The fire of protests over the ready-for-release film Padmawati has spread across the country and no let-up seems possible in the near future. Daily, some leaders give statements ruing the distortion of historical facts in the film. The release of the film seems impossible in the near future. As many the people, as different the views — some say Padmawatias portrayed in the film is a fictional character while others are of the opinion that undue liberties have been taken in the characterization of a historical character who is considered divine in Rajput history. Whatever be the fate of the film, it may be taken for granted that freedom of expression should not be attacked,particularly that of an artiste, as the courts too have upheld.
Art and literature, even while depicting historical truths, are bound to have some imaginative-creative inputs, otherwise the work will fail to attract an audience. But, in the case of Padmawati, no flights of fancy may be allowed because they will be deemed as distortions given the reality of the deep sentiment attached to her in parts of India and within the Rajput community in particular. As an experienced filmmaker rooted in the Indian tradition Sanjay leela Bhansali should have realized this at the outset; discretion in this regard should have been the better part of valour.
Now, there is a claim from the supporters of the film that it has nothing objectionable; but that is clearly aimed only at smoothening the path for the film's release. It would have been far better for Bhansali if he had changed the name of the film and focused the story on the cruelty of Alauddin Khilji.