Written by Shubhra Gupta | New Delhi | Updated: January 24 2018 7:47 am Padmaavat movie review: Padmaavat is spectacular: no one can do spectacle like Bhansali. Padmaavat movie cast: Ranveer Singh Deepika Padukone Shahid Kapoor Jim Sarbh Anupriya Goenka Raza Murad Padmaavat movie director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali Padmaavat movie rating: 2.5 stars All those agitating over how Sanjay Leela Bhansali s Padmaavat would trample all over Rajput pride you may rest easy: the director didn t need a memo from the Karni Sena and all the other self-styled armies on keeping it sanskaari his entire film is a relentlessly opulent magnificently-mounted paean to Rajput aan baan shaan . Here s how it goes just in case you are one of those rare people who haven t been breathlessly following the film s troubles: the Rajput king Ratan Singh (Kapoor) is the hero the Muslim invader Alauddin Khilji (Singh) is the villain and the object of their mutual adoration is the utterly gorgeous Padmavati who will always and forever be a good Indian girl and later wife. When we see her first she is fleet of foot and clear of eye a joyous free spirit who has a will of her own. She ends up committing jauhar her life and death circumscribed by male notions of honour. If that s not patriarchy then I m Queen Padmavati who of course did not exist. And while we of course cannot judge the actions of the dramatis personae who presumably lived in the 13th century (even if they were mythical creatures created by the poet Malik Mohammad Jayasi) by present day gender roles we do see that the director has a problem on his hands: how do you show a beautiful queen jumping into a pyre along with hundreds of her compatriots (a shot has a pregnant woman and a little girl) without glorifying the act? One way of doing it is to stuff the beginning and the middle acts with so much glitter and glamour that we are expected to be swept away. Which we dutifully do: there s a kind of beauty in the way Bhansali creates his frames even if your eye begins to be overwhelmed by it. Deepika Padukone has never been lovelier. She wears those stunning costumes never letting them wear her even if her waist is decorously covered in the Ghoomar song (alert viewers may see a flash of the said body part in other parts of the film). Shahid Kapoor sports kohl in his eyes and clearly articulated muscles in his chest often left bare. But this film belongs to Ranveer Singh s Khilji who bites into mounds of meat (serving well the prototype of the Muslim savage) and his part with such relish that you can taste it. If it hadn t been for the extreme reactions from a bunch of extreme reactionaries-cum-buffoons which nearly derailed the release the film Bhansali s latest opus would have been just another Bhansali extravganza full of costumery and puffery. But given that all art is political even if it is dressed up art Padmaavat becomes more than it is because the director chooses to outline the vileness of his antagonist and underline the pati-vrata ness of Rani Padmavati. Far from any subtle touches Bhansali s black-and-white delineation of the good Hindu and the bad Muslim (who could also gasp swing both ways) is so stark that that we are left with no illusion about which part of the political firmament he wants to be on the right side of. Finally and we can t get away from this the question for us while watching this fresh version of the oldest tale in the book ek tha raja ek thi rani dono mar gaye khatam kahani is how do we deal with the fact of a woman being forced to jump into a pyre to save the honour of her husband and her people? Of course Padmaavat is spectacular: no one can do spectacle like Bhansali. This was what he was born to do. You can easily delight in it while the going is good. But nearly three hours of it and looping rhetoric around what constitutes Rajput valour can and does become tiresome. And that compulsion to make sati so good-looking when the singeing of flesh can be so gruesome is troubling. If there s one thing that keeps us from brooding too much through the film it is Ranveer Singh. Not once does he try to make us like him and that makes us like him even more. As a performer he has always been unpredictable in a good way. As Bhansali s Khilji he is electric. And try as anyone might so is the attraction between the outsider and the queen: it is their doomed love story whose embers rain on the screen that we take away with us. Take that senas. For all the latest Entertainment News download Indian Express App Tags: Deepika Padukone Ranveer Singh Sanjay Leela Bhansali Shahid Kapoor BELFORT METROJan 24 2018 at 5:04 ambanned the movie NO MOVIE SHOULD BE MADE ON ANY RELIGION TEACH THEM A LESSON BY BANNING THESE MOVIE(2)(11) Reply