Trouble for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati refuses to die down. Now, another organization calling itself the Jai Rajputana Sangh has threatened to burn down theatres if the film is not shown to them and other Rajput organizations before its theatrical release. In fact, they have warned of using weapons like AK-47 assault rifles.
Padmavati trailer: Meet Deepika the beauty and Ranveer Singh the beast in Bhansali epic
Reportedly, members of the Jai Rajputana Sangh conducted a meeting with the managements of several cinema halls and multiplexes in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, to issue their warning and make their demand.
The founder of the group, Bhanwar Singh Reta, told a news website, India.com, that they are most concerned about the possibility of a romantic angle between the characters of Alauddin Khilji and queen Padmavati in the film.
“We won’t tolerate any distortion of history and if any romantic relationship is shown between queen Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji, we will burn cinema halls screening the film,” he said.
Padmavati poster: Shahid Kapoor gets battle ready as the brave Rawal Ratan Singh
He added that members of his organisation are trained in using various kinds of weapons. “Our members are trained in handling a large array of weapons ranging from swords to AK-47 guns," he said. "We won’t let anyone dishonour Padmavati and insult the people of Rajasthan.”
Padmavati poster: Ranveer Singh appears as the scarred, ambitious Alauddin Khilji
Reta warned that they will allow the film's release only if their demand is met and the film is to their satisfaction. “Our demand is that the filmmakers screen it to a panel of representatives from various Rajput organizations. We will only give them a go-ahead to release the film after we are satisfied that no scene insults queen Padmavati,” he said.
Posters: Deepika looks beautifully royal in Padmavati, film set for 1 December release
Padmavati has Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor essaying the roles of queen Padmavati, Alauddin Khilji and Raja Ratan Singh, respectively. The film is scheduled to be released on 1 December.