Photos | Padmavati row: Protests across India demand ban on film release

As Sanjay Leela Bhansali 's Padmavati nears release date, the film faces protests in multiple states demanding a ban on its release over claims it ‘distorts history.’ The Karni Sena has threatened actress Deepika Padukone with physical harm over her ‘provocative statements’, compelling the Mumbai police on Thursday to increase her security ahead of the release on December 1.

Updated on: Nov 17, 2017 2:21 PM IST

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Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone at a promotional event in Mumbai for the forthcoming Hindi film ‘Padmavati’ directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. From fringe political organizations to national parties and royals, various groups have raised a demand for film’s ban. Despite Bhansali’s clarification that the film respects its titular character and portrayal of Rajputs, protests rage in over eight states at the moment. (AFP)

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Members of Sri Rajput Karni Sena protest against Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s movie Padmavati, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It all began in Jaipur when members of the fringe political group attacked the sets during production, alleging that the film had romantic scenes between Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, who play Rani Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji respectively. (PTI)

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Karni Sena Leader Lokendra Singh addresses a press conference on the Padmavati issue, in Jaipur. The movie is based on Padmavat, an epic poem written by Malik Muhammad Jayasi in 1540, relates the fictional story of Alauddin Khalji’s enchantment with Padmavati, the Queen of Chittor. Although Padmavati holds an important place in Indian literature, proof of the legendary queen’s existence is debated. (PTI)

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Members of the Rajput community stage a protest against the release of ‘Padmavati’ in Noida. Objections raised against the film include an alleged romance between Deepika Padukone’s Padmavati and Ranveer Singh’s Khilji, distortion of history in the film, and the ‘ghomaar’ song which portrays Padmavati as a ‘painted doll’among others. (Salman Ali / HT Photo)

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A demonstrator poses during a protest against the release of the upcoming Bollywood movie 'Padmavati' in Bengaluru. (Abhishek N. Chinnappa / REUTERS)

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Bajrang Dal activists protest against filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Demonstrations have been reported in several parts of the country, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, against the movie, which is slated to be released on December 1. (PTI)

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Police detain Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha activists who halted the Sarnath Express train during a protest against ‘Padmavati’ in Allahabad on Thursday. The controversy took an ugly turn yesterday as a leader of the Shri Rajput Karni Sena cited Ramayana’s Surpanakha nose-chopping incident and warned Padukone against “inciting” sentiments. Reacting to the development, the Mumbai police has stepped up the actor’s security. (PTI)

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Founder of Rajput Karni organisation Sena Lokendra Singh Kalvi looks on during a protest rally in Gandhinagar. The Karni Sena leader has threatened actress Deepika Padukone with physical harm over her “provocative statements.” (Sam Panthaky / AFP)

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Members of Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena shout slogans against fimmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali during a protest demanding for a total ban on ‘Padmavati' at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. (PTI)

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Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha members stage a demonstration, protesting against the release of the film in Patna. (PTI)

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(L to R) Actor Sushant Singh, filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, Producer B. P. Singh and filmmaker Ashoke Pandit among others at a press conference organised by Indian Film and Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) in support of filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming film ‘Padmavati’ in Mumbai.The association wrote to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh seeking a smooth release for the film. (IANS)