bollywood

Updated: Feb 06, 2018 09:13 IST

It’s not been long when many Indian states saw violent protests against director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat. The film was accused of distorting the historical facts by the protesting groups. Now, another period film has started facing a similar opposition.

Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut’s Manikarnika is drawing opposition in Rajasthan on a similar ground. The film is based on the nineteenth-century queen of Jhansi, Laxmi Bai, a prominent figure in Indian modern history.

Addressing a press conference in Jaipur on Monday, Suresh Mishra, the president of the Sarva Brahman Mahasabha (SBM) alleged that the film Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi distorts history regarding Laxmi Bai and depicts a love affair between her and a British man.

“We learnt about it from our friends and acquaintances in various parts of Rajasthan where some scenes of the film are being shot. The film is based on a foreigner’s book and tries to dampen the queen’s reputation,” said Mishra.

He added that he sent letters to the film producer Kamal Jain enquiring about the writers of the film, profile of the historian consulted and details of songs in the film, if there are any. However, he did not receive any response from the producer which produces that his intentions are not good, alleged Mishra.

Producer Kamal Jain told Hindustan Times that “The film shows Rani Laxmibai in a respectful manner. We have taken care about portraying her including consulting historians and scholars in Jhansi. She was a freedom fighter and one of the most respected leader our country has seen. She is a symbol of valour in our country. The film’s story depicts the same. The film doesn’t portray anything objectionable about her. There is no love affair depicted in the film and there is no distortion of history in anyway. It pains me to hear these statements about one of the greatest leaders India has seen. Is this what independence means? We are making a film which depicts the real story of Rani Laxmibai. Having said that, we are open and willing to show the script (to people who might have doubts). We have nothing to hide. We are proud to be making a film and want the world to see one of the greatest leaders of India. This film is a tribute to Rani Laxmibai.”

Laxmi Bai was a Brahmin and therefore the organisation and community have queries as the film is related with Brahmin sentiments and emotions, the letter to the producer from the organisation read. “Nobody can even imagine that Maharani Laxmi Bai could have an affair. She died fighting the British at a young age. If a film is to be made on her life, it should be a biopic,” said Mishra, adding that the organisation is opposed to distorted portrayal of historical figures for commercial motives.

He also urged the state government to obtain an affidavit from the producers that no distortion of history should take place in the film. “If the same had been done in the case of Padmaavat, there would have been no issue at all,” he said.