Even as filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and the Karni Sena reached an agreement that there would be no “romantic dream sequence” in the historical film Padmavati , Rajput groups here on Monday demanded that the movie’s title be changed to something more appropriate and a preview arranged before its release.
Mr. Bhansali has cancelled shooting for the movie at Jaigarh Fort here following last week’s attack on the film’s crew and vandalisation of sets. However, his production house’s attempts to soothe the frayed tempers succeeded with its offer to remove any objectionable scenes.
Producer’s assurance
Bhansali Productions CEO Shobha Sant said the film was being produced after a careful research and sought the support of all social organisations while affirming that nobody’s sentiments would be hurt and no romantic scenes would be filmed.
Activists of Rajput groups had resorted to violence alleging that the Padmavati filmmaker was distorting historical facts by incorporating a dream sequence of love scenes between Delhi ruler Alauddin Khilji and Queen Padmini of Chittorgarh in the movie.
After reaching an understanding, Rajputa Sabha and other groups of the community said at a press conference here that a screening committee should be formed by Bhansali Productions before its release. The Karni Sena, accused of leading the attack on Mr. Bhansali and his crew, said the film’s title should be changed.
Bhansali Productions, which is yet to respond to the new demands, has requested Rajput Sabha president Giriraj Singh in a formal communication to ensure that there is no untoward action against the production unit, crew and cast if the shooting resumes in Rajasthan.
Padmavati features Deepika Padukone in the queen’s role along with Ranveer Singh, who is essaying the role of the second ruler of the 14th century Khilji dynasty. Mr. Bhansali was roughed up in an attack on the movie sets on Friday, drawing sharp reactions from the film industry in his support.