ugc_banner

Padmavati: UP home department urges CBFC to consider 'people's sentiments'

ANI
New Delhi, Delhi, IndiaUpdated: Nov 16, 2017, 10:46 AM IST
main img
Shahid Kapoor and Deepika Padukone in a still from the film. Photograph:(Zee News Network)

As the release of the movie Padmavati draws nearer, the protest against it has also mounted up. 

In its wake, Uttar Pradesh`s Home Department has written to the secretary of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, urging it to convey the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) of the adverse impact of the protests on peace and harmony.

The letter also appeals for the certification board to take public sentiments into cognizance while granting a certificate to the movie.

The movie`s December 1 release date also coincides with the counting of votes in the Uttar Pradesh local body elections, while the Islamic festival of Milad-un-Nabi is likely to fall on December 2, which is marked by large processions by the community.

In light of both events, the ministry also suggested that the movie`s release around the same time would not be in the interests of peace and order.

The period drama, starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, and Shahid Kapoor, has been facing protests from various groups, including Shri Rajput Karni Sena, for allegedly tampering with historical facts.The Karni Sena had earlier demolished the sets of the movie in Jaipur and also thrashed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

The Karni Sena activists have amped up the act by staging protests in various parts of the country, covering Bangalore in the South as well. The protests have turned even more violent, as acts of vandalism in Rajasthan`s Kota were reported on Tuesday. 

Meanwhile, The Rajasthan Police on Thursday said that the people protesting against Sanjay Leela Bhansali`s movie Padmavati should not take law and order into their hands."The protesters can stage demonstrations peacefully and can keep their demands in front but that all should be under law and order. We will take proper action if any situation violating law and order arises. Presently, the situation is under control. We will make a strategy if needed and are ready for any upcoming situation," Rajasthan Director General of Police (DGP) Ajit Singh told ANI.

Yesterday, Rajput Karni Sena chief Lokendra Singh Kalvi warned of dire consequences if the release of Padmavati was not stalled.Speaking to ANI, Kalvi said, "Jauhar ki jwala hai, bahut kuch jalega. Rok sako to rok lo (a lot will burn, stop if you can)."

Earlier, the Supreme Court had rejected a petition filed against the release of Padmavati, saying the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) was yet to issue a certificate to the movie.

The top court had added that the CBFC was an independent body and the court should not intervene in their jurisdiction. 

The makers have repeatedly mentioned that the film does not hurt religious sentiments nor does it tamper with history. They have offered to screen the film to the Rajput outfit as soon as they get a Censor certificate. Members of the Censor board are likely to watch the film today.