Padmavati protests take shocking turn: Body found with anti-movie slogans
The protests against 'Padmavati' seem to have taken a ghastly turn. News18 reported that a body was found hanging in Rajasthan's Nahargarh Fort today, surrounded by slogans against the movie. One of them, written on stones laid nearby, read, "'Padmavati ka virodh" (opposing Padmavati). Another chillingly said, "Hum sirf putle nahi latkate" (we don't hang just effigies).
Protests against Padmavati have been violent from the beginning
Several movies have faced protests till now, but those against Padmavati have been violent from the start. The Karni Sena, which has led the demonstrations for alleged distortion of historical facts, vandalized the movie's sets in January and then again in March. Ironically, protesters don't even know if the movie shows an affair between Alauddin Khilji and Rani Padmavati, the original point of contention.
Many offered rewards for beheading the actor and director
The Sena then threatened to chop off Deepika Padukone's nose. She was given special security by Mumbai Police. But it didn't stop there: soon, there was a bounty of Rs. 5cr on Padukone and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's heads. A BJP leader doubled the reward.
As UK clears movie, Sena threatens to burn Britain theatres
Yesterday, reports emerged that the UK has cleared the movie for release without any cuts. But soon after, at least one Sena member threatened to burn down theatres in Britain if they screened the movie. Some on social media pointed out how these could count as "terrorism". Meanwhile, a petition has been filed in the SC against airing of the movie anywhere outside India.
What's happening with the movie now?
For now, the controversial movie has been banned by many states in India including MP, Punjab, Rajasthan, UP and Gujarat. The Sena has also changed its stance somewhat: earlier it wanted Padmavati screened before its representatives, but now it has agreed to withdraw protests if Mewar's erstwhile royal family approves the movie. However, the makers have "voluntarily" deferred its release indefinitely.
