Padmavati: MNS will take call after watching movie

Mumbai: Distancing itself from the ongoing controversy surrounding the upcoming film Padmavati, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has said it would take a stand on the movie only after watching it.

A few organisations have been opposing the Sanjay Leela Bhansali historical epic featuring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh.

Amey Khopkar, the president of MNS Chitrapat Sena, the film wing of the Raj Thackeray-led party, issued a video to clarify the outfit’s stand on the movie, which is scheduled to release on December 1. “We are of the opinion of not opposing the movie without watching it. We are not going to do it that way. I am aware that some social organisations and political parties are opposing the film, but we would like to see it first,” it said.

“If we find some part objectionable, we can hold a meeting with the director (Bhansali),” the party said in the video.

Meanwhile, Ram Kadam, a BJP MLA from Mumbai, said the film’s trailer had “hurt” the sentiments of a section of the people. He said, “Nobody has the right to play with history. The trailer has hurt the sentiments of some people and Bhansali will have to respect their feelings.” The MLA from Ghatkopar (west) Assembly segment said he was the chairman of the Film Studios Setting and Allied Mazdoor Sangh, which will not work with Bhansali in his next venture as a mark of protest.

“If Bhansali cannot respect people’s sentiments, he will not be able to shoot for his next film here. My union is very strong and we will not cooperate with him,” the legislator warned.