Central
Board of Film Certification has called for the opinion of two veteran
historians from Jaipur on film Padmavati by inviting them to be a part of the
pre-screening. While the Karni Sena is in no mood to be a part of the Padmavati pre-screening, a member of
the royal family has given his consent to be present on the occasion. The team
of historians includes Professor B.L. Gupta and Prof R.S. Khangarot. B.L Gupta
is a professor of history in Rajasthan Vishwa Vidhyala and has written numerous
books on medieval India whereas, Professor Khangarot is principal of Agrawal
College.
"Padmavati", which has been receiving widespread
opposition from politicians and various communities, is unlikely to be released
till next year, said sources in Viacom-18. The movie supposedly based on
real-life incidents was set for release on December 1. Things went wrong for Bhansali when it faced public anger, post
it's trailer and song debut.
Khangarot
said the entire brawl related to the movie is not between the Karni Sena and Sanjay Leela Bhansali,
director-producer of Padmavati, but between Bhansali and history. He quoted
"once we watch the film, it will be clear if history has been tampered
with or not".
Speaking
to media, Gupta said he was all for artistic freedom but then it should not
happen at the cost of history. "It should be very clear that we will share
the historical facts to the best of knowledge and will not be backing any
political party," he added. The age-old custom of Jauhar (mass immolation)
an age-old custom, should be shown effectively in the film or else it can have
adverse effects on the audience, he said. He further added that it should not
be romanticised in the film as well. Sources reveal a four-member panel has
been formed to review the film next month.
Now
the question arises whether it is necessary, to incorporate stakeholder's
opinion when CBFC has given a green signal to the movie?
Legal
illuminaries has explained that CBFC being constituted under the Cinematograph
Act 1952, has no authority to mandate the authentication of disputed historical
facts. Hence Prasoon Joshi, chairman of CBFC, is right in his approach, to give
the film a clean ticket.
While
the stars of Padmavati are fearlessly supporting the movie, Karni Sena has
issued fresh death threats. "I am 200% behind this film," said actor Ranveer Singh who plays Allaudin Khilji. Deepika Padukone playing Rani Padmini, said recently that
the opposition to the film illustrates a "regression" in India.
The
pre-screening date for Padmavati was fixed on 27th December, however, no
further news has been heard from the filmmakers or CBFC for that matter. Rumors
hint the release date to be set in February 2018.