Ritesh KumarJan 24 2018 at 3:18 am And try as anyone might so is the attraction between the outsider and the queen: it is their doomed love story - - seriously what is wrong with you? In the name of being ultra modern have you forgotten the basic idea of respect . If I may your words suggest that Love can creep up between a rapist and rape survivor in the moment of rape if given an artistic freedom which would then be called attraction and doomed love story . The idea of padmaavat is not around queen Padmini but all those who have performed Jauhar in reality. As cruel the Jauhar was but making fun of it and embarrassing it by pointing a love connection is too demeaning of the women even by feminist standards. P.S. I am neither a Rajput nor a Karni supporter.(34)(14) ReplySideon SidJan 24 2018 at 5:09 amI have to agree with you . The review was reasonable till the last paragraph. Even if padmavati was fictional jauhar was a terrible reality and has been documented by Muslim historians themselves. You are right in your analogy of rapist and a victim .(5)(0) Reply RRK SharmaJan 24 2018 at 3:01 amJauhar was done because queen knew what Muslims do with captured women and children Mewar had to face all invasion from 7th to middle of 16th century. There was Jauhar by Rani Karnavati as well as one during times of Akbar (who is glorified as good king in India by so called intellectuals and media) Seems this reporter doesn t understand the consequences if Padmavati stayed alive after Ratan singh s death. There won t be any Hinduism left without sacrifices of Mewar. Reporter should read history first. Muslim invaders were king of slave trade in those times there order and will was law. Nobody wants to jump in fire but sometimes it is difficult to stay alive and face consequences. Allauddin Khilji made life of another captured princess Devala kumari worse than hell.(31)(9) Reply Fortis HospitalJan 24 2018 at 1:26 amDr. Thomas of Fortis Hospital we are informing the general public that we need Kittida for the prize money of Rs.1 crore 50. The donor should contact us through our support line: (fortishospital101 ) Contact Number: 919665685517(6)(4) Reply Fortis HospitalJan 24 2018 at 1:08 amDr. Thomas of Fortis Hospital we are informing the general public that we need Kittida for the prize money of Rs.1 crore 50. The donor should contact us through our support line: (fortishospital101 ) Contact Number: 919665685517(3)(5) Reply Load More Comments JAIPUR: Shree Rajput Karni Sena which has been leading protests against Padmaavat today named a six member panel which includes erstwhile royals and historians to watch the film ahead of its release even as various outfits demanded an ordinance banning the movie. The Supreme Court refused to modify its order that had cleared the movie s nationwide release following which Rajput groups turned to the Centre demanding an ordinance within 24 hours in view of public sentiments . Rajasthan minister Gulab Chand Kataria meanwhile said that after the apex court order the state government was left with no option but to maintain law and order. The controversy-mired Sanjay Leela Bhansali film is set to be released on January 25 for which the state police began making arrangements. Karni Sena chief patron Lokendra Singh Kalvi said that the outfit had named six persons to watch the film before its release as proposed by Bhansali Productions in a letter on January 20. Historians R S Khangarot B L Gupta Kapil Kumar Roshan Sharma and erstwhile Mewar royal family member Vishwaraj Singh and erstwhile Banswara royal family member Jagmal Singh were the six persons the Karni Sena leader said. Khangarot is the principal of Agrawal college in Jaipur B L Gupta is a retired professor of the history department of the University of Rajasthan Jaipur while Roshan Sharma is a Jaipur based historian. Kapil Kumar is a Delhi-based historian. We know that the filmmaker is doing nothing but drama in the name of pre-screening. We were never against the film s screening but he should make sure that the suggestions our members give should be considered and changes should be made accordingly Kalvi who was in Porbandar in Gujarat said over the phone. He however indicated that the http://www.joyfort.com/space-uid-7762527.html resistance to film was not over yet and said that a Janta curfew will be imposed on cinema halls that exhibit the flick. President of the Shree Rajput Karni Sena Mahipal Makrana said that a Janta curfew will be imposed and roads and highways will be blocked as a protest. An undeclared emergency like situation has emerged where our sentiments have been set aside. After the Supreme Court s decision we now request the prime minister to intervene in the matter. The Centre should bring an ordinance