Published: 06-02-2018
A caste-based outfit of Rajasthan, Sarv Brahmin Mahasabha, has threatened to disrupt the shooting of Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi for portraying "Brahmin" Rani Laxmibai in an "indecent way. Last month, the fringe group had written a letter expressing their objections to the makers of the film and have now chosen the warpath because they did not get a response. This comes across as a copycat protest, resembling the initial heckling that Karni Sena subjected Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Padmaavat to.
The only aim can be to hog limelight, as they might have to withdraw their protests once the film releases later this year.
Rani Laxmibai's affair with Robert Ellis
The same way Karni Sena had speculated that Rani Padmini would be shown sharing chemistry and screenspace with invader Alauddin Khalji, the Brahmin group has been informed that Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi would show Rani Laxmibai having an affair with British officer Robert Ellis.
The movie is being directed by Krish Jagarlamudi and the dialogues are written by CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi (before he assumed the position).
The idea of Rani Laxmibai and Robert's affair stems from Jaishree Mishra's novel Rani, which drew the ire of the Bundelas and was banned from being published by the Mayawati government in 2008. According to the protesters, the movie is based on Mishra's novel.
Suresh Mishra, the founding president of the outfit, told The Indian Express that there is no reason why the makers of the film are basing it on a book that has been banned. In the letter that the Brahmin group had sent to the makers, they inquired the "background and profile of writers and profile of historians the makers have consulted.
They also sought to know the details of the songs in the movie and the context as they have been informed that there might be a song featuring the queen and the British official.
Now, the outfit plans to urge the government to seek this information from the makers.
Is Manikarnika based on Rani?
The film has an independent script, written after consultations with historians and is not based on Jaishree Mishra's historical fiction. Producer Kamal Jain issued a statement more a disclaimer after the protests: "As responsible filmmakers, we have taken utmost care while portraying Rani Laxmibai's character and have consulted historians and scholars. Rani Laxmibai was a freedom fighter and one of the most respected leaders our country has seen. She is a symbol of valour and the film's story depicts the same...The film doesn't portray anything objectionable about Rani Laxmibai and nor has the film distorted the history in anyway. The film showcases Rani Laxmibai in a most respectful manner and is an inspirational story which every kid and every member of a family would love to see.
What is Sarv Bhahmin Mahasava?
This is not the first time the name of the group is being heard as it had extended its solidarity to the Karni Sena protesters during the agitations against Padmaavat. The group had also sent a letter in blood to the CBFC, urging it to ban the movie.
According to its Facebook page, Sarv Brahmin Mahasabha has been working for the welfare of the Brahmins since 1992 under the leadership of Suresh Mishra. It is important to note that he is also the president of the state Congress unit.
Karni Sena has supported this Brahmin outfit's outrage and the state BJP unit, too, has said that historical distortions will not be tolerated.
ANI@ANI
Humaari mukhyamantri Vasundhara Raje, pehle bhi keh chuki hain ki Rajasthan ke itihaas se hum kisi ko bhi ched-chaad nahi karne denge: Ashok Parnami, Rajasthan BJP on film #Manikarnika
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The fact that a caste group is allowed to seek details of the historians consulted for research and songs used in the movie is damaging enough for artistic freedom. Moreover, the way the Karni Sena went on a rampage and then retracted their protests, admitting that the movie did not hurt Rajput pride, has sparked outrage on social media.
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