As the releasing date of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's much awaited magnum opus Padmaavat is nearing, the Mumbai police today promised security to the theatres that would show the controversial film in the backdrop of threats issued by certain groups opposing its release.
The Mumbai Police will ensure that no law and order issue is created and they will provide adequate security to the theatres screening it, a top police official said.
The police will also provide protection to moviegoers and its makers, if necessary, he added. The official said makers of the film today approached the police, seeking security at multiplexes where the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed period drama will open on January 25.
Police personnel will be stationed at cinemas from January 24 to 26 to ensure the film releases smoothly and any attempt to disrupt its screening is foiled, he said.
Some groups led by the Karni Sena, an organisation of the Rajput community, are opposing the release of the film, claiming it "distorts" historical facts, a charge rejected by its makers. They have threatened to disrupt its screening.
The Supreme Court had last week paved the way for the nationwide release of Padmaavat by staying the ban on its screening in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
However, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh today moved the apex court seeking recall of its January 18 order by which it had allowed the controversy-ridden film to be released in theatres across India.
The film, starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, is based on the saga of the 13th Century battle between Maharaja Ratan Singh of Mewar and Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi.
The Karni Sena has accused filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali of projecting queen Padmini of Chittorgarh in bad light and distorting history.
(With PTI Inputs)
