There is mass hysteria witnessing today over the film Padmavati. It is a fact that none of the protesters had seen the film but people are on the streets in many northern states. With the recent announcement by Gujarat Govt to ban the movie and MP and Rajasthan followed the suit. Over the past few weeks, the controversy over the film has become our national pastime and constant source of political entertainment. I fail to understand one thing, is it possible for any film or any film maker to appease the sentiment of a billion -plus population?
It is unfortunate that the release of big budget film like this, is mired in controversy. The protests around the movie have resulted in major law and order problem in few states. Actually, I am really not aware of the history, but gathered here and there that there no historical evidence of Padmavati and also that the film is purely based on fiction and creativity of the Director Bhansali. Courts having been cleared it, the agitation against its release is uncalled for in my personal opinion. The government’s shouldn’t buckle under pressure to maintain law and order citing there is a real distortion of history but the fact of the matter is, the protests against this film are snowballing. This movie is yet to be seen by anyone, apart from those who made it.
As the release date of the film in the theatres is still shrouded in mystery after Karnisena intensified their protests, and demanded ban on the plea, that history was distorted ,showing Rajputs in poor light. But SC rightly rejected their plea, saying that none has the right to interfere, in freedom of expression in cinema while disapproving the threat issued by elements to harm Deepika for acting in the film. It is even reported that Rs 10 crores have been fixed for the elimination of actress and Director Bhansali. What does it show? Are we living in democratic country? Though the actual release of the film kept under wraps till the return of normalcy, the ball is in the court of states, as it is their responsibility to maintain law and order.
In my view, I&B Ministry If union government, must ensure that rule of law is enforced firmly without succumbing to vested interests, by making the protesters understand that the artistic expression depicted through films can not be curbed on flimsy grounds.
But in the instant case even CBFC also looks to be biased as in this respect one Marathi film, HALAL was reported, that before giving a certificate, CBFC called the muslim community members from various cities, and after taking their suggestions and they suggested some minor cuts and finally certification was given. In that case why not the same yardstick is not followed? Why only Bhansali's film being subjected to unfair treatment? CBFC should call Rajput community elders, so-called Hindu leaders, and historians to have their suggestions.
It May not be good to make on those issues which hurt religious sentiments of the people of any religion. Films should lay focus on more important issues, like poverty, education, healthcare, economic growth as well as service to the poor and needy. But it is easier said than done as who would see such movies without masala?
It is unfortunate that the release of big budget film like this, is mired in controversy. The protests around the movie have resulted in major law and order problem in few states. Actually, I am really not aware of the history, but gathered here and there that there no historical evidence of Padmavati and also that the film is purely based on fiction and creativity of the Director Bhansali. Courts having been cleared it, the agitation against its release is uncalled for in my personal opinion. The government’s shouldn’t buckle under pressure to maintain law and order citing there is a real distortion of history but the fact of the matter is, the protests against this film are snowballing. This movie is yet to be seen by anyone, apart from those who made it.
As the release date of the film in the theatres is still shrouded in mystery after Karnisena intensified their protests, and demanded ban on the plea, that history was distorted ,showing Rajputs in poor light. But SC rightly rejected their plea, saying that none has the right to interfere, in freedom of expression in cinema while disapproving the threat issued by elements to harm Deepika for acting in the film. It is even reported that Rs 10 crores have been fixed for the elimination of actress and Director Bhansali. What does it show? Are we living in democratic country? Though the actual release of the film kept under wraps till the return of normalcy, the ball is in the court of states, as it is their responsibility to maintain law and order.
In my view, I&B Ministry If union government, must ensure that rule of law is enforced firmly without succumbing to vested interests, by making the protesters understand that the artistic expression depicted through films can not be curbed on flimsy grounds.
But in the instant case even CBFC also looks to be biased as in this respect one Marathi film, HALAL was reported, that before giving a certificate, CBFC called the muslim community members from various cities, and after taking their suggestions and they suggested some minor cuts and finally certification was given. In that case why not the same yardstick is not followed? Why only Bhansali's film being subjected to unfair treatment? CBFC should call Rajput community elders, so-called Hindu leaders, and historians to have their suggestions.
It May not be good to make on those issues which hurt religious sentiments of the people of any religion. Films should lay focus on more important issues, like poverty, education, healthcare, economic growth as well as service to the poor and needy. But it is easier said than done as who would see such movies without masala?
