The Indian Films and TV Directors’ Association , along with 20 other bodies of the film and television industry is planning a 15-minute blackout in support of the film and “to protect the right to freedom of expression of creative individuals”, amid protests against Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming film ‘Padmavati’.
The 190-crore film’s release in India, also slated for December 1, has been delayed because of a litany of controversies, mainly protests by Rajput groups who allege that their legendary queen has been depicted falsely.
Confirming the plan, Ashoke Pandit of IFTDA stated, “We will keep showing our support for Padmavati and SLB (Sanjay Leela Bhansali) because it is the basic right of a creative person to tell a story in his own way.”
He continued, “Sanjay is a responsible film-maker, and making a film on history is not something easy for him but a big responsibility. To express our solidarity (with the film), we are gathering on Sunday for a 15-minute blackout where all shooting units in Mumbai will put off lights and no shootings will take place.”
“We strongly protest against the non-institutional bodies who every now and then protest against movies and threaten actors and makers of films. We will keep condemning their actions in a democratic manner. We have faith in our Prime Minister… for justice to Padmavati,” added Pandit.
Padmavati is based on the legend of Rani Padmini, a Hindu Rajput queen, mentioned in Padmavat – an Avadhi language epic poem written by Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi in 1540.
The film stars Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmavati, Shahid Kapoor as Rawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Sultan Alauddin Khilji.
