Shyam Benegal hails SC verdict on Padmaavat ban: Victory of freedom of expression
Bengaluru: Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal hailed the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the ban against Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s
Padmaavat in some states, saying it is clearly the victory of freedom of expression in the country.
Benegal, who chaired a Ministry of Information and Broadcasting committee to propose ways to revamp the censor board, told IANS that once the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the Supreme Court have given the movie a go-ahead, nothing can stop its release.
The Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana governments had banned the movie’s release in their states.
As for the organisations that are threatening to protest ahead of and when Padmaavat releases on January 25 over alleged distortion of historical facts, the state governments must intervene and ensure law and order is maintained, he said.
CBFC on December 30 last year decided to grant a U/A certificate to the movie, subject to five modifications, including title change from Padmavati to Padmavat. The makers — Bhansali Productions and Viacom18 Motion Pictures — finally went with Padmaavat, and agreed to the other four points, maintaining that the movie glorifies Rajput pride, valour and honour.
However, Rajput outfit Shree Rajput Karni Sena has been adamant in its demand that the movie must not be screened.