Padmaavat row: Don't understand what the protesters are protesting against, says Javed Akhtar

Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar has lauded the much controversial movie Padmaavat and cited it as one of the most accomplished movies of Indian cinema in recent times.

Padmaavat has been the centre of controversy since the day it was announced and the entire country has witnessed severe protests by fringe groups. However, Javed Akhtar had questioned the protestors about why they are against the movie saying that Padmaavat has maintained the integrity of the Rajput community

“I saw the film and I feel it is among the most accomplished achievements I’ve seen in Indian cinema in recent times. I fail to understand what the protesters are protesting against,” asked Akhtar.

“The film is a passionate unadulterated homage to the valour and integrity of the Rajput community. Not a word, not a frame in the film is an insult to the community. In fact, it is insulting to the film to suggest that it in any way insults the very community it honours,” he added. 

On the other hand, Shabana Azmi too was seen singing praises for Bhansali directorial Padmaavat and said that it deserved to be India's nomination for Oscars.

“It is a film that should be sent as India’s entry to the Oscars. My heart was filled with pride while watching ‘Padmaavat’.It is a film for every Indian. I was completely drawn in by the storytelling. It is spectacular and spell-binding,” Shabana Azmi was quoted as saying.

Shabana also said that while the film industry is accused of not supporting Padmaavat and its team, it isn't fair to that.

She said, "We were prevented from doing so as the producers thought it was more prudent not to be confrontational!"

“I believe that if FIRs had been lodged in the first place when SLB (Sanjay Leela Bhansali) was assaulted in Rajasthan, things would not have reached this state,” Shabana added.