Hindu extremists threaten to torch British cinemas showing Bollywood film

British film distributors are reconsidering the release of a Bollywood blockbuster after its production sparked threats, violence and protests in India over the belief that it insults a legendary 14th-century Hindu queen.

The film, Padmavati, shows the life of Padmini, a Hindu queen who immolates herself rather than fall prisoner to a conquering Muslim ruler.

After false but persistent rumours that the film depicted Padmini in intimate love scenes with the Muslim king, there were protests, attacks on the set and director, and threats to mutilate the lead actor.

In the face of the ongoing controversy, the British distributor, Paramount Pictures, said the UK release date was being reviewed, amid reports that producers wanted to clarify the situation in India before making a decision abroad. It was due to come out on December 1.

A London-based Hindu charity, Rajput Samaj of UK, declared its opposition to the British Board of Film Censor’s decision to certify the film for release and said it would hold a peaceful protest over what it sees as a historically inaccurate account of Padmini.