within 24 hours to stop the film s release Girraj Singh Lotwada president of Jaipur based Rajput Sabha said. Lotwada said that former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had once recited a poem on Rani Padmavati in the Parliament and now the BJP government should bring an ordinance to protect the legendary queen s honour. If the BJP government which protects Hindutva fails to do anything the message will be clear that it is the game of connivance Lotwada claimed. Meanwhile the state Home Minister Kataria said the government had no alternative but to ensure law and order after the Supreme Court rejected its review petition. And that we will do he said. All district SPs were directed to remain alert and additional forces will be pressed into service wherever required to maintain law and order Additional Director General (Law and Order) NRK Reddy said. Additional Police Commissioner Jaipur Nitindeep Blaggan said proper security measures were being taken. We have demanded additional force to maintain law and order he said. Apart from the film s release on January 25 the city is also hosting the annual Jaipur Literature Festival from January 25-29 and maintaining law and order would be a challenging task for the police officials said. Written by Mohammad Hamza Khan | Jaipur | Updated: January 24 2018 7:52 am Rajasthan: Rajput groups slam state for moving petition in SC Related News Hardik Patel Alpesh Thakor join chorus against PadmaavatPadmaavat protest: UP Kshatriya outfit leader threatens to raze Parliament SC booked for seditionPadmaavat protests in Gujarat turn violent police fire in airSoon after the Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan governments plea to modify the court s earlier order which had paved the way for nationwide release of the film Padmaavat Rajput outfits asked the Centre to bring an ordinance and put the film on hold. The Rajput outfits claimed that the issue is no longer restricted to their community but ostensibly involves all Hindus. The groups which met under the banner of Sarva Samaj Sangharsh Samiti wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to bring an ordinance prohibiting Padmaavat s screening across the nation. The letter maintained that the ordinance is required to protect the honour of Rani Padmini the icon of women s honour and tradition in Hinduism as well as high ideals and of the proud Rajput history . Also Read | Padmaavat movie review Giriraj Singh Lotwara chief of Shri Rajput Sabha and the Samiti s convenor said I request the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister to bring an ordinance to stop the movie. This is not only about Rajputs but about Hindutva. An undeclared emergency-like situation has emerged where our sentiments have been set aside. Padmaavat is scheduled for release on January 25. While Rajput leaders said that the situation will worsen if the ordinance is not brought in within 24 hours Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria said Our review petition has been turned down. I and my team will now try to ensure that law and order is maintained in Rajasthan . There is no alternative before us now besides maintaining law and order. Lotwara however said There was no need for the government to go for an appeal (in Supreme Court). It could have and still can stop the movie anytime. Also Read | Padmaavat protests in Gujarat turn violent police fire in air Referring to a letter from Bhansali Productions on January 20 and his reply to it Lotwara said When they created a committee of nine people and invited three of them to watch the film all three said that the movie should not be screened. So why is the government insisting on its release? I also got a letter inviting us to watch the movie I said we are ready but I asked whether they are ready to make changes that we will suggest. I haven t got a reply since he claimed. Karni Sena chief patron Lokendra Singh Kalvi said that six others who were named to watch the pre-screening as sought by Bhansali Productions in its letter are historians R S Khangarot B L Gupta Kapil Kumar Roshan Sharma; erstwhile Mewar royal family member Vishwaraj Singh and erstwhile Banswara royal family member Jagmal Singh PTI reported. Khangarot is principal of Agrawal College in Jaipur Gupta is a retired professor of History in University of Rajasthan Jaipur and Sharma a Jaipur-based historian. Kapil Kumar is a Delhi-based historian. Opposing the film RSS s Rajasthan chief Bhagwati Prakash said that it is wrong to distort history in the name of freedom of expression . For all the latest India News download Indian Express App More Related News Padmaavat releases on Jan 25: Police step up vigil across Maharashtra identify sensitive pockets Padmaavat row: Section 