Bhopal: Despite the Supreme Court order of the nationwide release of movie ‘Padmaavat’, the box office journey of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s controversial period drama ended in the state capital even before it could start. The movie has failed to find even a single screen in city as the violent protests against the release of film spread all across the state. The film is slated for release on Thursday.
The movie did not find any distributor in the state, claimed a manager of cinepolis in PVR cinemas here. The manager and owner of the all ten single screen theatres in the city and managers of multiplexes fearing violence have decided not to screen the movie. Rajput outfits and other fringe elements are vandalised malls, burning vehicles, and have issued open threats to theatre owners and public in their bid to stall the release of the movie. Protests and acts of vandalism were reported from various parts of the state including in Indore, Ujjain and Jhabua in last few days. A group protesting opposing the film held violent protest in front of Jyoti talkies here on Wednesday.
This decision of the managers and owners of the theatres came even when the Police Headquarter had issued directions to all the superintendent of police to ensure safety and security of the public and the theatres. Rakesh Narula, Manager of Jyoti Talkies said that, “We are incurring huge loss as no new movie is being released. Everyone is playing the cards as assembly elections are scheduled later this year and in Padmaavat case too politics is behind the protest going on against this movie.”
Ghanshyam Singh, State President of Akhil Bhartiya Kshatriya Mahasabha, condemning the act of violence at Jyoti Talkies square appealed people of the community to hold peaceful protests. He added that Kshatriyas had a glorious past and this shouldn’t be dented by such incidents of violence.
Protestor torches own car
Kshatriya community member stated violent protest against the release of the movie at Jyoti Talkies Square on Wednesday. One of the protestor, Ishwar Chandra Chauhan, set his car on fire car during the protest. The car went up in flames when the protesters were trying to stage a road blockade. Fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the flames. Police have arrested five persons including Chauhan, Jeetendra Chauhan, Chetan Chauhan, Bhadhur Singh Rajpoot.
