At the Parliamentary panel meeting, many, including chairman of the panel Anurag Thakur, grilled Mr. Bhansali.

BJP veteran L.K. Advani was one of the members of the parliamentary panel on Information and Technology who objected to the summoning and questioning of film-maker Sanjay Leela Bhansali over his controversial Padmavati on Thursday.

At the meeting, many, including chairman of the panel Anurag Thakur, grilled Mr. Bhansali.

Also Read What is the Padmavati row all about?

Mr. Thakur accused the film-maker of distorting history and hurting public sentiment. He also asked whether Mr. Bhansali planned to release the film abroad without waiting for certification. Mr. Thakur wanted him to explain how he could assume that the movie could be released on December 1 when it was sent to the CBFC only on November 11. Mr. Thakur said that as per the Cinematography Act, the board may take 68 days before certifying a movie.

According to sources, Mr. Advani interjected at this point to say that cross-examination of the film-maker was not on the agenda.

“‘He said the panel already has enough on its plate and should not take up unrelated issues, Mr. Advani told the chairperson,’” one of the members of the committee told The Hindu. Meanwhile, Mr. Bhansali assured the panel that he would not screen the film abroad till the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) clears it.

Objections

Sources said CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi told the committee that the board’s main objection to the film was that even before certification, it was shown to a select audience.

The parliamentarians, too, had a similar objection. Mr. Bhansali clarified that only eight persons — two prominent media personalities and six of his friends — saw the film.

Mr. Joshi informed the members that he had set up a board of historians to look into the film. “It will take some time” he said.