Padmavati row: CM Rupani bans film release; says 'can't hurt Rajput sentiments'

Amidst the ongoing row over the release of Padmavati, Gujarat government has banned the screening of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's directorial in the state which heads for polls next month.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said that he will not hurt the Rajput sentiments by releasing the movie.

Rupani said, "No Padmavati in Gujarat. The government will not allow its release in the state. We don’t want any controversy and law and order situation in the state."

He further asserted the decision to prohibit the screening of Padmavati was taken keeping in mind the law and order situation in the poll-bound state.

“There are elections here and there could be a law and order situation. Many sections are hurt and have opposed it too,” Rupani added.

Gujarat CM also asserted that while he does believe in freedom speech and expression, distortion of history and culture will not be tolerated. Gujarat will witness Assembly elections on December 9 and 14 and the Rajputs make 4.85 percent out of around 4 crore voters in the state.

Govt of Gujarat will not allow #Padmavati - a movie hurting sentiments of Rajputs - to get released in the State. We can’t allow our history to be distorted. We believe in freedom of speech & expression but any foul play with our great culture is not tolerated, tweets Gujarat CM pic.twitter.com/p5dvaW46oL

— ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2017

Notably, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming period drama Padmavati has been mired in controversies since the day it was announced. The movie has witnessed several protests from Rajput communities including the vandalising of sets and severe threats to the cast as well.

Meanwhile, makers have deferred the release date of Padmavati from December 1, 2017, after Central Board of Film Certification has sent the movie back to them citing some technical reasons.

Padmavati stars Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in key roles.