In a relief to filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the Bombay high court on Friday refused to stay the release of his movie Bajirao Mastani after which the film was released the same day.
The division bench of Justice N.H. Patil and Justice S.B. Shukre was hearing a petition filed by a Pune-based social activist Hemant Patil alleging distortion of historical facts pertaining to late king Bajirao Peshwa in the film.
Earlier, Prasadrao Peshwe, the descendant of Bajirao Peshwa I, had also alleged that historical facts have been “altered” while portraying the late king and his wives in the film. He had also written a letter to Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, requesting the government to look into the matter, review the film, investigate the matter and take a decision accordingly.
Meanwhile Hemant Patil, through advocate R.N. Kachave had filed the petition seeking stay on the release of the movie demanding that two of its songs — Pinga and Malhari — are not censored as these allegedly distort facts and history.
The contention of the petitioner is that the songs Pinga and Malhari have incorrectly portrayed Bajirao and his wives Kashibai and Mastani. According to Mr Patil, Bajirao Peshwa and his wives never danced and hence the song ‘Pingaa’ is offensive to Marathi culture and degrading to a Maharashtrian lady.
The petitioner had contended that the filmmaker had twisted facts on the pretext of artistic licence. Patil added that the film is an insult to the glorious history of Bajirao Peshwa and a total misrepresentation of his personality. It is just and necessary to prevent such filmmakers from making imaginary and fictitious films on historical persons as it may hurt the sentiments of people, he added.
The bench has asked the respondents, to file a reply within a week on the allegations made in the petition.
