While we are still wrapping our heads around all the trouble surrounding Sanjay Leela Bhansali‘s Padmavati, we were in for a shock when a latest report revealed that Hardik Patel, the President of Patel Navnirman Sena has threatened to go for a strike if Bhansali does not stop the film.
Turns out, Bhansali was planning to shoot the film where it is actually based, i.e in Gujarat and the Southern district of Mewar in Rajasthan. The locals feel that Padmavati, the film will damage the image of Rani Padmavati and hence, the party has asked for an assurance saying that the Rani’s portrayal will be accurate.
Patel has been quoted saying to the Ahmedabad Mirror that:
Rajasthan-based Rajput Sena’s members met me and informed that SLB has not studied the history, and could damage the image of Rani Padmavati. So, we’ve informed him to stop the production of the film and hold discussions with Rajput leaders before he begins shooting. Bhansali should give assurance of not damaging Rani Padmavati’s image, or else Patidar Navnirman Sena will hold protests against the movie across the country, and will not give permission for the film to release in Rajasthan. No director has the right to damage history for entertainment.
It remains to been what will be Bhansali’s next step in this regard. The film is being touted to be one of the most expensive films ever, with the budget of Rs 180 crores. Let’s hope the issue gets resolved soon enough.