Karni Sena's big U-turn for Padmaavat; ruckus turns into support for Bhansali directorial

After creating a lot of brouhaha over the release of Padmaavat, the Shri Rajput Karni Sena has finally announced its decision to withdraw the protests against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus. 

In an unexpected move, the Sena took a complete U-turn over its earlier stance stating that the movie glorifies the valour of the Rajputs.

Notably, Karni Sena had raised objection over the release of the period drama over the portrayal of queen Padmavati. Post-release, the film has attracted criticism from certain quarters over the unidimensional portrayal of Khilji as an evil, imbalanced ruler, which some historians say is inaccurate.

However, while announcing the withdrawal of protests, Shri Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena's Mumbai leader Yogendra Singh Katar said that the decision was made after few members of the group watched the movie in Mumbai on Friday on the directions of organisation's national President Sukhdev Singh Gogamadi.

Reportedly, after watching the movie the group members were assured that Padmaavat gives a proud feeling to every Rajput as it glorifies their valour and sacrifice.

Besides, the magnum opus had no objectionable scene between Alauddin Khilji and Queen Padmavati which could hurt the sentiments of the Rajput community which was the major concern for them.

According to a letter issued by the Karni Sena, the group has decided to take back the protest and has reportedly assured to help the administration in the release of Padmaavat in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, as well as across all cinema houses in India.

Padmaavat faced severe and violent protests over the release in these states and several cinema hall owners refrained from screening the movie citing law and order issues.

However, the movie, which was released across India on January 25 amidst tight security, has done wonders at the box-office with a healthy collection of over Rs 150 crore in the first week itself. Padmaavat features Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor, and Deepika Padukone in the lead.