Following in the footsteps of the Karni Sena, controversial BJP MLA from Hyderabad T Raja Singh has sought a ban on the upcoming Bollywood film Padmavati until necessary changes were made.
The Goshamahal MLA wrote to Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Tuesday asking him to ban the movie’s release in the state.
The legislator hit headlines recently for provoking the Rajput community to torch theatres in the city which screens the film.
In his letter, Raja wrote that the movie "hurts the sentiments of Hindu community" and accused the film maker of distorting history.
The MLA went on to ask the CM to ban the movie in the state, just like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said that a film that "distorts history" and was "against the respect of the country's mother Padmavati” would not be allowed to be screened in the state.
"If historical facts are distorted, and if anything is shown or said in the movie against the respect of the country's mother, Padmavatij, then that movie cannot be allowed for release in Madhya Pradesh," Chouhan said while addressing members of the Rajput community in Bhopal.
Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has also said that Padmavati will not be released in Rajasthan till necessary changes as per the suggestions given to the Centre were incorporated in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie.
Incidentally, the Supreme Court on Monday rejected a plea seeking to block the release of Padmavati, saying that it is "premature" as the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has yet to decide and any interference at this stage would amount to "pre-judging the matter".
Raja Singh is not the only BJP leader to protest the movie's release. Recently, BJP leader Suraj Pal Amu from Haryana announced a bounty of Rs 10 crore to behead actor Deepika Padukone, who is portraying the titular role, and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Suraj, who is the BJP state media chief coordinator, received flak from several quarters for his statements.
Hindustan Times quoted Suraj as saying, "I want to congratulate the Meerut youth for announcing Rs 5 crore bounty for beheading Deepika, and Bhansali. We will reward the ones beheading them with Rs 10 crore, and also take care of their family's needs."
Despite the outrage, he didn't differ from his stand, and neither did the BJP take any action against him, except for condemning his statements.
The film has been embroiled in controversies since its release date was announced. While the Rajput community may blame the makers of distorting history without even having watched the film, there are those who say that Padmavati could just be a fictional figure.
However, due to the threats, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has asked for security cover to be provided to Deepika's family who live in Bengaluru. Police personnel have been posted outside the residence of her parents.
Meanwhile, the producers of the film have deferred the release of the film. In a press statement, Viacom18 said, “We will announce the revised release date of the film in due course.”
Padmavati features a cast led by Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh.
(With IANS inputs)