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https://scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/2126307/indias-censors-clear-controversial-bollywood-epic-prompting South Asia
India’s censors clear controversial Bollywood epic, prompting more protest threats
Workers carry a poster advertising Padmavati at a cinema in Calcutta. Photo: Reuters
India’s censors on Saturday cleared a controversial film backed by Viacom that looks into the relationship of a Hindu queen and a Muslim ruler, after suggesting some modifications.
The Bollywood film, which was slated to be released on December 1, was indefinitely postponed by a studio run by a partnership of Viacom and Network 18 owned by Mumbai’s Reliance Industries. That followed a row over its historical content, in states such as Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
Members of hardline Hindu fringe groups as well as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had criticised the film Padmavati, accusing its director of distorting history by showing Muslim ruler Alauddin Khilji as the “lover” of Queen Padmavati, belonging to the Rajput Hindu warrior clan.
“This was an unprecedented and tough situation,” Prasoon Joshi, chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), said. “Am glad that following a balanced approach we resolved the task at hand in a pragmatic and positive manner.”
The board asked that the name of the film be changed to “Padmavat”, to reflect that the source material was an epic poem of the same name and not from actual historical events, Joshi said.
He added that the producers and director had been asked to run a disclaimer saying the film does not “claim historical accuracy”, and that they were “completely in agreement” with the suggestions.
Members of India’s Rajput community burn an effigy of film director Sanjay Leela Bhansali as they protest against the release of Padmavati in Jammu. Photo: AP
Viacom18 Motion Pictures, the studio behind the film, did not respond to a request for comment. It earlier said the film captured “Rajput valour, dignity and tradition in all its glory”.
The film stars popular actress Deepika Padukone, who was the target of Rajput groups who were against its release. A BJP politician was ordered to apologise publicly by his party after he offered a reward for anyone who beheaded Padukone for her portrayal of Queen Padmavati.
Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone. Photo: AFP
Despite the suggested modifications by a special committee, a group that says it represents Rajputs vowed on Saturday to keep protesting against the film.
“We had given a whole list of objections regarding the movie,” said Ajit Singh, president of Rajput Karni Sena. “The decision has been taken in haste and only a few cuts to the movie will not do justice to the history and legend of the person. We will continue our protests.”