What's in a name

  'Padmavati', 'Padmavat' and now 'Padmaavat' what ever you decide to call this Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed Magnam Opus which was scheduled for a December 1 release, released today amidst police protection outside the cinema halls and incidents of vandalism and protests in Haryana, Rajasthan and many parts of the country.

What is the History?

    There is a disagreement within the historians whether 'Rani Padmini' did actually exist. The beauty and the valour of the queen is depicted through a poem by a Sufi saint 'Malik Muhammad Jayasi' in 1540 where he states that Sultan Alauddin Khalji heard of the unmatched beauty of the queen and decided to win her over by fighting against her husband Raja Ratan Sen. The rightful queen committed jauhar i.e self immolation along with the other women in Mewad to protect her dignity.

What is the controversy?

    Ever since the film was announced, the Rajput Karni Sena protested against the film. They even announced bounties of 5 and 10 crores to behead Bhansali and chop of Deepika Padukone's nose. They vandalised a cinema hall in Kota which played the trailer of the movie. Their said that Rajput pride is at stake and historical facts have been distorted in the movie. They objected to the song 'Ghoomar'. Mind you this all happened before the release of the movie. The then poll bound Gujarat banned the film which all BJP ruled states followed the same suit. The MP CM also went ahead calling the queen 'Rashtramata'.

CBFC and Supreme Court' Verdict?

    The CBFC denied certification to the movie early on citing a rule of 68 days prior submission. Later certified it along with five modifications. Adding disclaimers that the movie isn't based on any historical character and set in a lala land and also that the film won't glorify the sati practice. The Supreme Court also refused the states to stall the film. The only question arises is what is the government doing of this hooligans who are burning down school buses and vandalising cinema halls?
    
    Movie making is an art and should be considered so by the people. The media plays a critical role, instead they should not bring such fringe groups to the limelight. The states involved in this controversy are those who have forgotten about the female fetocide, illetracy, love jihad and the other issues that exist and it seems are more focused on banning the film.

Is the film worth the hype?
   No! 'Padmaavat' is body beautiful minus soul. The movie has gigantic sets with intricately designed costumes and jewellery but it lacks emotions like 'Bajirao Mastani'. I am a huge Bhansali admirer but this one isn't close to greatness. Deepika is beautiful, Shahid is stoic but only Khal Drogo look alike Ranveer Singh stands out with his meancing performance. The music of the film fails big time, songs are misplaced only the cinematography stands out as does in every SLB film. The war sequences could have been better.
  
  The only question arises that, Why do we Indians are so sensitive to films? There are films made world wide with even more controversial subjects and narratives.
  Controversies aside, The film is a one time watch. Happy Viewing.