'Padmavati' row: Maharashtra will provide security for theatres if needed, says MoS Home Ranjit Patil

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government is currently in the process of assessing the security issues associated with the film 'Padmavati' and will provide protection to the theatres if needed, minister of state for home Dr Ranjit Patil made it clear on  Thursday.

The minister said, "We have already provided security to producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali of the film and we are in the process of assessing various security issues associated with the film. That includes threats received by Deepika Padukone, the lead actress in the film. We shall provide security to her if the assessment says so," the minister said.

The minister also made it clear that the government has received several demands to ban the film. "We have received the communication from several organizations including the Rajput community regarding 'objectionable' content of the film Padmavati. We shall assess these demands also and decide on what action needs to be taken," said Dr Patil.

After the assessment of security issues is complete, if needed the government will try to mediate on the issue and would take adequate steps if that doesn't work, the minister added.

Padukone had on Tuesday had hit out against those protesting the release of 'Padmavati' and reportedly said that "we've regressed as a nation". Rajasthan-based Shri Rajput Karni Sena (SRKS) had then threatened to deface Deepika.

They had also called for a nation-wide bandh on December 1, when the Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, featuring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh is slated for release. They have been alleging that the film has distorted historical facts.