Professor Kapil Kumar, who was invited by the CBFC to watch Padmavati, has found glaring factual inaccuracies in the film and mentioned the same to the panel.

He has expressed apprehension over the release of film without appropriate changes adding it may lead to social, political disturbance in society.

Professor Kumar said the film is purely 'masala'. It is an entertaining film but cannot be released as historical account.

Professor Kumar teaches social sciences at the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). He was one of the three members who were invited by the CBFC to watch the screening. The panel consisted of Arvind Singh representing the erstwhile royal family of Mewar and Dr Chandramani Singh from Rajasthan University.

Speaking in an elaborate conversation with India Today, Professor Kumar maintained that he is unaware of the clearance and believes the filmmaker may have been offered to make a few changes. However, he adds there are serious factual inaccuracies in the film.

"There is no such thing as historian fiction. There are fallacies in the script. No evidence presented to instances like the Mewar king brought to Delhi as prisoner and Padmavati arrives in Delhi with 900 dolis," he said.

"Significantly, the escape of Rana and Padmavati through the tunnel is shown merely as benevolence of Khilji's Queen, which was incorrect. The poet Amir Khusro never mentioned Padmavati or Jauhar but finds mention in dialogues spoken by the character of Khilji," he added.

About the costumes, the historian adds the attire worn by men of Mewar is a Pagdi not Safa as shown in the film, and other members pointed to the same.

Also, the much-hyped Ghoomar dance was mentioned as an inaccuracy and is not as mentioned in traditional royal households.

"We were not invited to give clearance. That is the job of the CBFC. We primarily gave our comments and suggestions and pointed to inaccuracies. Today, the film and television mediums influence the next generation in learning about history," added Prof Kumar.

Regarding the debate of whether or not is Padmavati a fictional character, Professor Kumar said, "Indian history is being constantly distorted and it is disastrous. It is unfair to call Padmavati merely a mythological figure. Indian history should not only be seen through Persian accounts. Oral history is an extended branch of history acknowledged worldwide. History of India depends heavily on oral traditions and folklore so all sources deserved to be examined. I have studied several sources and I can say that Padmavati is a historical figure and Jauhar crate happened."

Professor Kapil Kumar's observation Professor Kapil Kumar's observation

Professor Kapil Kumar's observation Professor Kapil Kumar's observation

Professor Kumar categorically said he understands the emotions of outfits like Karni Sena but does not support their threats of violence and condemned their intimidation.

However, he added a filmmaker also cannot be permitted to take extensive creative liberty at the cost of social consequences and hurt sentiments of communities.

He also questioned why Khilji's harem is not shown in the film where he forcibly kept women; even Queens who were sent as gifts.

He added the country has many communities and we must ensure the bridges are used to mend differences and not cause a divide. He made accusations against the filmmaker of using historical account for money making projects.

Professor Kumar has asked the CBFC to take precautions and consider all social and political consequences before the film is released.

He applauded the work done by the three lead actors and they should be blamed for the script, for which responsibility lies with the director and script writer. He said he found the film as entertaining but mentioned objections over historical references.

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