Padmavati: Technicians’ association plan to boycott Bhansali films if he ‘doesn’t agree’ to cuts

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ram Kadam, who also heads Film Studio Setting and Allied Majdoor Union, says the union would not ‘let’ Sanjay Leela Bhansali ‘shoot any film in future’.

In the wake of the controversy around the movie Padmavati, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ram Kadam, who also heads Film Studio Setting and Allied Majdoor Union, said on Wednesday that their union would not “let” Sanjay Leela Bhansali “shoot any film in future” if he does not agree the cuts demanded by protesters. The film features Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmini and Ranveer Singh plays Alauddin Khilji. Shahid Kapoor essays the role of Maharawal Ratan Singh.

Protesters have objected to the portrayal of Alauddin Khilji and Rani Padmavati in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film.

Kadam added they would demand a ban, if need be. Speaking to ANI, Kadam said, “We will take decision this afternoon. Our union will not support a person who distorts history for the publicity of his film and will demand a ban if needed. If director (Sanjay Leela) Bhansali does not agree (to cut some scenes), our union will not let him shoot any film in the future.”

Earlier in the day, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to not issue a censor certificate to ‘Padmavati’ until the filmmakers delete “objectionable” scenes from the film.

Padmavati has an important place in Indian literature but there is little proof of the legendary queen’s existence.The filmmakers have said the movie is a work of fiction.

“During the ancient times, women born in noble Hindu families never used to dance before the society; on the contrary, they used to fight with swords and make the enemy dance in the battle fields. Despite such a glorious history, Bhansali has shown queen Padmavati dancing,” the organisation said.

The Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) along with Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA), Western India Cinematographers Association (WICA), Screenwriters Association (SWA), Association of Cine and Television Art Directors and Costume Designers (ACTADCD), backed Bhansali at a press conference in Mumbai. Interestingly, Kadam was also present at the press conference. Filmmakers Sudhir Mishra, Ashoke Pandit, actors Sushant Singh and Vikram Gokhale were also in attendance, extending their support for the film.

Turning down Bhansali’s clarification on a scene between Rani Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji, it asked the director to show the film in the presence of the representatives of the Hindu organisations.

On Tuesday, the Indian Film and TV Directors Association (IFTDA) held a press conference to extend support to the film and Bhansali.

The period drama, slated to hit the theatres on December 1, stars Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmavati, Shahid Kapoor as Maha Rawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Sultan Alauddin Khilji.

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