If opposition from the Rajputs and some sections of the Congress was not enough, the Brahmins too have launched an offensive against the Sanjay Leela Bhansali film Padmawati. They have demanded that the Rajasthan government ban the film and ensure that it is not released.
State president of the Sarv Brahmin mahasabha Suresh Mishra said Bhansali’s attempt to smear the image of the valiant queen for the commercial success of his film will not be accepted. In a statement issued by the organisation it was said that 16,000 women had laid down their lives to protect their honour and no attempt to misconstrue the history will be accepted.
Speaking to DNA Mishra said: “One famous director of Bollywood has called me on behalf of Bhansali and asked us about our demands. I have categorically told him that the film must be shown to a 15-member panel of experts from the state. The panel should include subject experts from history. If they give a green signal that the film does not distort historical facts and has no imaginary love scenes between Allaudin Khilji and Rani Padmawati, only then will we take back our opposition.”
He said, “We have given them time till November 15 to accede to our offer. Otherwise we will go ahead with our plans.” Elaborating on his future plans, Mishra said: “We will write to all cinema halls of the state; from multiplex to single screen and request them to not release the film. We will mobilise our district units and ask them to ensure that the film is not released.”
When asked about the various organisations that were already protesting against the soon to be released film, Mishra said, “We will all the join forces to oppose distortion of the valour and dignity of Rajasthan.”
