However, several state chief ministers, cutting across party lines, have sought to ban the movie regardless
Even as the states' chorus against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmavati' grows shrill by each passing day, Union Minister Birender Singh said on Tuesday that those opposing the period drama should see it first and then demand cuts, if anything is found to be objectionable.
"My opinion is very clear. Some of the historic facts may not be in consonance with our thinking. Those who are opposing, they should first see the movie," Singh said.
However, several state chief ministers, cutting across party lines, have sought to ban the movie regardless. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath also accused Bhansali of habitually playing with public sentiments. The CM asserted that if there was any action, "it will be against both sides".
Yogi's remarks come on the heels of chief ministers of BJP-ruled Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh voicing concerns over the movie.
They were joined by their Punjab counterpart, Captain Amarinder Singh of Congress, who said cinematic license did not give anyone the right to twist historical facts. The UP government stated that it would not allow the movie's release till certain "controversial portions" were removed. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis took the no-comment approach and said he will speak on the controversy at the right moment. Meanwhile, his cabinet colleague and state tourism minister Jaykumar Rawal, who happens to be a Rajput, insisted on a ban on the film and even accused Censor Board chairman Prasoon Joshi of conflict of interest.
"Joshi is a lyricist and has even composed music. How will he be objective when it comes to film makers?" he asked. He also demanded that the Censor Board for Film Certification must have a historian to review historical films. "What do the CBFC members know of history?" he said.
The producers of the controversy- ridden film have said they will take a call on its release only after the Censor Board's go-ahead. The movie was earlier scheduled to release on December 1.
Meanwhile, the film fraternity has come out in support of Bhansali and team, with many leading artistes calling it an attack on creative freedom. Director Sudhir Mishra said a filmmaker's right to express was as fundamental as a person's right to protest. "As an industry, we stand by each other defending our right to make films. And if any one has any problem with the film, they are free to express as we live in a democracy. But you can't take away my right to express as a filmmaker as well," Mishra said on the sidelines of IFFI Panorama Section inauguration.
Mishra also defended the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Prasoon Joshi, who had slammed the makers for allowing the film to be screened for various media channels before certification. "Joshi has not taken anything personally. It is his position. He is the chairman of CBFC and he is speaking on behalf of the CBFC," Mishra said.
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