Hyderabad sources have reported that 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. According to sources it has demanded that the state government ban the film to “uphold Rajputana sentiments” because it depicts the history of the Rajputs inaccurately.
Recently 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. Meanwhile 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".
A senior police officer said "Police personnel both uniformed and in
civvies will be deployed inside and outside theatres screening the film and
theatre managements will also increase security". Further Hyderabad Police
Commissioner V.V. Srinivasa Rao reiterated that the police will provide
protection to theatres if the government allows the release of the movie.
