'Panipat' screening stopped in many cities in Rajasthan

Jaipur, Dec 10 (PTI) screening of Ashutosh Gowariker's "Panipat" has been discontinued by manment of nearly half of atres in Rajasthan in wake of protests against film, a trade body said on Tuesday.

film, which chronicles story of Third Battle of Panipat fought between Maratha empire and Afghan king Ahmad Shah Abdali in 1761, is facing criticism by Jat groups and political leaders, including state ministers, over portrayal of legendary Jat ruler Maharaja Surajmal.

" film's screening has been stopped at almost half of cinemas. screening has been completely stopped in Jaipur and also at or places in state including Bikaner, Nagaur, Ganganagar, Jodhpur, Hanumangarh since yesterday," Raj Bansal, general secretary of Rajasthan Film Trade and Promotion Council, said on Tuesday.

He said that film was released in 55-60 cinema halls across state.

Bansal said censor board should have reviewed film's content before it issues a certification.

"Cinema halls are just screening film which has been passed from censor board. Such controversies affect business and create an adverse environment," he added.

Meanwhile, a mir protest occurred in front of a cinema hall in Jaipur despite cinema hall manment's decision to discontinue screening.

Jat groups and leaders including tourism minister Vishvendra Singh, education minister Govind Singh Dotasara, former chief minister Vasundhara Raje have criticised film's portrayal of Maharaja Surajmal.

On Monday, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot told reporters that sentiments of people should t be hurt and it would be better if film was screened after people's satisfaction.

"I believe that art and artists should be respected but y should also take care that any caste, religion, class, great personalities and gods are t insulted," Gehlot said.

" reactions that are coming about portrayal of Maharaja Surajmal Ji in film... such a situation should t have been created," chief minister said, adding that Censor Board should intervene and take cognisance of it.