Padmaavat’s title was changed, disclaimers were put out, Deepika Padukone’s midriff was covered, dialogues were punctuated with Rajput pride, film critics said that Rajput honour is not the problem but the regressive narrative is, but all this to no avail. The violence, vandalism and threats continue unabated, even a school bus full of children was not spared.
Gujarat: Security increased outside cinema halls in Ahmedabad #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/Ujw4gwLxfm
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
Rajasthan: Shops vandalized in Udaipur during protest against #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/tJfgusGh5b
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
It was mayhem in Haryana when a school bus carrying children and staff was damaged by a mob protesting against Padmaavat. Though no one was injured, angry protesters pelted stones at the bus. So far, 18 people have been arrested in this regard.
Visuals of the school bus which was attacked yesterday by vandals in Haryana’s Gurugram. #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/aZHyiA4TZR
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
Haryana: 18 people arrested in connection with the attack on a school bus in Gurugram yesterday, will be brought to Sohna Court later today. #Padmaavat
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
Student & teachers are safe. Staff handled situation, teachers didn’t let students panic. We are grateful to our staff who were able to tackle the situation so beautifully as they are trained for this: Neeta Bali, Principal, GD Goenka school #Gurugram #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/70eHWRfLg2
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
Few police personnel on the Gurugram-Alwar National Highway were injured after the mob pelted stones on them. A Haryana Roadways bus was also set ablaze. It has led to panic among the residents of Gurugram and NCR. Meanwhile, multiplex owners in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa have refused to screen the film due to security concerns. The DGP of Haryana said that so far the situation has remained peaceful and all the theatres have been given adequate security.
All theaters provided with adequate protection. Things peaceful now. If someone is found getting involved in unlawful activities, they would be immediately arrested & strict action will be taken. Govt is providing full protection to those ready to screen #Padmavaat: DGP Haryana pic.twitter.com/lDP3drLmfR
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
Protesters brandish swords, burn tires in protest against #Padmaavat in Muzaffarpur #Bihar pic.twitter.com/y2Id7YfDxp
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
Several politicians have condemned the attack on the school bus and slammed the central and state governments for their lack of action. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal demanded strong action against the culprits and said “it was a matter of shame.”
There will never be a cause big enough to justify violence against children. Violence and hatred are the weapons of the weak. The BJP’s use of hatred and violence is setting our entire country on fire.
— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 24, 2018
This is nothing but ‘pakoda’ politics practiced by BJP. Prime Minister & his party have meekly surrendered before these people who are protesting. He has 56 inch chest only for Muslims: Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMIM #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/37Chkd5pg3
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
It is extremely disturbing to see hooligans masquerading as protesters, attack school children. The deafening silence of Central and BJP ruled State Govts in the face of such lawlessness is detestable. I seek immediate intervention to protect public from these extremist elements.
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) January 25, 2018
Yesterday some people pelted stones on school children in #Gurugram. I couldn’t sleep entire night. If our children are pelted with stones on Republic Day eve, a few kms away from nation’s capital, it is a matter of shame for the entire nation: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal pic.twitter.com/IJuWTXwz1q
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
Meanwhile, a contempt petition was filed against the Karni Senas and four states – Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana – in the Supreme Court stating that the four states have failed to comply with the court order and maintain law and order.
Contempt petition filed in the Supreme Court against three members of Karni Sena for violating SC order #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/KfyoahzFBY
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
Multiplexes in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana have refused to screen the film. Latest to join the list is Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who banned the film in the state.
The protests over Padmaavat has turned into a political slugfest with members of the ruling party and the Opposition taking potshots at each other. “It opens old wounds, and that is why such films should not be made. what is the historical value of it? Zero,” said BJP leader Subramanian Swamy.
It opens old wounds, and that is why such films should not be made. what is the historical value of it? Zero. They say it has nothing to do with history, then why are you making it? Also, why is Rahul Gandhi not taking a stand on it?: Subramanian Swamy,BJP #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/Hzczhf9aiT
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat called for a total ban on the film. Adding to the turmoil, the Kshatriya community has announced a bounty of Rs 1 crore for Deepika’s ears and nose.
Padmavati movie should be banned
— Dr. Mohan Bhagwat (@sir_sanghchalak) January 18, 2018
Kshatriya community will contribute & give the person a reward of Rs 1 Crore who chops off Deepika Padukone’s ears and nose: Gajendra Singh, President Kshatriya Mahasabha (24.1.2018) #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/OP9R4EmaG1
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 25, 2018
Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadanvis said that the attack on school bus was “very serious but there are also incidents which are blown out of proportion.”
Meanwhile, in Pakistan the movie is set for its release. Padmaavat has received a smooth clearance to be screened in Pakistan.
Read Silverscreen’s review of Padmaavat.
