Haven't seen Padmavati but will oppose if it’s objectionable: Sarv Brahmin Mahasabha

Shumesh Sharman, national general secretary of an organization called the Sarv Brahmin Mahasabha, has said that though he is deeply concerned about the facts shown in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati, he would oppose the film after watching it only if it ‘distorts’ history.

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Starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor, Padmavati portrays the story of queen Padmavati, also known as Padmini, Delhi sultan Alauddin Khilji and Padmavati's husband, rawal Ratan Singh of Chittor.

Sharman spoke exclusively to Cinestaan.com in light of the media statement issued by the Rajasthan branch of the Sarv Brahmin Mahasabha. Suresh Mishra, Rajasthan state president of the Sarv Brahmin Mahasabha, said the organization would oppose the release of Padmavati for allegedly distorting history. Sarv Brahmin Mahasabha is a Brahmin outfit which is also opposing the release of Padmavati, along with the Rajput Karni Sena.

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In a media statement, Mishra had said, “As per the feelings of the general public, screening of this movie should be stopped, otherwise the Sarv Brahmin Mahasabha will oppose this movie. They are trying to defame Padmavati by distorting historical facts. No one can tolerate this.”

However, Sharman does not agree with Mishra entirely. “Look, I don’t like getting into controversy. I believe in speaking clearly. If the film shows false history, we will oppose it. When a film is made and people watch it, it brings a wrong interpretation. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. So, one should rectify at the initial stage itself. I don’t know what are the negative points in the film. The film hasn’t been released yet,” he said.

He vowed to oppose the film if it ‘distorts’ history. “If the film is against Indian culture and history, we will oppose it. If someone raises a finger on Maharana Pratap and Bhagat Singh (sic), I don’t need such fake historians. If they have shown something wrong, they should rectify it. I oppose every individual who has tried tampering with Indian culture and history,” he added.

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When it was pointed out that those opposing the film can only react after watching it, Sharman agreed, saying, “I don’t know what is shown in it as I haven’t seen the film. The decision will be taken after I watch it. If you have portrayed false history, every person would oppose it. If someone raises a finger on your father, martyrs or culture, then it’s wrong. A film isn’t just a film. It does the task of showing a mirror to the society. So, a historical film should get its facts right.”

But he also believes that since the film is facing severe flak from a section of the Rajput community, there must be a reason for it. “There is such massive Rajput agitation against the film. So, there has to be some reason behind it. It is because they have come to know that there is something objectionable in the film. Bhansali should come forward and openly clarify that there is nothing objectionable,” said Sharman.

The film is slated to be released on 1 December.