See it first & then demand cuts, minister tells ‘Padmavati’ critics
Even as the states’ chorus against Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmavati’ grows shrill by each passing day, Union Minister Birender Singh said on Tuesday that those opposing the period drama should see it first and then demand cuts, if anything is found to be objectionable.
“My opinion is very clear. Some of the historic facts may not be in consonance with our thinking. Those who are opposing, they should first see the movie,” Singh said.
However, several state chief ministers, cutting across party lines, have sought to ban the movie regardless. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath also accused Bhansali of habitually playing with public sentiments. The CM asserted that if there was any action, “it will be against both sides”.
Yogi’s remarks come on the heels of chief ministers of BJP-ruled Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh voicing concerns over the movie.
They were joined by their Punjab counterpart, Captain Amarinder Singh of Congress, who said cinematic license did not give anyone the right to twist historical facts. The UP government stated that it would not allow the movie’s release till certain “controversial portions” were removed. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis took the no-comment approach and said he will speak on the controversy at the right moment. …read more
