Padmavati controversy gets deadlier as a corpse surfaces near Jaipur

First, there were threats of nose chopping and breaking legs. Now, a corpse has been found.

The Padmavati controversy has turned deadly as News18 reports that a body was found hanging at a Nahargarho Fort near Jaipur today, with messages that threatened: "Padmavati ka virodh” (opposition against Padmavati) and “Hum putle nahi jalate, latkate hain” ().

Also read: Padmavati release has been postponed after Rajput protests

News18 reported police investigations have begun. At present, neither the cause of death is known nor has the body been identified.

In related news, the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has cleared Padmavati for screening in cinemas in UK with a 12A rating. This has angered the film's opponents, with a hardline Hindu nationalist group saying that cinemas that run the film should be razed to the ground.

Padmavati has been at the centre of controversy since protests erupted against the movie for distorting history and objectionable scenes. Padmavati is a period drama that is based on a fictionalised account of the legendary Rani Padmini's life.

In a video message released November 8, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali had clarified that "This [film] is my tribute to the sacrifice, valour and honour of Rani Padmavati. I have made it with utmost honesty, responsibility and hard work."

"I have clarified it before, in written and now through this video that there are no scenes in the film that will hurt anyone's sentiments," Bhansali said, adding there are no dream sequences or romantic scenes between the Rani Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji in the movie.

"We have made the film keeping in mind the Rajput tradition and honour," he added.

Yet, the onslaught of threats to the film's cast and producers has resulted in Padmavati's release, which was scheduled for December 1, to be postponed until further notice.