Showdown: Turbulent start for Bajirao Mastani in city, some screenings cancelled after protests

More than 100 protesters had gathered at City Pride Kothrud since 7.30 am on Friday, chanting the slogan ‘Jaage Ho Pune’ (Wake up Pune). “We were very annoyed with this kind of protest and had no option but to cancel the screening. The entire ticket fare will be refunded to people who have made advance bookings.” said an official from the management.

At Mangala theatre, despite getting huge response to the first two shows of the film, the management decided to cancel the remaining shows. Atmaram Jaswani, manager of Mangala theatre, said, “The producer should take some action regarding the scenes of the film that are being opposed. When the protest started aggravating, we were left with no option but to cancel the screenings.” Jaswani added that the management had received a letter from Patit Paavan Sanghatana (PPS), threatening them to stop the screening or face severe protests. People were assured complete refund of tickets that were booked in advance. However, the manager said, “We are not planning to reopen the film unless we talk to the distributors.”

Jayant Bhave, BJP vice president of Pune city, said, “We strictly oppose two songs from the movie and want it deleted from the movie immediately. The Censor Board has seen it as a movie but for us it is a matter of emotions.”
Bhave said, “Even in the 21st century, we won’t see such a dance as shown in the movie, forget that era. Bhansali has hurt our sentiments. We will keep protesting till the scenes are deleted and will not allow the screening of the movie.” The protest at City Pride Kothrud was led by BJP Yuva Morcha Kothrud head Ritesh Vaidya.

Even at R Deccan theatre, the screening of Bajirao Mastani was stopped after two shows, as management said they feared damage of property. An official said that the top management will take a final decision whether or not to rescreen the movie. The manager said he is hopeful of a positive decision by Saturday.

Ravi Sahu, audit executive of E-Square, where the film ran houseful on Friday, said, “It is sad to witness such protests that affect the business.” While Praveen Joshi of Rahul theatre slammed the protesters and said that it is wrong to ban a film, he further admitted, “If protesters come here, we will have to cancel the shows.”

Over a week ago, MLA Medha Kulkarni had shot a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Cultural Minister Vinod Tawade, stating that, “Because of the film Bajirao Mastani, the image of Maratha is being projected in a distorted manner due to which the places of worship is being increasingly defamed. We do not oppose the entire movie, but wrong projection of history is not acceptable. We want that such scenes be deleted.”

However, despite cancellations in some theatres, there’s no stopping those who have been eagerly waiting for the film’s release. “I had my ticket booked in City Pride Kothrud but since the show was cancelled there, I came to E-Square to watch the film. It is ridiculous to see such protests. It is a film, treat it as one,” said Aditya Nayak, a city-based student.