Padmaavat row: Viewers asks what is the fuss all about

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's much talked about movie Padmaavat has finally released on January 25 amidst much furor. The movie was streamed in theatres across the country despite the palpable tension. It was expected that the all the eyes were on the business earned by Padmavaat amidst the ongoing tension.

The initial reports suggested that Bhansali's magnum opus, which has been facing protests from the fringe groups, will witness stupendous collections at the box office.

In fact, Padmaavat did open to a great start and witnessed an occupancy of around 60 to 70 percent in the first show itself. Much to everyone's surprise, the audience was left quite confused after watching Padmaavat.

No, they weren't confused about the movie, but it was about the fuss created about Padmaavat.

The audience reportedly condemned the violent protests against Padmaavat that has taken over the country for a while now and said that the movie has nothing objectionable in it.

A Rajput viewer, who requested anonymity, made it a point to watch the first show in Mumbai's Cinepolis and said it was an "excellent" effort by Bhansali and actually glorifies their culture.

He also said there was nothing offensive in the movie, or in the "Ghoomar" song.

"I am a Rajput and it pains me to see why people are behaving the way they are over this film. The violence, the threats, all are unnecessary and sad. We don't and can never support that," he said.

Chunky Mehta, who also watched the film in the same theatre, said it presents the Rajput community in a good light and it is a "shame" that some people are creating an unsafe atmosphere.

"It is a one-time watch film. But any sensible person watching the film can say that there is nothing wrong or bad in the film," he added.

Dhruv Singh, who hails from Rajasthan, which has seen several violent protests, referred to the "dream sequence" between Padmavati and Khilji, which several groups had objected to despite Bhansali clarifying that there was no such scene.

"There was not a single dream sequence in the film so I don't know what the fuss is all about. The attack on children, burning buses is not something we Rajputs endorse. It is shameful what's happening.

"I would request people to not be scared and come out and watch the film. I hope the protests can finally stop," he said.
Delhi audiences seemed to be in agreement.

"The movie is quite surreal. It has been shot beautifully. There is no dream sequence in the movie nor is there any scene featuring Ranveer and Deepika. The protests are wrong," Varun, a professional workng in MNC, said outside PVR Plaza.

Another Delhi viewer said that Padmaavat movie has nothing objectionable in it and is truly a masterpiece by Bhansali. He further said that the protests were baseless and shouldn't have happened.

A young couple was also in the audience at the early morning show and had booked their tickets in advance.

"After watching the film we felt all this violence and protests are irrelevant. There is nothing offensive about the film," said the man, who asked not to be named.

Priya, a college student, said Bhansali honours "women power" in his latest film.

"The way Bhansali has created Padmavati is beautiful. The female characters are really strong. I really liked Deepika in the film," she said.
Banker Vineet, who was queuing up to go in, said he was not scared and would not miss the film just because of the unrest created by groups like the Karni Sena.

"I believe in the Constitution and I am not scared to watch this movie. I trust our police. After I see the film, I will also ask my friends to watch it as soon as possible," he said.

(with PTI inputs)