144 in Gurgaon as Karni Sena plans protests Tags: Padmaavat No Comments. The Karni Sena has been protesting ahead of the film s scheduled release on Thursday.New Delhi: The Supreme Court today rejected the pleas of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh government who had sought a ban on the release of Bollywood period drama Padmaavat. Ahead of Padmaavat s release on Thursday after a Supreme Court order Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh had petitioned the top court for a review and said that states must be allowed to stop the film on grounds of law and order trouble because of protests against it. The group that had led these protests the Karni Sena also asked the top court to ban the film saying its makers twisted history. The three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra observed that it was best for the governments and others to abide by the apex court order. It said People must understand that there is a statutory body and we have passed an order. You (states) can advise people not to watch the movie the judges said.Earlier Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh Haryana and Gujarat had said they will not screen Padmaavat in the states before the Supreme Court set aside their orders on January 18. Despite the court ruling protesters have not backed down. The Karni Sena has vowed to burn theatres that screen Padmaavat. The protesters believe that the film distorts history and shows Rani Padmini a legendary Rajput Queen renowned for her beauty in poor light. The Sanjay Leela Bhansali film starring Deepika Padukone Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapur was cleared earlier this month by the censor board which suggested changes. The title of the film was also changed from Padmavati to Padmaavat .Here are the highlights of the controversy surrounding the film:Jan 23 201815:00 (IST) Sena leader Lokendra Singh Kalvi said We are ready to watch the film. We never said that we will not watch the film. The filmmaker had assured us one year ago that he will go for a special screening and now he has written for the screening and we are ready for that according to PTI reports.Jan 23 201814:53 (IST) Karni Sena the group opposing film Padmaavat said it is ready to watch the Bollywood period drama as offered by Bhansali productions. In a letter on Saturday filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali invited the group to watch the film promising that the film will make the entire Rajput community proud .Jan 23 201814:45 (IST) Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat says We BJP workers are moral descendants of Padmaavati. She sacrificed her life to save nation s pride and her honour we also believe in the same ideology. We are always determined to save country s cultural honour. Jan 23 201814:28 (IST) Cinema Owners & Exhibitors Association of India (COAEI) has written to the Home ministry and sought sufficient security outside theaters screening Padmaavat. The association has also advised theaters that they should show the film after ensuring proper security according to ANI reports.Jan 23 201814:00 (IST) OP Singh DGP Uttar Pradesh says We will take appropriate action at the appropriate time depending upon the strategy situation. We will certainly respect the decision of Supreme Court. Jan 23 201813:29 (IST) Rajput Karni Sena president Mahipal Singh Makrana said that The state government is well aware that they won t be able to handle law and order situation. They know our history. It is conspiracy. They have deliberately decided to release the film around 26th January keeping in view that the national security will be intact in all over the country and Karni Sena won t be able to do anything that day. Jan 23 201813:18 (IST)Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria said Our review petition in Supreme Court has been rejected as well. Now we have no other alternative but to ensure law and order situation in the state & that we will do. Jan 23 201813:12 (IST) Deepika Padukone visits Siddhivinayak temple ahead of release of her movie Padmaavat. Deepika and the film s director Sanjay Leela Bhansali had even received death threats for the film.Jan 23 201813:07 (IST) In Patna online bookings for Padmaavat were stopped following protest and threat by Karni Sena s activists according to IANS reports.Jan 23 201812:23 (IST) The three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra observed that People must understand that there is a statutory body that certified the movie and we too passed an order. Better abide by it. Don t watch the movie if you don t want to but there cannot be a ban on screening. Jan 23 201812:08 (IST)Karni Sena has begun it s protests in Sawai-Madhopur against Supreme Court