PADMAVAT Protests- Does it herald the death of democracy in India?

After months of endless debate, speculation, baseless rumours, violent protests, delays and cuts, Padmavat is about to hit the screens across India today.

Already, there is news of widespread violence in major states of North India. Even a school bus carrying children to school wasn't spared by the mob protesting against the release of this movie. To give a background to the controversy, this magnum opus is directed by one of India's finest moviemaker in contemporary times. He has been a tried and tested movie mogul with aesthetically shot movies under his belt. He is not some sleazy, slimy third rate director out to sully or distort historically revered figures.

Even if one discounted his credentials as a respected and admired filmmaker, his product should be dissected on its own merit. Civilized society does not function in the barbaric fashion that the protesters are adopting. They are dishonouring the valour of Rajputs themselves by their vandalism, erroneously equating the two as a substitute of one another.

So much agrression and controversy over a mere movie?

I wish people had better causes to champion and channelised their aggression productivel.

The vested interests have no longer any valid opposition to the film in question. Only imaginary slights and conjectures are fuelling the animosity and anger. Even when proved wrong, by the vast majority of media and intelligentsia who have seen the movie and vouched for it, the protesters go on a rampage like insane bulls with no respect towards the law of the land.

How the government deals with these hooligans, remains to be seen. It ought to set an example. Strict state action would act as a deterrent to those who try to curb voice of free expression with their cacophony.

If we are matured as an audience to handle debates on religion and God in PK and Oh My God, surely we can allow a filmmaker to interpret history his way particularly when 'his way' has been applauded by the media as one of restraint and utmost reverance, almost like an ode to the beautiful Rani Padmini.

How about not choking democracy full throttle and letting it breathe??

Sigh.....