Nagpur: Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus Padmaavat, starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in pivotal roles, was released in theatres of Nagpur on Thursday, January 25 amid tight security. At Smruti Talkies, police sanitised the entire theatre just before the release of the controversial film. Fans were first frisked thoroughly and then allowed to enter the talkies. Notably, in the PVR, Inox and Cinemax, the film was released on Wednesday and expectedly, all the shows ran full house.
Protesters had reached the theatres but the tight security foiled their attempt to disrupt the shows. The fringe group Rajput Karni Sena is continuously opposing the release of the film. However, the Supreme Court had last week paved the way for the nationwide release of “Padmaavat” by staying the ban on its screening in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Nothing objectionable in the film:
The Manager of Smruti Talkies Santosh Mishra said that there is nothing objectionable in the film that would hurt sentiments anyone. “I don’t know why there is so much noise and violent protest against the film. But as precaution, the fans were not allowed to take anything inside the theatre. As such, the spectators left behind water bottles and other things outside,” he said.
Release date got deferred following protests:
The film was originally slated to release in 2017 itself. But following controversies after controversies and continuous protests by Rajput Karni Sena members across the country, the release was postponed umpteen times. Due to protests, no posters or banners were put up at theatres.
Tight security outside theatres:
Over 200 policemen have been deployed outside the cinemas where the film has been released. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Branch, Nilesh Bharne while talking to media persons said that the film is being released at eight theatres of city. 10-12 police personnel have been stationed at each theatre. “I myself and the concerned DCPs of zones are patrolling the city. Fans will be allowed to enter theatres only after producing identity cards,” he said.
Meanwhile, five protesters trying to disrupt the film shows at Empress Mall were detained by cops. Similarly, nine demonstrators were taken into custody at Eternity Mall in Sitabuldi. Over 90 police jawans have been deployed at Eternity Mall.
