Padmavati row: Indian Films and TV Directors' Association plans 15-minute blackout in support of Deepika Padukone-starrer

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming period drama Padmavati which is happened to be one of the much-anticipated movies of the year has been mired in controversy since inception. It seems like controversies and debates have refused to die down over the release of Deepika Padukone-starrer.

Amidst these ongoing protests across the country, the Indian Films and TV Directors’ Association (IFTDA), along with 20 other bodies of the film and television industry, is planning a 15-minute blackout in support of the film and "to protect the right to freedom of expression of creative individuals".

Talking about the same Ashoke Pandit of IFTDA said, "We will keep showing our support for Padmavati and Bhansali because it is the basic right of a creative person to tell a story in his own way. Sanjay is a responsible filmmaker, and making a film on history is not something easy for him but a big responsibility. To express our solidarity (with the film), we are gathering on Sunday for a 15-minute blackout where all shooting units in Mumbai will put off lights and no shootings will take place," reported Hindustan Time.

"We strongly protest against the non-institutional bodies who every now and then protest against movies and threaten actors and makers of films. We will keep condemning their actions in a democratic manner. We have faith in our Prime Minister...for justice to ‘Padmavati’," Pandit added.

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"We as film industry feel hurt every time such groups target our films and try to control our freedom of expression. Unfortunately, we do not get support from any other industry, not even from the government as if we are orphans as a community," he stated.

The protestors from the Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena allege that Bhansali has distorted historical facts to sell the film. Sources say that the character of Padmavati has been shown dancing and there is a sequence that shows Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji in intimate moments which is severely objected by Rajput organisations.

Protestors have even reached the doorstep of filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and lead actress Deepika Padukone following which police tightened security outside their residences.

On November 17, CBFC has also sent the periodic drama back to its makers citing some technical reasons after which they deferred the release of the same beyond December 1.

Also starring Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in key roles, the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial is yet to get a new release date.

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"We are living in a democracy and I have faith in the government and its judiciary. These protesters have not watched the film, and Sanjay has already made it very clear by releasing a video that it is a tribute to Padmavati and no obscene scenes are there," Pandit stated further.

However, the members of film and television industry are gearing up to join the blackout protest, titled 'Main Azaad Hoon', on November 26 at the Film City main entrance starting 3.30 p.m.