Won’t Let ‘Padmaavat’ Release: VHP’s Pravin Togadia

Fringe groups are not willing to budge on their stance that they would not allow Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period drama Padmaavat to release in country, despite clearance from CBFC and the SC verdict restricting states from banning the film. In what could be seen as a move to offer momentum to their demands, VHP’s international working President Pravin Togadia, said that the film will not be allowed to be released in the country.

Togadia urged members of VHP and Bajrang Dal to take to the streets to protest in a “democratic” manner and widened the gamut of the offended groups to ‘Hindus’ rather than just ‘Rajputs’.

“We will not let Padmavaat release in the country. VHP and Bajrang Dal workers across the country should take to the streets to protest through democratic means… This is an issue not only concerning Rajputs but of the self-respect of all of Hindus, because women from all castes sacrificed their lives in ‘jauhar’.”

VHP’s international working President Pravin Togadia

Togadia cited the precedent of the time that the Centre had passed an ordinance to render the SC order banning Jallikattu ineffective.

“My request to the Centre is that Prime Minister pass a similar ordinance against the Supreme Court’s order (staying notifications of Gujarat and Rajasthan for ban on screening) for the self-respect of Hindus.”

VHP’s international working President Pravin Togadia

The controversies and protests surrounding the film have made theatre owners tentative about screening the film despite assurances from police on security arrangements. Following incidents of arson in Gujarat and the sustained menacing rhetoric of fringe groups, the film’s release is shrouded in fear and uncertainty.

“We have warned hall managements. Even if there are security arrangements, Karni Sena members can always buy tickets and enter the hall. We won’t be responsible for any consequences.”

Jaipur district president of Shri Rajput Karni Sena Narayan Singh Divrala

“Cinema screens in Rajasthan are not very keen to showcase ‘Padmaavat’ in the wake of the controversy

Raj Bansal, director of Yash Raj Jai Pictures

“We are not screening the movie till we are sure there will be no violence.”

Manu Patel, president of Ahmedabad Multiplex Association

“As far as I am concerned, I am not going to screen it.”

Rashmikant Bhalodia, President of Gujarat’s single screen association in Rajkot

Some theatre owners in Madhya Pradesh are also in two minds about screening the film. In Jharkhand too, protesters tore a poster of Padmaavat at Sujata Cinema in Ranchi, making the theatres owners concerned about the law and order situation. 20 After about 20 youths straddling swords and sticks engaged in vandalism in Kessal Mall in Kurukshetra, Haryana, the police identified five members of the Rajput community.

The members of Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India were asked to independently decide if they would like to see screen the film.

“All it takes is one angry protester with a stone. Why should we risk the safety of our patrons?”

Gwalior Theatre owner

Source: The Indian Express

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