TERRIFYING IMAGES… Dilwale, Bajirao Mastani Shows Cancelled After Protests

Looks like more than the audiences, the politicians wait for the release of major films. The two big releases of today, Dilwale and Bajirao Mastani, were welcomed by protests. While the ruling party, BJP, forced to cancel few shows of Bajirao Mastani in Pune, its ideological mentor and right wing group, RSS, carried out protests against Dilwale in Mumbai. Also reports of protests against Dilwale are coming from Jabalpur. The protests there were led by BJP, Bajrang Dal and VHP. Shows of Dilwale at a Jabalpur Mall have been cancelled so far. The Bajirao Mastani protestors claim that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has distorted facts about Peshwa Bajirao in the film. While, the Dilwaleprotestors have nothing to do with the film, but its lead actor, Shah Rukh Khan. Shah Rukh had recently made comments on “intolerance in India”, and protestors want his film to be banned. Priyanka Chopra recently wrote about the situation in a tweet. “I can’t help staying silent on this anymore.. It’s too sad to see how films and actors become political pawns! Bans based on baseless propaganda.. Holding films ransom just before they release so that publicity can be garnered for certain agendas by forcing a producer to their knees.. “How does no one speak up for what is right? How is this fair? People think films r just fun and games to make?! They r made with blood sweat and tears for entertainment!! Pls stand by the filmmakers who put in their life’s money and hard work to make people laugh and smile. Don’t let them be blackmailed and threatened by holding their films ransom just before release. Speak up before if there is an issue!! “Everyone has a right to an opinion. The timing right before release just seems very suspect!! I know I may get into trouble for saying all this but I can’t be a silent witness to character defamation based on opinions anymore.. That is not what, the India I grew up, taught me.” We only wonder, what do the politicians get out of all such aggression against films, and turning a blind eye towards actual causes. What’s your take?