‘Padmavati’ stir: Chittorgarh fort shut down, Mumbai police issues warning

New Delhi, Nov 17 (IANS) The stir over Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Padmavati" continued on Friday with the entry to the famous Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan getting closed. On the other hand, Mumbai police issued a warning to individuals and groups against taking the law into their hands while registering their objection about the historical film.

As a sign of protest, members of Sarv Samaj Protest Committee restricted the entry point of Chittorgarh Fort by closing the first gate known as Padan Pol gate since 10 a.m.

"We are not allowing anyone to enter the fort. It is a peaceful protest," member of Sarv Samaj Protest Committee Ranjit Singh told IANS.

On an average, over 3,000-4,000 tourists visit the fort starting from October, as the tourist season picks up. The police said the number of protestors sitting on dharna at the fort was not more than 250.

Stopping the release of "Padmavati", which many claim has distorted historical facts, was the motive behind the protest.

The movie is based on the life of Rani Padmini or Padmavati, who was queen of Chittorgarh. Actress Deepika Padukone is infusing life to Rani Padmini's role.

Looking at the tension around the release of the film, the Mumbai police warned protestors against being 'adventurous'.

In a statement, Joint Commissioner of Police (L&O) Deven Bharti said that "any individual or group which attempts to be adventurous, will be dealt sternly and will face strict legal action. We are committed to provide security to everyone individually or collectively and have taken adequate measures for protection of individuals who have received threats."

Bharti said that the policy would not interfere with protest conducted in "a democratic manner", but assured those who had received threats that "we will not allow miscreants to create any problem and they can indulge in their routine activities without any fear".

"Padmavati" has faced protests and its makers and artists have faced threats of physical harm from fringe groups which say they would not allow "distortions" of Rajput history to be shown. The ruling BJP has also said that filmmakers should not "distort historical facts". Most of the protests have happened in Rajasthan, but some have spilled over to Mumbai too.

The film, which also stars Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor, is scheduled to be released in theatres on December 1. The Central Board of Film Certification is yet to give its approval for the screening.

Earlier this week in an interview to IANS, Deepika said: "The only people we are answerable to is the censor board, and I know and I believe that nothing can stop the release of this film."

There are reports that the film might get postponed, but official statement by the makers is yet to be released.

Following widespread criticism against his film, Bhansali addressed the issue and said that the movie upholds the honour of Rajputs and does not depict anything that may hurt anyone's sentiments.

But the protests refuse to die down.