refusing to stop screening of Padmaavat . Jan 23 201812:01 (IST) It is better to advice people not to watch the movie the judges told the states and the Karni Sena which had petitioned against the film s release.Jan 23 201811:58 (IST) Supreme Court said that people must understand that apex court has passed the order and they must abide by it. Jan 23 201811:42 (IST)On Padmaavat Supreme Court refuses to modify order clearing film s release in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan says states must obey court orders .No more content CommentsClose X ALSO READ Padmaavat: Karni Sena open to watching film ahead of release on January 25 Padmaavat : Karni Sena vandalises cinema hall in Bihar s Muzaffarpur Supreme Court rejects fresh plea to cancel CBFC certificate to Padmaavat Don t release Padmaavat say Rajasthan MP; SC to hear plea tomorrow We respect SC decision on Padmaavat will study court order: Rajasthan govt span.p-content div id = div-gpt line-height:0;font-size:0 At least 16 people have been arrested by the police in Ahmedabad on Tuesday after a frenzied mob went on a rampage outside Himalaya Mall in the city to protest against the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali s Padmaavat . 16 people have been arrested and their interrogation is underway. The CCTV footage will be examined and more arrests will be made confirmed a senior official to the media. Police also said that around 200 protesters went around multiplexes on the upmarket SG Highway in Ahmedabad and burnt down more than a dozen two-wheelers and other vehicles as well as pelted cinemas with stones. However there were no reports of injuries. The incidents of arson coincided with the visit of Shri Rajput Karni Sena chief Lokendra Singh Kalvi who is spearheading the protests against the movie across the country. The violence caught police by surprise since owners of most cinemas in Gujarat including multiplexes in Ahmedabad had already declared they would not screen the controversial film. Police said some vehicles were targetted outside Wide Angle multiplex while more than seven two-wheelers were burnt or damaged at Acropolis Mall which houses the PVR Cinema screens where some windowpanes and glass doors were also damaged. Ahmedabad Police Commissioner A K Singh said many miscreants had been arrested while adequate police force had been deployed outside all cinemas. The trouble began after more than 1 500 persons claiming to be Sena activists gathered outside Dev Arc Mall that houses a movie theatre in the evening to hold a candlelight march. The group later went to the SG Highway first reaching Acropolis Mall which has upmarket PVR cinema hall and then other malls. Shouting slogans the mob halted traffic on the busy road followed by aron. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel exhorted people to boycott the movie while also appealing to them to stay calm. Similar appeals were issued by Minister of State for Home Pradipsinh Jadeja and senior Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama both Rajputs. It appears that certain anti-social elements are trying to defame our community Chudasama said. Karni Sena leader claimed they had nothing to do with the violence and urged the state to initiate action the culprits. I will resign if there is any link (of violence) established with our organisation Raj Shekhavat President of Gujarat Rajput Karni Sena told media persons. In Gurgaon the district administration enforced prohibitory orders till Sunday to maintain law and order situation. Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed in view of release of the Padmaavat in various cinema halls. The film starring Deepika Padukone Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor is based on the saga of the historic 13th century battle between Maharaja Ratan Singh and his army of Mewar and Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi. The film has been facing protests by the Karni Sena and other fringe groups over allegations that historical facts were distorted in the flick. The Supreme Court has earlier paved the way for the all- India release of Padmaavat on January 25 and stayed notifications and orders issued by Madhya Pradesh Rajasthan and Gujarat -- all ruled by the BJP -- prohibiting exhibition of the film in their states. NEW DELHI: Padmaavat is no less than a tribute to the Rajput community though some members of the community have been protesting against its release. This reporter watched the movie on Monday at a special screening organised by producers of the film. Contrary to allegations of the Karni Sena the film actually lauds Rajputs for resisting Delhi ruler Alauddin Khilji and putting up a principled fight against him. Bhansali presents Rajputs as not