Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje of Rajasthan, the epicentre of protests against the Deepika Padukone-starrer movie Padmavati, on Saturday broke her silence on the movie. In a letter to Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani, Ms Raje asked that the Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film be put on hold and a special panel of historians, filmmakers and community' members offended by the movie can discuss the film and its storyline. Members of the Rajput Karni Sena and other fringe groups, which has been at the forefront of the protests, had also threatened to harm Ms Padukone.
The makers of film Padmavati have announced they are extending the release date of their controversial film. The film was scheduled to release on 1 December.
However, the Hindutva brigade opposed the film arguing that its story-line distorted the historical facts on Padmavati. Deepika Padukone and the film’s director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali were issued death threats by Hindutva supporters.
One Hindutva supporter had announced a reward of Rs 5 crore for anyone who would behead Deepika, who is the lead female protagonist. The BJP governments were condemned for not arresting the man in question for his criminal act.