. "The protests were illogical, they had no reasoning and there was nothing to be discussed. It had reached an obnoxious level with people sitting with swords on national television and giving death threats... "Even if I went on every channel on television saying there was nothing wrong in the film, they would not understand it. No amount of justification would have reached them or been heard." Bhansali said he as a filmmaker chose to focus their energies on making it a once in a lifetime experience. "There was no need for us to go around the town tom- tomming how honest and true we were. At the end, truth prevails," he said thanking the Mumbai police for providing him and the actors with security. The film is doing well at the box office despite not getting a release in four states and Bhansali says it only proves that people were eager to watch it. "(The response) shows that people had so much eagerness to see the film. I can only see love for the film... I knew deep down that the film was beautiful. There were anxious moments right from finishing it to getting the censors and to getting it into theatres... It was a relentless process. It was the most anxious release of my life for sure. I think it is the most anxious release in the history of Indian cinema. "Lots of Rajput people have seen the film and they are saying this is our glory, this is celebrating us, our forefathers and ancestors and that there was nothing wrong in the film, and what the noise was all about?" Bhansali said he had a special attachment to the 16th-century poem written by Malik Muhammad Jayasi. "It is also special because I did an opera in 2008 in Paris. It was living in my mind since then and I wanted to make it into a film," he said about the opera that he directed, based on French composer Albert Roussel's work from 1923. It premiered at the Theatre Du Chatelet in Paris and was a huge success. The director said it was a "rare experience" to see such support from the media, film fraternity and the audiences. "It is a rare experience. I have never seen or heard of any filmmaker go through all this and yet survive and the film reach the theatres and be loved by the audience. So all said and done, it makes the film special." The film star Deepika as queen Padmavati, Shahid Kapoor as Maha Rawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Sultan Alauddin Khilji.

Padmaavat was most anxious release in the history of Indian cinema: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

While chaos seems to have died down against the screening of Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s epic film &quot;Padmaavat&quot;, there is still something else that is currently bothering the makers and it is none other than <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-live-streamed-on-facebook-on-the-first-day-of-its-release-30768" target="_blank">reports of privacy</a>.&nbsp;

Makers of &quot;Padmaavat&quot;&nbsp;have now approached Maharashtra Cyber digital crime unit (DCU) -- state government&#39;s anti-online piracy unit in connection with piracy issues.&nbsp;

After news of their film being heavily pirated on the internet, makers have requested the government and its anti-online piracy unit to look into the matter.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568" target="_blank">Also </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568" target="_blank">Read:</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568" target="_blank">&nbsp;Padmaavat review: Ranveer Singh shines in Bhansali&#39;s visually grand historical saga</a>

The Maharashtra cyber&nbsp;digital unit is four-months-old and is established in association with&nbsp;Motion Pictures Association of India, Producers Guild and Indian Music Industry.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-earns-rs-114-crores-within-the-first-four-days-of-its-release-31092" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;Padmaavat earns Rs 114 crores within the first four days of its release</a>

As part of an action to stop websites that upload pirated video content, DCU has decided to take action against such websites and eliminate them.&nbsp;

The crime unit was launched under directives of the home department after the film industry approached the state&#39;s chief minister to complain about the losses they face due to online piracy.

&nbsp;

Earlier, 'Padmaavat' was mistakenly live-streamed on Facebook on the first day of its release

While chaos seems to have died down against the screening of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epic film "Padmaavat", there is still something else that is currently bothering the makers and it is none other than reports of privacy. Makers of "Padmaavat" have now approached Maharashtra Cyber digital crime unit (DCU) -- state government's anti-online piracy unit in connection with piracy issues. After news of their film being heavily pirated on the internet, makers have requested the government and its anti-online piracy unit to look into the matter. Also Read: Padmaavat review: Ranveer Singh shines in Bhansali's visually grand historical saga The Maharashtra cyber digital unit is four-months-old and is established in association with Motion Pictures Association of India, Producers Guild and Indian Music Industry. Also Read: Padmaavat earns Rs 114 crores within the first four days of its release As part of an action to stop websites that upload pirated video content, DCU has decided to take action against such websites and eliminate them. The crime unit was launched under directives of the home department after the film industry approached the state's chief minister to complain about the losses they face due to online piracy.

'Padmaavat' makers unhappy about piracy, ask Maha cyber crime cell for help

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