After Rajasthan, it seems residents of Goa will not be able to catch Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epic Padmavat in theatres either. The state's police has made an official request to the Goa state government suggesting that the screening of the film be avoided.
According to a report by ANI, a news agency, Goa police is worried the film's release might result in controversies and violence during the tourist season and add pressure on the force.
This news come only a few days after Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia emphatically declared that Padmavat will not be released in the dessert state.
In a quote, Scindia said, "The sacrifice by Queen Padmini (also known as Padmavati) is a matter of honour and respect for all of us and hence we will not allow anyone to show disrespect to this honour."
Moreover, Goa police does not seem to be alone in considering a ban on Padmavat.
The Himachal Pradesh government is mulling over similar lines too. In a report by news channel, Times Now, chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, Varun Thakur, has said the state is yet to decide on the matter. "I don't want to say much. We will discuss what to do. The film, indeed, is a controversial one. I respect art but when it comes to people's sentiments getting hurt, it must be thought about and discussed," he said.
Padmavat was given a U/A certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) after a change in the film's title (it was earlier called Padmavati), five modifications and addition of 2 disclaimers. The film stars Deepika Padukone, Shahid kapoor and Ranveer Singh, and is set to be released on 25 January.