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I mean the Seth Rogen and James Franco movie 'The Interview' here. Every time the controversy over Padmavati stirs up, I am reminded over and over again of the film 'The Interview'.
If you recollect this was circa 2014 during the Sony hacks. North Korea had threatened violence if the film received a theatrical release. Sony canceled the international theatrical release and decided to go for a streaming release instead. However, amidst criticism of bowing to terrorism, Sony did a limited theatrical release of the film.
Despite being a mediocre film the film managed to recoup costs without a theatrical release. It also sparked international debate on freedom of speech and how to handle threats of violence against media. Even though the film poked fun at a living leader of a nation, it was agreed upon that media should not be censored based on personal sentiment.
The Padmavati controversy brings up a similar debate. Unlike 'The Interview' which was intentionally created to mock Kim Jong Ill, Padmavati is a film intended to honor Queen Padmavati of Chittor and her resistance to Allaudin Khilji. Unlike 'The Interview' which targeted a living leader, Padmavati is historical fantasy fiction about a legendary queen from centuries ago who may or may not have existed. Most of Padmavati's legend is based entirely on fiction. Yet the film is mired in controversy with various parties claiming to be offended and threatening violence against the film's release.
SLB has already postponed the release bowing to threats? Was he right in doing so or is he bowing to terrorism?
Should he go "The Interview" route? He could limited release the film in countries, states, and cities open to showing the film? Could he also do a streaming release in India through streaming partners? Especially if the streaming partner is based abroad with no physical offices in India.
When "The Interview" was threatened, international law enforcement took it seriously and committed to finding and punishing any potential threats. Why hasn't similar action been taken in India? Shouldn't anyone openly calling for beheading or any form of violence be arrested for inciting conflict and unrest?
SLB spends exorbitant amounts of money to make his films. I doubt he will cancel release. Eventually he will do something to at least break even.
But this is perfect publicity. Initially my desire to see Padmavati was meh. Now its like, I must see this. I want this to succeed just to rub it in the karni sena's face even though I do not care for SLB and didnt care for Ram Leela or Bajirao Mastani.
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Arjun
17