Mohar Basu and Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; January 2, 2018)

Despite a go-ahead from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the concerns surrounding the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati still loom. After the CBFC certified the film with five modifications, the erstwhile royals of Mewar have decided to oppose the Board’s verdict.

Among the panel of historians appointed by the CBFC to review the film was Arvind Singh, the 76th custodian of the Mewar dynasty. Evidently unhappy with the Board’s decision to greenlight Padmavati after the panel expressed resentment over its content, Singh says, “Why isn’t there a law that spells out the clauses [that filmmakers must adhere to] while portraying historical characters?” he questions. “ It [Padmavati] is a pointless film, which takes no sides — neither that of the Rajputs, nor the Sultanate.”

He vociferously points out that the film is likely to distort historical facts. “Our future generation will raise questions on the film. The stories that I tell my grandchildren won’t match the version chronicled in a popular film. How do we justify something like this?”

While it is speculated that the family may take legal recourse to prevent the release of the film, Singh refuses to confirm the development. mid-day however hears that he will file a petition to stall the release when the court reopens this week. He is reportedly already in talks with lawyers.

Vishvaraj Singh, grandson of former Mewar ruler Bhagwat Singh, was also called upon by the Board to review the film, but didn’t watch it. Referring to the Board’s decision to call for an amend in the title to Padmavat, he says, “The title change is a synthetic modification, one that doesn’t change what we are fighting for. None of us support the unrest that has surrounded the film, but it’s not a legitimate movie. It’s historically inaccurate.”