“MNS Is Capable Of Protecting Padmaavat Director, Artistes, & The Crew”: Thackeray

In a relief of sorts for Bollywood producer-director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Tuesday said it would maintain a vigil outside cinemas where the controversial film Padmaavat is slated for release.

MNS General Secretary Shalini Thackeray said that if the Supreme Court and the Central Board of Film Certification have cleared the film, “it is wrong to protest against its release”.

Thackeray, also the Executive President of the Maharashtra Navnirman Chitrapat Karmachari Sena (MNCKS), reiterated that the party will ensure there are no obstacles to the film’s release and screening in Mumbai and elsewhere in Maharashtra.

“However, if anybody tried to prevent Padmaavat release in Mumbai or Maharashtra, the MNS is capable of protecting the film director, artistes, and the crew,” Thackeray asserted.

Last fortnight, the party had announced that it had no objections to the film’s release (set for January 25) and said filmmakers were entitled to freedom of creative expression.

She said that despite the apex court’s clear directives to release it in all states, in some states like Gujarat, there is no sign it will be exhibited as theatre and multiplex owners fear violence and losses as the Karni Sena is unnecessarily opposing the film.