Amid calls for ban, Padmati remains embroiled in controversy. (File photo)
Padmavati, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming epic drama film, remains embroiled in controversy ahead of its release. Deepika Padukone, the lead actress, received threats yesterday from Rajput group Karni Sena triggering sharp reactions from several quarters. Ms Padukone has been given special security by Mumbai Police after Karni Sena threatened to chop off her nose.
Another group from Uttar Pradesh Chatriya Samaj issued open threat and announced a reward of Rs 5 crore for anyone beheading Mr Bhansali or Ms Padukone. However, several Bollywood actors have come out in support of the movie as the row refuses to die down. The movie is slated for release on December 1.
Here are the highlights of the Padmavati controversy:
Protestors in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal declare bounty of Rs 50 lakh on Padmavati makers: ANI
According to news agency ANI, protests in Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh have declared a bounty on 'Padmavati' director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and actor Deepika Padukone.
Rajput Karni Sena also marked protests in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, against Padmavati reiterating their demand for ban on the film, ANI reported.
A nationwide strike has been called by the Rajput group, Karni Sena, on December 1 when the movie is set for theatrical release. The group earlier vandalized a movie theatre in Kota in Rajasthan and has now called for a ban on the movie over historical inaccuracies.
Amid open threats and calls to ban the movie, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy tweeted today saying, "The Padmavathi protests has given a set back to seven other films planned to show "humane" Muslim badshahs pursued by captive Hindu queens."
Padmavati, the upcoming historic drama, has prompted widespread protests across the nation.Women from the Rajput Community in Patna, Bihar, also echoed sentiments of the community in Rajasthan and said they would not allow the movie to be released in the state. Rajput Karni Sena President Lokendra Singh Kalvi also registered his presence at the protest.
An unknown person fired shots during protests outside Chittorgarh Fort today, ANI reported. The entry to the 7th century fort remains restricted for tourists.
While protesters blocked the entry of Chittorgarh Fort, which houses Padmini's Palace, Superintendent of Police Chhittorgarh Prashan Kumar Khamsera said the fort was not officially closed. "We have been informed by the protesters that entry to the fort will be blocked for tourists. We have made ample security arrangements to deal with the situation," he told PTI.
The movie is said to be based on the epic poem Padmavat written by Sufi poet Malik Mohammad Jayasi in Awadhi language in 1540.
Criticising the widespread protests against Padmavati, social activist Brinda Adige asked why the police was not arresting people issuing open threats to actress Deepika Padukone and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. "Why is the police not arresting these people who are making these kind of threatening remarks because they have no right to make these threatening remarks."
"I think these fringe elements need to be asked a very serious question why would you not in a democracy allow the citizens to watch the movie and decide for themselves," she told ANI.
In Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Sanskriti Bachao Manch warned to file a case of treason against Padmavati director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, according to ANI. The group also performed a havan against Mr Bhansali and movie's lead actress Deepika Padukone, playing Queen Padmavati in the movie.
Rajasthan's Chittorgarh Fort remains closed today amid protests against the movie. The tourists were told to go back in the morning. Vandalism was reported at the 7th century fort earlier when Sanjay Leela Bhansali was shooting the movie here.
The protesters have alleged there are factual inaccuracies in the movie. Members of the Karni Sena have claimed the movie is an attempt to defame queen Padmavati. Mr Bhansali has denied the claims about historical inaccuracies.
A petition has been filed by a lawyer in the Supreme Court against the upcoming Bollywood period drama Padmavati. The petitioner has sought deletion of objectionable scenes from the movie, according to ANI. The top court has said it would consider the plea.
A havan was performed by the members of Shiv Sena against the Padmavati director Sanjay Leela Bhansali in Varanasi today. The party members said they would not allow the film's release, ANI reported.
Attacking the filmmaker yet again, Rajput Karni Sena President Lokendra Singh said today the group would not allow the film's release. "Do not provoke us," he threatened while speaking to ANI. Referring to the filmmaker and the raging controversy, he asked, "Who is responsible for the situation?"
"If Padmavati will be shown as the lover of Khilji then who will accept it," he said.
Calling for a ban on the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmavati, communities in Chittorgarh stage a protest outside Chittorgarh Fort as the fort remains closed, ANI reported.