Will burn down cinema halls if Padmavati distorts history, 'dishonours' queen: Rajput clan

The Rajput clan in India has issued threats cautioning cinema houses and multiplexes for consequences if Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film Padmavati is released without getting pre-screened to Rajput organisations, Hindustan Times reported Monday.

Members of the Jai Rajputana Sangh on Saturday met the management of several cinema halls and multiplexes in Jaipur, saying "any distortion of history" for the purpose of the film won't be tolerated.

"Our members are trained in handling a large array of weapons ranging from swords to AK-47 guns. We won't let anyone dishonour Padmavati and insult the people of Rajasthan," Reta said.

"If any romantic relationship is shown between Queen Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji, we will burn cinema halls screening the film,” said Bhanwar Singh Reta, founder and leader of Jai Rajputana Sangh, which has 265,000 members.

"Our members are trained in handling a large array of weapons ranging from swords to AK-47 guns. We won't let anyone dishonour Padmavati and insult the people of Rajasthan," Reta said.

Around 200 cinema houses in Rajasthan have been sent the warning letter, and a few in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat as well, he added.

"Our demand is that the filmmakers screen it to a panel of representatives from various Rajput organisations. We will only give them a go-ahead to release the film after we are satisfied that no scene insults queen Padmavati,” said Reta.

Sangh members also criticised Indian Minister of Information and Broadcasting Smriti Irani and burnt her effigy. "Irani had said that the film will face no trouble during its release. We condemn this statement," said Reta.

The film is scheduled to release on December 1.