The Maharashtra government has provided precautionary security cover to filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali as the controversy over his forthcoming film Padmavati hots up and various groups hold out threats of violence, officials said.
The level of security provided to him is not yet clear, and Bhansali has so far not commented on it. However, the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) thanked chief minister Devendra Fadnavis for the cover given to Bhansali who lives and works in Mumbai.
"We have no words to express our gratitude for providing police protection to our esteemed member," filmmaker Ashoke Pandit said on behalf of the film fraternity in a letter to Fadnavis. "We commend your assurance to keep law and order in control. That speaks volumes of the efficiency of your staff and the police."
Pandit also urged the state government to "help the victim" release his film without anybody's intrusion and in full safety so that he continues to make memorable films and help future generations learn from his legacy.
Bhansali has been facing the ire of various groups and self-styled experts on what they term 'erroneous' depiction of the mediæval queen Padmavati of Chittor. There have been protests and violence against Bhansali and opposition to the film from the time it was being shot in different parts of India.
Now, as the production team prepares for the film's global release, the protests are only intensifying. But the film fraternity and members of civil society have expressed their support to Bhansali.