The controversy surrounding Sanjay Leela Bhansali's historical magnum opus, Padmavati seems far from getting over anytime soon. While initially, everyone
thought that this issue was similar to any other row that takes place before the release of a historic film and would resolve soon, the whole episode took an ugly
turn with Shri Rajput Karni Sena threatening to behead Sanjay Leela Bhansali and chop off Deepika Padukone's nose for "violating Indian culture. The convenor of the Karni Sena, Lokendra Singh Kalvi, has also called for a Bharat bandh on December 1, the date Padmavati is slated for release.
Abhishek Som, a Meerut-based Thakur leader has offered Rs 5 crore to anyone who beheads the magnum opus' director and injures actress Deepika. The Mumbai Police promptly responded to these threats by giving her special security. But who really is the Karni Sena? According to Wikipedia, the Jaipur-based Shri Rajput Karni Sena favours "national unity and is opposed to "caste-centric positive discrimination and corruption. Although their recent acts show otherwise, even the Rajasthan government has remained mum because the body translates to a substantial vote bank. Even more disconcerting is the fact that the Indian film fraternity, known to stand up for each other in difficult times, is also shying away from making any negative comments. While many are coming out in support of Bhansali, they are cautious not to upset the Karni Sena. When so much is being spoken about freedom of speech and expression worldwide, where do such controversies put India on the map?
Amidst such threats and violence comes the news that Deepika intends to continue doing the promotional events as planned, though she will now move around more cautiously and with a beefed-up security. A friend of Deepika says, "Deepika is not the least bit scared. She has been provided security but her movement remains far from restricted. She will continue to promote Padmavati, though the entire team has advised her to exercise caution in her pronouncements. So, she won't make any comments on the vandals masquerading as protesters.
Meanwhile, there is plenty of speculation as to why Deepika's two co-stars are so silent when she has been openly threatened with physical violence. Says Deepika's friend, "She can't speak on Shahid Kapoor, as they are not close friends. But as far as Ranveer is concerned, he is extremely worried. However, he has been forbidden by the Padmavati team from making any comments. Already, there is way too much speculation about how an A-lister hero could play a villain. Further, to quell the slanderous rumour of a romantic liaison between Ranveer's and Deepika's characters, the team has advised them not to promote the film together as the public will presume that the couple has scenes together, which they do not. Reportedly, gag orders have been given to the whole Padmavati team, as the movie has procured enough publicity already.
Many celebrities like Anupam Kher and Karan Johar, who are quite vocal otherwise, were seen walking away speedily, as soon as they were asked whether or not the release of Padmavati should be stalled. Only Alia Bhatt commented, "Iss mamle mein Rani Padmavati hi jaane (Rani Padmavati may know better on this topic).
Tollywood hasn't experienced such rows
Fortunately in Tollywood, historic movies such as Rajanna, Rudhramadevi, Gautamiputra Satakarni and the upcoming Uyyalavada Narasimha Reddy have not faced such strong backlash from the public.
Says Gunasekhar, director of Rudhramadevi, "It's always a risk making a historic film because we have to show the facts. After I completed my film, the Regional Censor Board received so many letters from people not to give a certificate. But after viewing every bit of the film very closely, a certificate was given. I did my research; but still couldn't get some details and gave a disclaimer in the beginning that I used some liberty for filling in the gaps.
Surender Reddy opines that one should be prepared for any criticism and backlash. "When a filmmaker attempts such big films, we should be prepared for criticism and constructive discussion. But filmmakers do a thorough research and gather facts as a part of their script work. For Uyyalavada Narasimha Reddy, we did extensive research for several months to gather the facts. Also, the film is free from any controversies. But if we still face any backlash from certain groups, we are open to dialogue and also have information from various authentic sources to back our story, he says.
Anupamaa
6