LUCKNOW – Following the Karni Sena nationwide ban on the day of Padmavati’s release, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has urged the information and broadcasting ministry in a letter to delay the release of Padmavati due to the recent distress in the public relating to the film.
In the two page letter to the ministry, the principal secretary Arvind Kumar said that while the right type of films have a positive influence over the target audience and society as a whole, movies based on “distorted and unfounded historical facts or fiction” not only spread hatred but also pose a major challenge to the law and order situation.
The letter also stated that: “In view of the civic polls, polling for which is scheduled on November 22, November 26 and November 29 and the counting on December 1, and also the ‘Barawafat’ procession by Muslims on December 2, the film’s release can pose serious security issues.”
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is yet to watch the film. If the movie gets released on the stated date of December 1st, necessary law and order measures have already been taken into accoiunt as stated by a senior IPS officer, “We have already sought central forces for law and order duty. And in case of the film’s release on December 1, we will have to ensure the safety and security of theatres.”
