MUMBAI: The producers of “Padmavati” — a Bollywood movie based on an epic poem about a Rajput queen, said on Sunday they had indefinitely delayed the release of the film, which has been accused of distorting history and has sparked protests.
The movie, which was due to go on release in India on Dec. 1, has led to protests in Rajasthan, Maharashtra and other states. It has also faced a delays in approval from the Indian censor board.
The studio behind the movie, Viacom 18 — a joint venture between Viacom Inc. and Network 18 owned by Reliance Industries, said on Sunday it had “voluntarily deferred the release date of the film.” “We have faith that we will soon obtain the requisite clearances to release the film. We will announce the revised release date of the film in due course,” the company said in a statement.
The film ran into trouble earlier this year when a Rajput caste organization, the Rajput Karni Sena, attacked director Sanjay Leela Bhansali on the set in Rajasthan in January.
The Sena, based in Rajasthan, has been critical of the film, saying it would offend the Rajput community, and that Bhansali was deliberately distorting history.
Bhansali has been vocal in his denial of these charges.
Deepika Padukone, who plays the lead role, has been given special security by the Mumbai Police after the fringe group threatened her with physical harm on Thursday.
Based on an epic poem by Malik Mohammed Jayasi, the film tells the story of Padmavati, the queen of the Rajput warrior clan, and ruler of Delhi Sultanate Alaudin Khilji.
India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, ruled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party had also warned the federal government that there would be law and order problems in Uttar Pradesh if the film was released.
’Padmavati’ row: Protests delay release of Indian film about Rajput queen
’Padmavati’ row: Protests delay release of Indian film about Rajput queen
First lady Melania Trump to preview new film at private White House screening
- Film offers rare behind-the-scenes access to Melania Trump
- First lady to ring NYSE opening bell to promote film
WASHINGTON: First lady Melania Trump will host a private White House screening on Saturday of a new film documenting her life in the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, an adviser said.
The movie, “Melania,” is set for a global release on January 30. Saturday’s showing will be the first time the president, her family and close friends see the film in full, said Marc Beckman, the first lady’s outside adviser and agent.
The film offers rare behind-the-scenes access to the first lady, who has kept a low public profile during her husband’s second term. The trailer opens on Inauguration Day in January 2025, showing her donning a navy wide-brimmed hat for the ceremony at the US Capitol. It also depicts her role as an adviser to the president, including a moment in which she encourages him to emphasize “peacemaker and unifier” in his inaugural address.
Beckman, who produced the film, oversaw the $40 million movie deal with Amazon’s MGM Studios, plus a follow-up documentary series set for release later this year focusing on some of Melania Trump’s priorities, including children in foster care.
“This is not a political film at all,” Beckman said in an interview, adding that the first lady spearheaded the film’s creative direction.
The movie highlights her fashion choices, diplomatic engagements and the operations surrounding her Secret Service protection. Beckman said viewers also will see moments that capture the president’s sense of humor.
Ahead of the public theatrical release of the film next week, the president and first lady will attend a premiere on Thursday at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center by the Trump-appointed board of directors.
The first lady is also scheduled to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday to promote the film, Beckman added.
