Banning film not correct, will take call on Padmavati release after Censor Board's decision: Manohar Lal Khattar

Chandigarh: As the controversy over Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmavati continues to simmer, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday said the decision on banning the period drama would be taken after Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) stand.

Addressing the press, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said, “We don’t think it is right to ban (a film) before censor board’s decision.” However, at the same time, the Haryana CM went on to say that his government won't allow anyone’s sentiments to be hurt, adding that his government will take a decision on Padmavati only after censor board clearance.”

When asked to comment on Haryana BJP chief media coordinator Kunwar Surajpal Singh Ammu's announcement of Rs 10 crore bounty on the heads of Deepika and Bhansali, Khattar said, the state government has nothing to do with Ammu's personal comments and confirmed that the BJP leader has been issued a show cause notice.

The Haryana BJP on Tuesday served a show cause notice to its chief media coordinator Suraj Pal Amu seeking explanation over his reported remarks offering Rs 10 crore bounty for beheading Bollywood director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and actor Deepika Padukone.

Amu said that he had made the remarks in his personal capacity and added that he would resign if his party asked him to but would not tolerate any "insult" to his community.

Three BJP regime in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh have announced that they not be released in Rajasthan till necessary changes as per the suggestions given to the Centre were incorporated in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie.

The Bollywood flick is based on Rajput queen Padmavati.

Amid rumours that there was a romantic dream sequence between Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji's characters, various Rajput and other groups have been protesting against the film, alleging it "distorts" history and hurts the sentiments of the people.