Police promises tough act, protestors stay adamant

Mumbai: The Mumbai police has promised tough action, including arrests against those who attempt to disrupt the screening of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s controversial movie Padmaavat, which will screened at city theatres from Thursday. But the Shri Rajput Karni Sena’s head, Lokendra Kalvi said police action would not deter their protest as they were ready to get arrested. 

Mr Kalvi said, “We know our protesters are getting arrested but we will not stop our agitation. I know the Supreme Court has given permission, but still we want the public to open their eyes and not support the director who misuses his power always and portrays history wrongly.” He added, “We are going on a janata strike tomorrow and lets see who wins.”

Due to the Karni Sena’s adamant stance of enforcing its ‘janata strike’ on the day of the movie’s release, a few moviegoers said they may give it a skip on Thursday. So far the movie’s advance booking is not looking good. Its online advance booking is not faring well. Tanvee Jaiswal, a BMM student, said she wants to watch the movie but has not yet booked a ticket.  “My parents are not allowing me because of the protest. I have seen police deployed at the Viviana Mall, but it is still scary. Maybe we will go later.”

However, ad film director Pushkar Vishvasrao said he wants to watch it any cost. He said, “I know about the protests but who is going to stop me if I am going into the Mall? How they will know I am watching Padmaavat? There is police protection at every mall so I don’t think I need to worry.”