Padmavati row: Ensure film is not released without necessary changes, Raje urges Irani

Jaipur, November 18

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has written to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani asking her to ensure that Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 'Padmavati' is not released without appropriate changes.

In the letter to Irani, she suggested on Saturday that a committee of historians, film experts and members from the Rajput community be formed to review the film and suggest changes.

The letter is the first official communication from the Rajasthan chief minister on the controversy surrounding the epic drama directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

The development comes a day after the Board sent the film back to its makers because the application for the certification was "incomplete".

The movie stars Deepika Padukone as the eponymous Rajput queen Padmavati, Shahid Kapur as King Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Delhi Sultanate ruler Alauddin Khilji. The movie releases on December 1.

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Rajputs have been protesting the movie, which is based on the legend of Padmavati — a queen who finds mention in Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s epic poem ‘Padmavat’. Rajputs are protesting the movie for having “distorted history”, but the filmmaker has denied the allegations.

Although the poem’s account became a legend, several historians contest its authenticity.

Both Padukone and Bhansali have received threats.

Protesters blocked to the Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan on Friday to protest the movie. A similar protest was held at Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajsamand district on Saturday. Agencies