Padmavati Row: Sack CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi, demands Karni Sena warning of a fresh agitation

Jaipur: Karni Sena, a Rajput community group, has demanded immediate resignation of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Prasoon Joshi who made the decision to allow Padmavati to be released with a U/A certificate, despite protests from a panel of advisers comprising two historians and a royal family member.

Karani Sena chief Lokendra Kalvi held a press conference in Jaipur on Friday and warned of a fresh agitation against the Ranveer Singh – Deepika Padukone – Shahid Kapoor starrer film. He called upon the community members to gather in Chittorgarh on January 27 and fight a decisive ‘battle’.

He demanded a complete ban on the movie and accused the movie producers of trying to leverage the controversy to maximize their profit.

“We are being used so that the movie gets free publicity, but they are playing with fire,” Kalvi said.

The decision to allow the movie to be screened with a U/A certificate, was confirmed on 28th December after a long discussion by a special panel of examining committee, including Prasoon Joshi reviewed the film.

Arvind Singh, a former royal family member stated, “We have made it clear that the movie should not be allowed release. In this film of 2 hours 41 minutes, there were some controversial facts. This film can upset both Rajput and Muslim community.”

Rajasthan government in November had banned the movie, saying that the government would not allow it to be released in the state until necessary alterations are made. Chief minister Vasundhara Raje said that maintaining law and order was a top priority for the government.

Earlier, Karni Sena had staged demonstrations in Chittorgarh, leading to arrest of more than 300 people.

The movie was to be released on December 1, but producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali reportedly postponed the release bowing to the mounting pressure and protests against the alleged objectionable portrayal of Queen Padmavati.