Hyderabad: The Shri Rajput Karni Sena, a Rajput group, has threatened to stage a ‘peaceful protest’ outside the cinema halls if the film Padmavaat is released in the state. It has demanded that the state government ban the film to “uphold Rajputana sentiments” because it depicts the history of the Rajputs inaccurately. The Supreme Court, it may be recalled, has ordered the film to be viewed in all states since it has been cleared by the Censor Board.
Thakur Ranveer Singh, president of the Rajput Karni Sena, Telangana, said he has written to the state government about banning the film. “About 15 lakh Rajputs live in the city and we urge people not to visit the theatres. We advise the managements not to screen the film and bear losses as people would not turn up to watch the movie,” he said.
“The government should understand our sentiments and ban the film,” said Thakur Vikas Singh, member of something called the Veer Kshatriya Rajput Sena, which together with the Akhil Bhartiya Rajput Samithi has also raised the same demand. “We are determined to stall the screening of the movie but in a peaceful manner. There will no violence as damaging public property or private property is against our principles,” said Thakur Vikas Singh.
The movie is being screened in over a dozen small theatres and multiplexes across the city on January 25. Though some BJP ruled states had declared their intent of banning the film, the Telangana government has so far remained silent on it.
Police gearing up for security at theatres
Civil clothes police officers are likely to be deployed in theatres to prevent any trouble during the screening of the film Padmavaat.
There is a fairly large Rajput community in the state, but according to sources in the police, members are not supporting a violent response to the screening of the film. Intelligence agencies say some persons might try to create trouble for political gains. “If the movie is released, protection to theatres will be provided,” said a senior police officer.
Police personnel both uniformed and in civvies will be deployed inside and outside theatres screening the film and theatre managements will also increase security, he added. Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.V. Srinivasa Rao reiterated that the police will provide protection to theatres if the government allows the release.
