Bhopal: The movie lovers in the city have welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision of quashing the ban on film Padmaavat in Madhya Pradesh and five other states.
Now, the period drama, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali will be released on January 25 in the city. Based on the epic poem ‘Padmavat’ written in 1540 by Malik Muhammad Jayasi, the film narrates the story of Padmavati, who many believe is a fictional character. Some members of the Rajput community are, however, not ready to give up. They say that the movie hurts their sentiments. Free Press talked to a section of local residents to know their reaction. Excerpts
Sadat Bharti, theatre actor and director
We welcome court’s decision. Ye to hona hi tha. Once CBFC and the Supreme Court have given the movie a go-ahead, no one can stop its release. It is the victory of freedom of expression. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a sensible director and he makes good movies.
Apoorva Shukla, theatre and TV actor
It is great news. We should respect the hard work and dedication of the cast and crew of the film. It was wrong to ban the movie without even watching it. I was upset when I heard that the movie will not be screened in MP. I was even planning to go to Mumbai to watch it. I am a great fan of Bhansali. His movies are never run-of-the-mill. Now, I am very happy. I will go to watch the movie first day first show with friends.
Suchita Talreja, homemaker
It is welcome. I love Deepika and Ranveer. I would have watched the movie on DVD player had it not been released in MP. Movies are meant to entertain. Had I been a Rajput, I would have watched the movie. CBFC has already changed movie’s name and some scenes have been deleted. Where is the need for any protest now? Since the movie is controversial, I will wait for two or three days and then go to watch it. I don’t want to get into trouble if the protests turn violent.
Indira Shukla, housewife
It is very good news for all movie lovers. I will definitely watch it. We were waiting for the movie since long. I am a great fan of Bhansali and have watched almost all movies he directed. What Karni Sena is doing is unacceptable in any civilised country.
Mansi Shivhare, media student
Wow, it is great. I had lost hope of watching the movie. But the SC has taken the right decision. Now, we will watch the movie first day first show along with friends in theatre.
We don’t know what Supreme Court has said. The MP government, respecting our sentiments, had banned the movie. Merely changing the name from ‘Padmavati’ to ‘Padmaavat,’ and deleting some scenes will not do. We will not allow release of the movie at any cost.
Pratap Singh Vaish, divisional secretary, Akhil Bharatiya Yuva Kshatriya Mahasabha, Bhopal
