Deepika Padukones Thali diplomacy fails in Rajasthan, but other states to un-ban Padmaavat

1 Feb 2018

Deepika Padukonemay have been ill-advised by her marketing team to get herself photographed enjoying aRajasthani thali as a sign of peace diplomacyvis--vis theRajasthangovernment. But the fact remains that the film is likely to remain banned inRajasthan, at least for a while now. But there is plenty of heartening news for the Padmaavat team as the film opened to a roaring reception in Patna and rest of Biharon Monday, four days after it was released in other parts of the country. An unnamed manager from a theatre in Patna says, We would have opened on Wednesdaynight (Jan 24), like other parts of the country. But after promising us securitybandobastto protect us against threats from theKarniSena, the local administration backed out. It was only after repeated reminders that security was provided from Monday morning, and we are running to full houses peacefully. We also got an assurance from theKarniSena that it was safe to run the film. The scenario gets even better for the films producers Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and directorSanjayLeelaBhansali. Reliable sources close to the developments regarding the release of Padmaavat insist that the ban in Gujarat andHaryanais to end soon. Says the source, The Padmaavat team has been relentlessly processing the modalities for release in Gujarat andHaryana. A solution is on the way. The film may release in these two states by the end of this week. ButRajasthanis another ballgame altogether. There, the release may take time. BJPs most outspoken memberShatrughanSinha describes the ban as arbitrary and unconstitutional. When the honourable Supreme Court has cleared the films release all over the country how can any state restrict the screening? I am very surprised to know the film was not released on time in my home stateBihar. I was not aware of this. Kuch toh gadbad hai.