“Panipat” Screening Cancelled In Jaipur, Rajasthan

Panipat (2019), featuring Arjun Kapoor and Kriti Sanon in central characters, has been at the centre of controversy ever since entering theatres on 6^th December. In Jaipur, Rajasthan, a number of theatres cancelled screening of the film on Monday. So, what has led to such widespread project against the historical film?

Apparently, Jat groups are not pleased with how Bharatpur's Maharaja Surajmal has been portrayed in the film. Jat groups and a number of political leaders have criticised the portrayal of Maharaja Surajmal and demanded a blanket ban on the film.

We also hear that the state government has also sought a response from the makers of the movie. Several shows of the war period drama have been cancelled in view of growing anger and protest against the film. Raj Mandir, Cinepolis and Inox are some of the popular theatre chains in Jaipur where the shows have been cancelled.

Ashok Tanwar, manager of Raj Mandir, confirms the development, saying that all shows of the film have been cancelled. The 12-noon show had to be cancelled due to a protest. No untoward incident was reported due to police presence.

Several cinema halls have discontinued the screening of the film in view of the protest. Cinema halls have to bear the brunt in such a situation against a film which is being screened after clearance from the Censor Board, said Raj Bansal, general secretary of the Rajasthan Film Trade and Promotion Council.

Panipat is based on the third battle of Panipat fought between the Marathas and Afghan invader Ahmed Shah Abdali. The movie has been directed by Ashutosh Gowariker who has a number of successful historical films to his credit. Despite controversy, Panipat has failed to live up to the expectations of the audience.