I fail to understand what the Padmaavat protesters are objecting to, asks Javed Akhtar

After watching Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film, Akhtar shared: "Not a word or a frame is an insult to the community

27 Jan, 2018

Like many, Javed Akhtar is confused after watching Padmaavat — and not because he didn't get what was happening in the movie.

The writer-lyricist saw Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s controversial period drama with his wife, Shabana Azmi and left the cinema impressed more than anything.

According to Indian Express, he questioned why protesters were objecting to the movie as it pays “homage to the valour and integrity of the Rajput community.”

“I saw the film and I feel it is among the most accomplished achievements I’ve seen in Indian cinema in recent times. I fail to understand what the protesters are protesting against,” asked Akhtar.

“The film is a passionate, unadulterated homage to the valour and integrity of the Rajput community. Not a word, not a frame in the film is an insult to the community. In fact, it is insulting to the film to suggest that it in any way insults the very community it honours."

He added: “It is a film that should be sent as India’s entry to the Oscars. My heart was filled with pride while watching Padmaavat. It is a film for every Indian. I was completely drawn in by the storytelling. It is spectacular and spell-binding.”

Expanding on the dearth of support from within the industry, Shabana shared, "The film industry is being accused for its lack of support for the director and his team, which is not fair. We were prevented from doing so as the producers thought it was more prudent not to be confrontational! I believe that if FIRs had been lodged in the first place when SLB (Sanjay Leela Bhansali) was assaulted in Rajasthan, things would not have reached this state."

Comments

Surya kant Jan 27, 2018 09:47am

Even protesters do not know it.

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Adarsh Jan 27, 2018 11:57am

Think, there would have been protests against Padmawat anyways. If the Karni Sena did not raise concerns, some of the “pseudo” intellectuals who I believe have too much time at their hands would have been able to see that this movie is sort of “glorifying” Johar and they would be opposing it. But now these people see it as freedom of expression by the film-maker.

Manish Jan 27, 2018 12:47pm

Sir....kindly raise your voice for the freedom of expression for Salman Rushdie and Taslima Nasreen as well

Subhash Jan 27, 2018 01:03pm

Sir I agree with your views. I also saw the move and there is nothing objectionable.

Observer - Canada Jan 27, 2018 03:26pm

Interesting comments by Javed Akhtar but how could there be such a vast gap in perceptions of JA and Rajput community? Someone with the knowledge of the subject may please throw some light on it.

N abidi Jan 27, 2018 10:58pm

This is the same group that placed a ban on pak artists! Where was his concern for the freedom of art and artists! Once you surrender to these groups, then you given them all the power,which they have now!

Citizen Jan 28, 2018 11:18am

@Manish, he has already done that.

Johar Jan 29, 2018 11:16am

@Subhash .... except for the fact that the director tweaked history to villanise the character of Khalji and Padmawati alluring romance with him!

Johar Jan 29, 2018 11:17am

Such protests are paid ones, they are purposely done in order to target more revenue upon movie release. Its a commercial world after all and there is a price for everyone and everything!

R Sultan Jan 29, 2018 01:53pm

When is to be released in Pakistan? Does anyone know? I watched the trailer and the scenes were spell binding!

sutapa Jan 29, 2018 05:47pm

@Manish, "kindly raise your voice for the freedom of expression for Salman Rushdie and Taslima Nasreen as well" -Absolutely irrelevant here.