Despite BJP’s opposition to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film Bajirao Mastani, its release on Friday went smoothly, attracting a sizable number of viewers on the first day.
BJP activists staged protest against the film in Pune forcing a multiplex cinema house to cancel all shows. However, it was houseful in other theatres.
Alleging that the movie has “distorted” historical facts of the era of Peshwa rulers, the protesters gathered in front of the Citypride cinema in Pune this morning raising slogans, leading to cancellation of the film’s screening by the theatre management.
The depiction of the character of Kashibai, wife of Bajirao Peshwa, played by actress Priyanka Chopra in the film, has drawn flak from many quarters with allegations that it lowered the dignity of the historical figure with a ‘distorted’ projection. Kashibai is shown dancing with Bajirao’s other wife Mastani in the song Pinga, which has become a controversial issue. Deepika Padukone has played Mastani in the movie.
Interestingly, Shiv Sena has taken a stand in favour of the movie. The Sena MP Sanjay Raut said that the movie should be released to highlight the work done by Bajirao. “Bajirao was the great warrior and his works should be honoured. The film should be released,” he said.
In separate incidents in Nashik, Sangamner, Osmanabad and Jalna, a few right wing groups protested against Shah Rukh Khan starrer Dilwale that released on Friday. The main opposition was that Shah Rukh helped Chennai flood victims but not the drought-hit farmers in Maharashtra. There were no official statements from the Dilwale protesters.