just warriors but gentle and hospitable lovers of music and dance and people with values. Khilji on the other hand is portrayed as decadent brutal power-hungry king who has unreasonable desire to possess exquisite creations. He is irresponsible towards his conquests wife patrons subjects and soldiers. While celebrating the community Bhansali has not explored the well-documented rivalry among Rajput kings. A one-on-one fight between Rawal Ratan Sen and Khilji shows the former as clearly a better warrior. Contradicting claims of protest groups that the film is insensitive to Rajput traditions the film makes several references to Eklingji the deity worshipped by the Mewar princely state and the sacrifice of legendary warriors Gora and Badal who get killed by Khilji s men. The Rajput queen is shown as embracing the sword as her best weapon and urging other women to always remember the duty of the Kshtaranis to never let the honour of the community down . Karni Sena s allegations that Deepika Padukone who played the character of the queen is skimpily dressed is also unfounded. She is dressed in lehengas and cholis and elaborate jewellery except in the starting scenes while hunting but covered from head to toe. While Khilji s fascination for her is an important focus of the film there is not a single scene featuring the two. Even the frame where she lets him see her reflection in the mirror lasts less than a minute and Khilji himself accepts to Rawal Ratan Sen later that he couldn t see her. The history in the movie is not hidden as places like Chittor Mewar Delhi are referred to by their names and the characters appear as they are mentioned in Malik Mohammed Jayasi s poem. There are however three disclaimers to assert the film doesn t claim historical accuracy. It begins with 13th century Afghanistan and parallel stories of Khilji the ruler of Delhi Raja Rawal Ratan Sen the Rajput ruler of Chittor and Rani Padmini the princess of Singhal who gets married to Sen and becomes the second wife of Ratan Sen. The women are shown as valorous who relent to Jauhar described in the movie as the only move possible to face the enemy who lusts after their bodies to even deprive him of their shadows . The movie stresses on Queen Padmavati s intense loyalty to her husband and to the clan. The women are shown to see her as an avatar of Savitri a mythological character who rescued her husband from death. The film is more about his pursuit of Khilji s whims his methods of conquest also his sexuality and he is also shown to have brought to his knees by Rajputs but wins their lands through deceit. A line in the movie in the beginning Saara Masla Khwaishon ka hai (It is all about desires) actually sums up the movie but there is nothing in it that should be offensive at least to the Rajput community. New Delhi: With just two days left for the release of Padmaavat Mumbai and Haryana police on Monday promised security to the theatres that would screen the controversial film in the backdrop of threats issued by many fringe groups opposing its release.Mumbai and Haryana Police will ensure that no law and order issue is created and they will provide adequate security to the theatres screening it top police officials of both states ensured.Mumbai police will also provide protection to moviegoers and its makers if necessary.A top Mumbai police official said makers of the film Monday approached the police seeking security at multiplexes where the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed period drama will open on January 25.Police personnel will be stationed at cinemas from January 24 to 26 to ensure the film releases smoothly and any attempt to disrupt its screening is foiled in Mumbai he said.In Haryana state security forces will be deployed on January 25 around theatres Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) B S Sandhu said.Some groups led by the Karni Sena are opposing the release of the film claiming it distorts http://mxsponsor.com/riders/raj-nadh/about historical facts a charge rejected by its makers. They have threatened to disrupt its screening.A group of around 15 unidentified miscreants on Sunday vandalized a shopping mall in Kurukshetra causing panic among shoppers. Carrying sharp edged weapons and sticks they broke the glass panes of shops in the mall.The Supreme Court had last week paved the way for the nationwide release of Padmaavat by staying the ban on its screening in Gujarat and Rajasthan. CommentsClose X However Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh moved the apex court seeking recall of its January 18 order by which it had allowed the controversy-ridden film to be released in theatres across India.(With inputs from PTI)
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