There are not many who contest the government’s diktat or publicly express displeasure at what the government does. However, as far as the release of needlessly controversial film Padmaavat goes, that has changed. Even the most disinterested, apolitical sections of the public have woken up and noticed something is wrong. Padmaavat has now been banned by the Gujarat government, and WE as a country need to take note of that censorship.

Reasons why Bollywood movie Padmaavat was banned in India.

The Government of Gujarat will not allow Padmaavat to get released in the State as for them it is a movie hurting sentiments of Rajputs. We can’t allow our history to be distorted. We believe in freedom of speech & expression but any foul play with our great culture is not tolerated.

But that tweet does not reveal the whole picture, because what he told journalists shed more light on why governments are jumping to ban the movie: “There are many issues. The movie hurts the feelings and sentiments of several communities, including the Rajput community, which has launched an agitation against the movie.”

For a little perspective, allow us to remind you that the state of Gujarat is set to go to polls soon, which would explain why the government wants to appease vote banks – like the Rajput community. So, while all the state governments – Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat – are all saying the same thing, that the “the film “distorts history” that’s not their real problem.

This is because the film does no:

a) Depict history,

b) Sanjay Leela Bhansali has gone out of his way to keep the film kosher,

c) Because none of them have even watched the movie. CM Rupani’s statement explains the real problem here: “We don’t want the controversial movie here.”

Incidentally, the Karni Sena, which has been protesting the film’s release aggressively, has come out and said that they will not oppose the film, provided the Mewar royal family approves of it.

But despite the backtracking, each of the states are simply lobbying for votes by stifling freedom of expression. Communal groups protesting the movie have threatened to behead people, cut off noses, and vandalise theatres. It’s frightening that in a democracy, instead of arresting them, the government is supporting their baseless protests.

This matters, because it presents a bigger picture to us about how this government allows itself to be strong-armed by violence. From the violence in Haryana earlier this year to this, the people who have the power in this country are clearly those who take to brutality. In what free, democratic, civilized country is that okay?