Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial film Padmaavat (initially titled Padmavati) starring Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmavati, Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji releases today amid high security.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial film Padmaavat (initially titled Padmavati) starring Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmavati, Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji releases today amid high security. The film has been in news for all wrong reasons ever since it went on floors. Inspired by 16th century Awadhi poem - Padmavat - penned by Sufi poet Malik Muhammed Jayasi, Padmaavat is one of Bhansali's most ambitious projects.
Also featuring Aditi Rao Hydari as Mehr-un-nisa (wife of Alauddin Khilji), Raza Murad as Jalaluddin Khilji (uncle of Alauddin), Jim Sarbh as Malik Kafur ( close aide of Alauddin) and Anupriya Goenka as Rani Nagmati (first wife of Maharawal Ratan Singh), Padmaavat has witnessed massive protests by various Rajput groups across the country.
The Supreme Court had paved the way for the nationwide release of Padmaavat after some states had issued notifications banning the film. But the Rajput Karni Sena is hell bent on disrupting the film's release by resorting to violence.
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia invites Rajput leaders to watch 'Padmaavat'
#WATCH: Members of various organisations vandalised a 'dhaba' located at Dewas, Maxi bypass in protest against #Padmaavat, protesters removed from the spot after police intervention. #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/frCOPLY7Bz
— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018
Addressing reporters, Haryana DGP BS Sandhu said, "18 people have been arrested in connection with attack on a school bus and torching of a Haryana Roadways bus in Gurugram yesterday, case registered.
"All theaters provided with adequate protection. Things peaceful now. If someone is found getting involved in unlawful activities, they would be immediately arrested & strict action will be taken. Govt is providing full protection to those ready to screen #Padmavaat," ANI report quoted Sandhu as saying.
#WATCH DGP Haryana addresses the media over law and order situation in the state #Padmaavat https://t.co/LnzgC8dVla
— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018
Despite challenges and extremely limited preview shows [which commenced in evening], #Padmaavat collects ₹ 5 cr in previews screenings on Wed.
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) 25 January 2018
Bihar: Members of an organisation staged a protest against #Padmaavat in Motihari. pic.twitter.com/RUgXyGbu7S
— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018
Kshatriya community will contribute & give the person a reward of Rs 1 Crore who chops off Deepika Padukone's ears and nose: Gajendra Singh, President Kshatriya Mahasabha (24.1.2018) #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/OP9R4EmaG1
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) 25 January 2018
Karni Sena members protest outside Lucknow's Novelty cinema. The members present roses to people and appeal to them to not watch the film. A protester says 'we will also compensate money of the tickets in case people have already bought' #Padmaavat, as per ANI.
Karni Sena members protest at Lucknow's Novelty cinema, present roses to people and appeal to them to not watch the film. A protester says 'we will also compensate money of the tickets in case people have already bought' #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/uezpold0lG
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 25, 2018
Uttarakhand: Clash between Police & Bajrang Dal workers outside a cinema hall in Rishikesh #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/69gNzsf04E
— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018
Man tries to self immolate outside a cinema hall in Varanasi, detained by Police. #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/lIGVaaozct
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) 25 January 2018
Karni Sena members protest at Lucknow's Novelty cinema by presenting roses to people. They have opted for a non-violent form of protest by appealing to people to not watch the film. They are even ready to compensate of the tickets.
"We will also compensate money of the tickets in case people have already bought," ANI quoted a protester as saying.
AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi takes a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi while talking about the violent protests against Padmaavat.
"This is nothing but 'pakoda' politics practiced by BJP. Prime Minister & his party have meekly surrendered before these people who are protesting. He has 56 inch chest only for Muslims," ANI quoted him as saying.
Rajasthan: Shops vandalized in Udaipur during protest against #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/tJfgusGh5b
— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018
Protesters brandish swords, burn tires in protest against #Padmaavat in Muzaffarpur #Bihar pic.twitter.com/y2Id7YfDxp
— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018
#WATCH Karni Sena members take out bike rally in protest against #Padmaavat in Jaipur #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/TqcCdLGhGS
— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018
Karni Sena stage protest against #Padmaavat in Jaipur #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/99U9JG7tEl
— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018
Notice put up outside PVR Cinemas in Gurugram's Ambience Mall. #Padmaavat #Haryana pic.twitter.com/3F5nWNB6D2
— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018
Senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy spoke about the controversy surrounding Bhansali's Padmaavat.
"It opens old wounds, and that is why such films should not be made. what is the historical value of it? Zero. They say it has nothing to do with history, then why are you making it? Also, why is Rahul Gandhi not taking a stand on it?," ANI quoted Swamy as saying.
Student & teachers are safe. Staff handled situation, teachers didn't let students panic. We are grateful to our staff who were able to tackle the situation so beautifully as they are trained for this: Neeta Bali, Principal, GD Goenka school #Gurugram #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/70eHWRfLg2
— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018
#Visuals from Chittorgarh (Rajasthan): Heavy security outside Chittor Fort #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/c8JdGh5WTi
— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018
Tight security ensured outside Hyderabad cinema halls as Padmaavat hits theatres today.
Telangana: Security outside cinema halls in Hyderabad #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/rM20CwaFn0
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
ANI shared the visuals of school bus attacked in Gurugram over Padmaavat row.
Visuals of the school bus which was attacked yesterday by vandals in Haryana's Gurugram. #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/aZHyiA4TZR
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
Meanwhile, Delhi theatres witness a good occupancy on opening day.
Delhi: Theater in Rajouri Garden witnesses good turn-out on first day, first show of #Padmaavat; movie-goers say, 'want to see the reason behind all that uproar' pic.twitter.com/qpbocKCxDK
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
Visuals of security personnel outside cinema halls in Agra. #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/4Lr9geHcQN
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) 25 January 2018
Protesters set fire to a car during a protest against #Padmavaat in Bhopal yesterday, Police say 2 people have been taken into custody. #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/d0Iek2fvbY
— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018
Visuals from Mumbai's Sion, security outside PVR cinemas. #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/o0YbtDM6Gz
— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018
Its peaceful.Current show housefull. Police presence is here, our own security is also in place. All good as of now: Kishore Ganatra, E-Square cinema hall owner #Pune #Padmavaat pic.twitter.com/U2f14SlqXi
— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018
Shahid Kapoor, who has teamed up with Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the first time essays Rajput warrior Maharawal Ratan Singh. Talking about the film and his character, Shahid said, "Prior to Padmaavat I was nervous, because people know very less of my character (in the film). It's a very important film for me. It's tough to essay a role like this. I feel thankful & honored. We've done everything, it's time for people to decide what they feel."
The actress looked very confident about the film's impressive performance at the Box Office. She said, "It's time for us to celebrate & see the film do wonders at box office. The best response is the one we can give to someone through the work we do. This time I am excited about the box office because it is going to be earth shattering."
Deepika Padukone, who essays Rani Padmavati, interacted with the media Wednesday evening.
"Padmaavat has been through so much. To see it finally releasing & the reaction it is getting is extremely overwhelming. I am very excited for the release tomorrow. Big day for all of us. On behalf of entire crew we want to thank you for being so supportive," ANI quoted the actress as saying.