Singhdeo seeks pre-screening of ‘Padmavati’ before release

RAIPUR: Even as Madhya Pradesh government imposes a ban on Sanjay Leela Bhansali directedcontroversialfilm Padmavati, Chhattisgarh leader of opposition wrote to chief minister Raman Singh requesting ban on the movie in the state only after a prerelease viewing of the film. Leader of opposition TS Singhdeo on Monday had written a letter to Raman Singh asking him not to allow release of Padmavati without watching the prescreening of the movie himself.

He addedthatthe representatives of Kshatriya community should also be present during the prescreening. Though Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan governments have imposed a ban withimmediate effect on the release of Padmavati movie, this country has a provision of freedom of expression. Hence, the movie should be pre-screened in the state before its release.
Butthereissome responsibility towards the society as well. Few scenes that are reportedly controversial hurting the sentiments of the people should be considered before the release of the movie,he said.
The Supreme Court also refused a plea seeking toban the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s controversial epic drama ‘Padmavati’ featuring Deepika Padukone as a Rajputqueen.The court said it could not intervene since theCentralBoardof Film Certification (CBFC) was yet to decide aboutits certification.
The film is set for release on December 1 while it has been a subject of many controversies. Some Hindu groups and political parties, including the Congress and the BJP, claim that the film distorts history and wrongly portrays Padmavati.