Sanjay Leela Bhansali has been facing trouble since he started shooting for Padmavati. The set of the movie was vandalised twice — in Jaipur and Kolhapur — and the director was roughed up by members of Karni Sena during the Jaipur schedule of the film earlier this year.
Now, Rajput groups and some BJP members have accused Bhansali of distorting facts in the movie, starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh. On which, the makers even said they were ready to screen the film for those who had doubts about its content, once the film was passed by the censor board.
Ajit Andhare, Chief Operating Officer, Viacom18 Motion Pictures, said the claims that film was a distortion of history were not true and they were open to screening the film after it was cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
“We are first looking at the Censor Board (for clearance) and then we don’t have a problem (to show the film) because they are imagining something different and we would like to quell all these doubts first. But ideally we want to get the certificate first,” Andhare told PTI.
“We do not have a problem (in screening the film) please realise this is unprecedented, this is not how it is supposed to be done. What they (certain sections of people) are saying is not in the film, we do not have anything to hide,” he added.
He said they did not want the film to get stuck in any further controversy and were waiting to hear from the CBFC.
“We are going to this length as we want to quell the controversy; it is a needless controversy. The film doesn’t need it. The film has its own merit and we just want that the censor board gives us a screening date so that we can take it ahead. The ball is in the censor’s court,” he said.
The film was submitted to the CBFC last week. Padmavati is scheduled to be released on December 1.
Meanwhile, several film bodies came out in support of the film and rather questioned the government’s silence on threats by Rajput groups against the release of the film.
The Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) along with Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA), Western India Cinematographers Association (WICA), Screenwriters Association (SWA), Association of Cine and Television Art Directors and Costume Designers (ACTADCD), backed Bhansali at a press conference.
Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra said, “Attack on Bhansali is an attack on freedom. This is very stifling. When it comes to the interpretation of history, you can disagree with him, but at least allow the film to release. By asking for a ban, you are creating an atmosphere where nobody will attempt films on Indian history.”
Actor Sushant Singh, general secretary of CINTAA, said, “Sanjay Leela Bhansali didn’t ask us to hold this conference… We all are frustrated, angry and upset. For how long will our fraternity members keep asking for freedom of expression to make films? Why do we need to fight for such a basic right all the time?”
“My question is for the state and the Central government- why are you silent? People from your parties are openly threatening to burn theatres. I have the right to ask for an assurance from the government,” he added.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, convenor of IFTDA, said, “We are hurt because we have been abused and accused. We are filmmakers, creative people and we don’t deserve this kind of treatment. Every now and then we see our makers being heckled. We work hard, we make films. Bhansali is a symbol and attack on him is like abusing the film fraternity.”
Pandit said on November 16 there will be a silent protest outside the Film City gates to support Bhansali.
“The entire film fraternity will come out at 11 AM. No shoot will be done from 4-4:15 PM as a symbolic support to Bhansali,” Pandit added.
He also said that the bodies will write letters to I&B minister Smriti Irani tomorrow and Union home minister Rajnath Singh.
Veteran actor and CINTAA President Vikram Gokhale, who worked with Bhansali in “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam”, said the filmmaker is a responsible man and his vision should be trusted.
“I am against private censorship. I have worked with Bhansali, he is a responsible man. Even if he has made a mistake, you have a pen and media platforms to express your opinion. But vandalising sets, indulging in physical violence is extremely foolish,” Gokhale said.
Bhansali has already issued an appeal to clarify that there is no dream sequence between Deepika’s Padmavati and Ranveer’s Khilji as claimed by Rajput groups.
Salman Khan too came out in support of Padmavati. “No decision should be made without seeing the film Padmavati. Sanjay Leela Bhansali makes lovely films and there is nothing wrong with his movies,” Salman told Network 18.
