Mumbai: Maharashtra Tourism Minister Jaykumar Rawal today demanded a ban on the screening of the controversy-ridden film "Padmavati" in the state.
Mr Rawal has also written a letter to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) demanding that the movie be shown to a committee of expert historians for scrutiny.
"I have written a letter to the chief minister demanding a ban on the movie if it distorted historical facts," the BJP leader said.
He said any "objectionable scenes" in the movie should be deleted before its release is allowed.
Mr Rawal said he has written to the CBFC to cancel the "certificate given to the movie" and that it be shown to a committee of expert historians.
"Requesting the CBFC to immediately cancel the certificate given to the movie 'Padmavati'. A committee comprising expert historians be allowed to watch the movie and edit the defamatory fantasies for the language, script and scenes which undermines, devalues and insults the great valour and sacrifice of Rani Padmavati which is being worshipped by lakhs of people," the letter read.
The Sanjay Leela Bhansali film starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh is based on Rajput queen Padmavati.
Amid rumours that there was a romantic dream sequence between Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji's characters, various Rajput and other groups have been protesting against the film, alleging it "distorts" history and hurts the sentiments of the people.
Historians are, however, divided on whether Rani Padmavati even existed.
Mr Rawal said actor Ranveer Singh should not have played the character of Delhi sultan Alauddin Khilji in the movie.
"He (Ranveer Singh) should have thought what role is he playing," he said.
Khilji has been projected as a hero in the movie and today's generation believe in movies, he said.
"Do they want them to believe that Khilji was a hero?" the minister asked.
Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh - all BJP ruled states have already opposed the release of the movie.
Mr Rawal has also written a letter to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) demanding that the movie be shown to a committee of expert historians for scrutiny.
"I have written a letter to the chief minister demanding a ban on the movie if it distorted historical facts," the BJP leader said.
Mr Rawal said he has written to the CBFC to cancel the "certificate given to the movie" and that it be shown to a committee of expert historians.
Advertisement
The Sanjay Leela Bhansali film starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh is based on Rajput queen Padmavati.
Advertisement
Historians are, however, divided on whether Rani Padmavati even existed.
Advertisement
"He (Ranveer Singh) should have thought what role is he playing," he said.
Advertisement
"Do they want them to believe that Khilji was a hero?" the minister asked.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
"Will Contest Again And Win," Says Maharashtra Minister Jaykumar Rawal Maharashtra Minister To Sue NCP Leader Over "Baseless" Land Scam Allegations Goa Yes To Padmavat, Says Manohar Parrikar As Rajasthan Stays Firm On Ban Amid Huge Row, Karnataka Pauses Bill For Reservation In Private Sector Firms Travel Influencer Aanvi Kamdar Dies After Falling Off A Waterfall Near Mumbai "I Divorce You... Your Ex-Wife": Dubai Princess Dumps Husband In Insta Post Biden Says Could Drop Election Bid If "Medical Condition" Emerged Russia Says It's Ready To Work With Any US Leader 3 People Die After Drowning In Lake In Telangana: Cops Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.