This refers to the editorial, “Politics over Padmavati” (November 21). Any publicity, good or bad, works for the film, as controversy helps — more tickets are sold at the box office. Controversy around a Hindi film is not new. A few recent movies are Udta Punjab, Lipstick Under My Burkha, which created lot of noise before their release and ultimately helped garner more crowds to the cinema halls. But Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati has been dogged in controversies since beginning. It's sets were vandalised and Bhansali became the target of certain section of the society.
Now, since the Supreme Court has refused to give any judgement over the release of the film as the Central Board of Film Certification has not given clearance, people enjoy freedom of speech and have the right to express their anger if emotions are hurt. But taking law into their hands and putting reward to behead the director is the last thing one would expect. I agree, deffering the release date of the film is a pragmatic solution but then providing security and smooth running of the film whenever it is released, is the duty of the local administration and the State Government. Lastly, unless we watch the movie, how can we conclude that this historic figure has been shown in negative light. Creative freedom should not be curbed at any cost.