Bhansali's Padmaavat releases today amid high security; no screening in 4 states

Mumbai: Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s controversial film Padmaavat hits theatres today amid high security. The film starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor, which has been in the eye of storm ever since its inception, was initially slated to release on December 1 last year. And now, after almost over a month-and-a-half, moviegoers looking forward to the film will get to watch the film.

The film inspired by 16th century fictional poem titled Padmavat penned by Sufi pet Malik Muhammed Jayasi, stars Deepika as Rani Padmavati, Shahid as Maharawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer as Alauddin Khilji.

The Central Board of Film Certification cleared the film for screening after suggesting five modifications that the makers agreed to incorporate.  After much delay and deliberation, the film will open in theatres and multiplexes today in various states.

The multiplex association of India has said that the film will not be released in four states - Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa. Representatives of the body said that they had decided to not screen the movie in these states because the administration told them that the law and order situation is not conducive.

The makers had even invited the Rajput Karni Sena to watch the film but the invitation was declined by the group that is hell bent on stopping Padmaavat from releasing.

Violent protests spread to towns and cities in many states including Rajasthan, Haryana, Maharashtra and UP, a day ahead of the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmaavat, as fringe groups opposing the film remained defiant.

A bus was torched and a highway blocked in Haryana's Gurgaon where protesters violated prohibitory orders while the police had to use force to disperse an agitating mob in Lucknow.

Karni Sena members allegedly damaged two state roadways buses in Jaipur and blocked a road in the city's Kalwar area scores of activists were held in Mumbai and Nashik.

Meanwhile, in Ahmedabad, the police arrested 50 people in connection with the violence and vandalism outside malls last night. As many as 30 bikes and scooters, parked outside three multiplexes in the city were set ablaze by protesters.

In a yet another worrying sign for the controversy-mired flick, the Multiplex Association of India, which represents about 75 per cent of multiplex owners, said the film would not be screened in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa.

The Supreme Court had however paved the way for the nationwide release of Padmaavat after some states had issued notifications banning the film.

(With PTI inputs)