In what came as a morale booster to filmmaker Sanjay leela Bhansali ahead of the release of his controversial movie Padmavati, the IFTDA and four other film associations extended their support to the film and rooted for ensuring freedom of expression for artists.
Having decided to be a part of the going “We Support Padmavati” campaign, IFTDA, CINTAA, WICA, SA and ACTADCD are planning to hold a meeting on November 16 at the Film City where their members will stage a stage “silent protest” for 15 minutes from 11 am.
On that day, all units and workers associations will stop for 15 minutes from 4 pm as a mark of their support for freedom of speech and expression, which is the basic right of a citizen.
Announcing the decision taken by five film associations to extend support to Sanjay leela Bhansali, President of IFTDA Ashoke Pandit said at a news conference here: "We have valid reasons to be hurt. We have been abused and accused. We are filmmakers. We are creative people. We don't deserve this kind of treatment. Every now and then, we see our makers being heckled. We work hard, we make films. Bhansali is a symbol and attack on him is like abusing the film fraternity as a whole".
"In the current situation arising out of protests against “Padmavati”, Bhansali is not just a filmmaker who represents our fraternity but he is also a symbol that has been targeted by some unconstitutional bodies. We urge our government to protect our right to freedom of speech and expression”.
Bhansali’s epic drama Padmavati, which has been facing the wrath of right-wing groups for alleged distortion of facts for several months, is slated for release on December 1, 2017. The Rajit outfit, Rajput Karni Sena, which has been spearheading the protests against the forthcoming film, has among other things demanded that the film is screened for historians before its official release.
Hitting out at critics of “Padmavati”, filmmaker Sudhir Mishra told the media: "This matter is absurd. No one has seen the film. The movie director is a responsible, brilliant filmmaker. He has said that he has been accused of something he has not done."
Seeking the Government’s intervention in the ongoing protests against “Padmavati”, actor and general secretary of CINTAA said: "Bhansali didn't ask us to hold this press conference. We all are frustrated, angry, and upset. Till when will our fraternity keep asking for freedom of expression to make filmsIJ Why do we need to fight for such basic right all the timeIJ" Singh said.
"I have a question for both the state and central governments: Why are you silentIJ People from your parties are openly giving threats, abusing our families, threatening to burn theatres. I have the right to ask for an assurance from the government," Singh said.
On his part, actor Shahid Kapoor, who plays the role of Maharawal Ratan Singh in the film had on Sunday urged the audiences and all those criticizing the film, should give it a chance.
Interacting with the media at an event, Kapoor said: "I've been saying this for a long time now. Watch the film and then decide. Give the film a chance and don't form preconceived notions".