Padmavati: Karni Sena threatens to chop off Deepika Padukone's nose
With its release date approaching, the hullabaloo surrounding Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epic drama Padmavati is getting more violent. Now its female lead Deepika Padukone has been given special security by the Mumbai Police after Rajasthan fringe-group Karni Sena threatened to chop off her nose on Thursday. The Sena has also called for a nationwide bandh on December 1, when the film's slated for release.
'We will do to Deepika what Lakshman did to Shurpanakha'
Calling it their fight to protect the image of Indian women in films, Rajput Karni Sena has threatened to maim Padukone if it comes to it. "We never raise a hand on women but if need be, we will do to Deepika what Lakshman did to Shurpanakha for violating the rules and culture of India," a Sena leader reportedly said to ANI.
Karni Sena calls Deepika Padukone Shurpanakha
Sarv Brahmin Mahasabha signing a petition with blood against Padmavati
Karni Sena's chief Lokendra Singh Kalvi has threatened to burn every theatre that would screen the film. "Jauhar ki jwala hai, bahut kuch jalega. Rok sako to rok lo," he said. Another religious outfit, Sarv Brahmin Mahasabha, is reportedly signing a petition with blood to ban the film. They will send the petition to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Sarv Brahmin Mahasabha members use blood to sign #BanPadmavati petition
Rs. 5-crore bounty on Sanjay Leela Bhansali's severed head
Meanwhile, Meerut's Rajput community has announced a Rs. 5-crore bounty on filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali's severed head. Amid growing backlash and death threats, Bhansali agreed on Thursday to show Padmavati to Karni Sena members ahead of its release. Though the film has been submitted to the censor board, CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi is yet to watch it and arrive at a decision.
Home Ministry, Maharashtra and Karnataka governments promise help to Bhansali
Despite the rising intolerance surrounding Padmavati, the Home Affairs Ministry, and state governments of Karnataka and Maharashtra, are backing the film by providing necessary security to its makers and the theatres scheduled to screen it. Minister of State for Home (Urban) Ranjit Patil, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Karnataka home minister Ramalinga Reddy have promised every assistance in ensuring peaceful release of the movie.
Padmavati is Deepika-Ranveer's third film with Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Padmavati is Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh's third outing with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. They have worked previously to deliver back-to-back blockbusters 'Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela' (2013) and 'Bajirao Mastani' (2015). Padmavati also stars Shahid Kapoor and Aditi Rao Hydari in important roles.
