Raj Thackeray-led MNS says it will not take stand on ‘Padmavati’ without seeing it

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Wednesday said without watching the controversial film “Padmavati”, it would not take a stand on the same whose release is being opposed by certain organisations.

Amey Khopkar, president of MNS Chitrapat Sena, the film wing of the Raj Thackeray-led party, today issued a video to clarify the outfit’s stand on the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed movie, scheduled to release on December 1.

“We are of the opinion of not opposing the movie without watching it. We are not going to do it that way. I am aware of some social organisations and political parties opposing the movie, but we would like to first see it.

“If we find some part objectionable, we can hold a meeting with the director (Bhansali),” it said.

Meanwhile, BJP MLA from Mumbai Ram Kadam said the film’s just released trailer had “hurt” the sentiments of a section of people.

Addressing a press conference here, he said, “Nobody has a right to play with history. The trailer has hurt the sentiments of some people and Bhansali will have to respect their feelings”.

The MLA from Ghatkopar (West) assembly segment said he was the chairman of the Film Studios Setting and Allied Mazdoor Sangh, which he said, will not work with Bhansali in his next venture as a mark of protest.

“If Bhansali cannot respect people’s sentiments, then he will not be able to shoot for his next film here. My union is very strong and we will not cooperate with him,” the BJP MLA warned.

The Rajasthan-based Shri Rajput Karni Sena is spearheading protests against the film, claiming it “distorts” historic facts.