‘Padmaavat’ protesters pulled up by police, detained before rally
More than 100 agitators, slated to congregate at Films Division Complex in Mumbai, in order to protest Padmaavat film's release, were detained by the police on Friday.
132 persons from Karni Sena have been detained by the Gamdevi police for ‘Padmavat’ protest. The police are verifying the details of the protestors.
Mumbai police caught hold of protesters after they decided to rally to the Peddar Road quarters of film certification, thus stopping them from carrying on with the move. More than 100 policemen were deployed at the spot.
“We are not fools to keep quiet after the (Censor) Board just removed a letter from the film title. We will not let the film release in any part of the country,” said Raj Rajput from Karni Sena. Rajput held Indian tricolour aloft and added that the country should not watch the “distorted part of the Rajput history” where their much-revered Rani Padmavati is shown in a bad light.
Starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles, the film is allegedly based on a 16th-century poem written by Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had cleared the film last week with five modifications.
The Karni Sena has also demanded the resignation of Prasoon Joshi, the chairman of CBFC.
“If the film had to be modified, it means there was offensive material in it. We still know there is objectionable content in the film. Let the Board give a green signal to the film. We will not succumb to any pressure and will go to any extent to stop the release of this film,” said Sanjay Rathod, who hailed from Rajasthan.
Protesters continued to add up in small groups to the venue and were being arrested in intervals by the police. According to the police, all of them came from outside Maharashtra, especially to be a part of the agitation rally.
“They (CBFC) might not be interested in history or human sentiments, but we do and we will make sure the film does not hit the theatres. If it comes to that, we will stand outside the theatres of every part of the country and will not let anyone enter the cinema hall,” said Vijay Chawda who is attached to Mahakal Sena, Gujarat.
On Thursday, producers of the film confirmed the new name of the film, Padmaavat (erstwhile Padmavati), while staying quiet about the release date. Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani also clarified on Friday against releasing the film in Gujarat. The allclear from the CBFC failed to satisfy the Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje as well who said the film would not be shown in cinemas in the state.