Despite protests, one million people watched ‘Padmaavat’ on opening day, say makers

New Delhi: One million people watched “Padmaavat” on its opening day, the film’s maker Viacom 18 Motion said on Friday as it released across the country amid tight security at cinema halls. Fringe groups like the Karni Sena continued protests in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, blocking roads and holding rallies and union Minister VK Singh has suggested that the states initiate dialogue with the protesters.

The Supreme Court has said it will hear on Monday, a petition that seeks action against four states which failed to control rampaging protesters yesterday despite a court order. Eighteen people have been arrested for Wednesday’s attack on a school bus in Haryana’s Gurgaon, which triggered outrage across the country.

Meanwhile, a protester tried to immolate himself in Udaipur. In Uttarakhand’s Rishikesh, there were reports of protesters clashing with the police outside a movie hall. Protests were also held in pockets of Uttar Pradesh, including Muzaffarnagar, Agra, and Mughalsarai. In Lucknow, Karni Sena members stood outside movie halls and asked cine-goers to boycott the film. Top police officers in the state had been told by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure that the screening of the film is peaceful and take tough measures against anyone breaking the law.

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking action against Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana for disobeying court orders on “Padmaavat”. Refusing to ban the Rs. 190-crore movie earlier this week, the court had ordered states to ensure security ahead of its release. Another petition seeks contempt action against the Karni Sena.

Union Minister VK Singh said it is the state governments’ duty to ensure peaceful screening of “Padmaavat” and suggested that stakeholders should initiate a dialogue. “There is a need for us to have dialogue and sort out the differences in an amicable manner,” the minister said in a series of tweets.

Citing the law and order situation, the Multiplex Association of India, which represents about 75 per cent of multiplex owners in the country, said the film will not be screened in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa. In Rajasthan too, distributors refused to screen “Padmaavat” citing protests.