Padmaavat releases, protesters brandish swords, owners say movie halls full
Follow UsThe controversial movie Padmaavat released Thursday (under heavy security) as scheduled.
The movie however was a no-show in four states. Cinema hall owners in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa have refused to screen the movie saying they fear violence.
A contempt petittion was filed by Congress leader Tehseen Poonawala in the Supreme Court on Thursday against the four states. The petition said the four states had failed their duty to ensure law and order.
Padmaavat had been banned by the four states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP, and Haryana -- on the pretext of the threat of violence -- but the Supreme Court had revoked the bans. The court said it was the states' duty to ensure law and order.
The contempt petition against the four states will be heard on Monday.
A contempt petition was also filed against the Karni Sena in the Supreme Court for the violence they have unleashed and will be heard next week.
Protests against the movie continued on Thursday.
Man tries to self immolate outside a cinema hall in Varanasi, detained by Police. #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/lIGVaaozct
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 25, 2018
Protesters brandish swords, burn tires in protest against #Padmaavat in Muzaffarpur #Bihar pic.twitter.com/y2Id7YfDxp
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
#WATCH Karni Sena members take out bike rally in protest against #Padmaavat in Jaipur #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/TqcCdLGhGS
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
Karni Sena members protest at Lucknow's Novelty cinema, present roses to people and appeal to them to not watch the film. A protester says 'we will also compensate money of the tickets in case people have already bought' #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/uezpold0lG
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 25, 2018
And at least some movie halls decided not to show the movie.
Notice put up outside PVR Cinemas in Gurugram's Ambience Mall. #Padmaavat #Haryana pic.twitter.com/3F5nWNB6D2
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
#Visuals from Chittorgarh (Rajasthan): Heavy security outside Chittor Fort #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/c8JdGh5WTi
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
Security personnel outside cinema halls in #Varanasi; police says, 'have not witnessed any protest yet, have increased security as a precautionary measure' pic.twitter.com/zWoV6Vq5xE
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 25, 2018
But the ones that are screening say the turnout has been good. The viewers say they "want to see the reason behind all that uproar".
"It's peaceful. Current show housefull. Police presence is here, our own security is also in place. All good as of now," said Kishore Ganatra, owner of E-Square cinema hall in Pune.