Will allow screening of Padmavati in Kolkata: Mamata Banerjee
Kolkata, Nov 25 (IBNS): At a time several Chief Ministers of the country are opposing the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial film Padmavati, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday said she will allow the screening of the controversy-marred movie in the state, media reports said.
Speaking about the controversy at an event in the city, Banerjee said: "If they cannot release it in any other state, we will give special arrangement for Padmavati."
"Bengal will be proud to do that (screening)" she added.
Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan have already banned the film, yet to be certified by the censor board.
While Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath blamed the filmmakers for the controversy, Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh said distortion of history cannot be tolerated.
This is not the first time the West Bengal Chief Minister differed in opinions with her state counterparts. Earlier, Banerjee took to Twitter to slam the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) indirectly for the row, calling the whole episode a "super emergency".
"The #Padmavati controversy is not only unfortunate but also a calculated plan of a political party to destroy the freedom to express ourselves. We condemn this super emergency. All in the film industry must come together and protest in one voice" she said.
The #Padmavati controversy is not only unfortunate but also a calculated plan of a political party to destroy the freedom to express ourselves. We condemn this super emergency. All in the film industry must come together and protest in one voice
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 20, 2017
Padmavati evoked a huge controversy after several fringe groups alleged that Bhansali has distorted history in his upcoming film.
Taking the controversy to a new low, a Karni Sena leader has threatened to chop off actor Deepika Padukone's nose as the latter reacted sharply to the ongoing controversy centred on the film recently.
Reacting sharply to the vandalisation of a Kota mall recently, Padukone said people have regressed as a nation. "It's appalling, it's absolutely appalling. What have we gotten ourselves into? And where have we reached as a nation? We have regressed."
Recently a Haryana BJP leader offered a bounty of Rs. 10 crore on the heads of Bhansali and Padukone.
The makers of Padmavati have even deferred the release date of the movie from Dec 1.
Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh on Tuesday refused to make any comment on the controversy.
Ranveer, who will be seen in the role of second ruler of Khilji dynasty Alauddin Khilji, told media: "I have been specifically asked (producers) not to comment at this sensitive time."
The actor even said only the producers will make any official statement on the row. However, he said, "I am 200% with the film (Padmavati)."
The film also stars actor Shahid Kapoor in one of the three lead roles.
Images: twitter.com/FilmPadmavati, twitter.com/MamataOfficial.
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