Fijians Give Rave Reviews of Hindi Movie Padmaavat

No fuss here, just wonder what controversy in India was about.

Fijian movie-goers last night gave a rave review of the controversial Bollywood movie, Padmaavat, after they watched it.

The movie, marred by protests and violence in India, premiered in the country yesterday, giving Fijians a chance to judge the controversial screening for themselves.

The movie features Bollywood star Deepika Padukone – as Padmaavat – who is married to a noble King, Ratan Singh, played by Shahid Kapoor. The movie is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Daniel Vikash, Manager Film Booking and Promotion for Life Cinema Fiji, said they had increased the number of daily screening in all their cinemas in anticipation of large crowds. Kunal Shankar, who watched the 5pm show at Village Six in Suva, said he thoroughly enjoyed the movie and would recommend it to all his friends. Another viewer, Ravinesh Ram of Nasinu, said he was touched by the movie’s stunning visuals and compelling story.

During the movie’s shoot, Indian media reported large scale protests against its release, vandalism on sets and the assault of movie director Mr Bhansali.

According to the reports, politicians and religious groups also strongly spoke out against the release of the movie, with some even offering rewards for the beheading of the director. The reports said the movie sparked nation-wide protests by Hindu and caste groups because its plot reflected the story of a 14th Century Hindu queen and Muslim ruler.

In Fiji, the movie, approved to be released by India’s Supreme Court after a prolonged legal battle, was received with a general air of acceptance.

Shree Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha national president Sarju Prasad said the movie was not very relevant to the religious background.

Mr Vikash said the cinema would hold five screenings per day to cater for the expected influx.

At Village Six’s screening yesterday, Ajit Shukla, from Mumbai, said the controversy and hype in India was not at all justified.

“I would recommend this movie to everyone,” Mr Shukla said.

Another Indian citizen, Sandeep Singh, from Punjab, admitted some of his compatriots got it wrong. He said the movie was better than he expected.