Sanjay Leela Bhansali Booked in Rajasthan Amidst 'Padmaavat' Controversy

The acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, renowned for his grand cinematic spectacles, finds himself embroiled in fresh controversy as a police case has been registered against him in Rajasthan. This legal action comes amidst the highly volatile debate surrounding his much-anticipated historical drama, 'Padmaavat', which has faced fierce opposition and protests from various groups.

The complaint against Bhansali was lodged by an individual or group alleging that the director has distorted historical facts related to Queen Padmini and the Rajput community in his cinematic portrayal.

This booking in Rajasthan signifies an escalation of the challenges Bhansali and his team have encountered throughout the tumultuous production of the film, adding a new layer of legal complexity to an already embattled project.

The controversy surrounding 'Padmaavat' (originally titled 'Padmavati') erupted prominently earlier, most notably in January 2017, when members of the Rajput Karni Sena violently disrupted the film's set in Jaipur.

Bhansali himself was reportedly assaulted during the incident, and valuable film equipment was vandalized, forcing the production to halt temporarily and relocate to a different state.

Protesters have vehemently argued that the film inaccurately depicts historical events and might present an inappropriate or distorted relationship between Queen Padmini and Alauddin Khilji, a claim the filmmakers have consistently denied.

Despite numerous assurances from Bhansali that the film upholds the honour and dignity of the Rajput community, and even offering to screen the film for various historical and cultural groups, the protests and legal hurdles have persistently continued.

The registration of a police case now adds a new and serious dimension to the ordeal, potentially leading to further investigations and prolonged legal battles for the director.

It underscores the profound cultural and historical sensitivities involved, particularly in states like Rajasthan, which hold deep ancestral and emotional connections to the legendary figure of Queen Padmini and the Rajput heritage.

As the release date of 'Padmaavat' looms, these fresh legal troubles in Rajasthan only heighten the anticipation and anxiety surrounding its debut.

The film's journey from conception to screen has been anything but smooth, marked by threats, vandalism, and now, formal legal charges, making it one of the most intensely scrutinised and embattled productions in recent Indian cinematic history.