Happy with the success of 'Padmaavat': Birthday boy Bhansali
Mumbai
February 24, 2017
"Padmaavat" has crossed Rs 270 crore at the Indian box
office and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who has turned a year older, feels
more vindicated than elated.
"What better gift can I expect than this
wholehearted acceptance of my film? There were threats and risks of violence and
yet families all across the country went to see 'Padmaavat'. It gives me feeling
of tremendous gratitude.
"I've been through so much during the past year,
I am numbed. It is baffling why the situation was allowed to get out of hand in
the first place. I can only thank the audience for going to see my film in spite
of the threats," said Bhansali, whose one big fear is that the fringe elements
will target other films.
"I don't think 'Padmaavat' is the end of it (the
protests). This is just the beginning," added the filmmaker.
Sure enough,
there are protests brewing against another historical drama, "Manikarnika", in
another part of India, while "Padmaavat" remains banned in three states --
Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
"We're very happy with the film's
success. We'd be happier if the two states (Gujarat and Rajasthan) where the
film is not showing, decide to release our film. My films have always had a
tremendous response in these two states. I feel helpless and sad about the film
being held back in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
"It's all destiny, I suppose.
Who would've thought that my film, which honours a community, would be attacked
by members of the same community?" wondered Bhansali.
What are the
takeaways for the director from the experience of making "Padmaavat"?
"That making cinema that you believe in is becoming increasingly difficult. That
these difficulties only make me more determined to do exactly what I want to do,
no matter what the price. Today, when I see the swelling crowds for 'Padmaavat'
my heart swells in pride. Yes, it has been a tough journey. But finally (it was)
all worth it," he said.
Mumbai
February 24, 2017
"Padmaavat" has crossed Rs 270 crore at the Indian box
office and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who has turned a year older, feels
more vindicated than elated.
"What better gift can I expect than this
wholehearted acceptance of my film? There were threats and risks of violence and
yet families all across the country went to see 'Padmaavat'. It gives me feeling
of tremendous gratitude.
"I've been through so much during the past year,
I am numbed. It is baffling why the situation was allowed to get out of hand in
the first place. I can only thank the audience for going to see my film in spite
of the threats," said Bhansali, whose one big fear is that the fringe elements
will target other films.
"I don't think 'Padmaavat' is the end of it (the
protests). This is just the beginning," added the filmmaker.
Sure enough,
there are protests brewing against another historical drama, "Manikarnika", in
another part of India, while "Padmaavat" remains banned in three states --
Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
"We're very happy with the film's
success. We'd be happier if the two states (Gujarat and Rajasthan) where the
film is not showing, decide to release our film. My films have always had a
tremendous response in these two states. I feel helpless and sad about the film
being held back in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
"It's all destiny, I suppose.
Who would've thought that my film, which honours a community, would be attacked
by members of the same community?" wondered Bhansali.
What are the
takeaways for the director from the experience of making "Padmaavat"?
"That making cinema that you believe in is becoming increasingly difficult. That
these difficulties only make me more determined to do exactly what I want to do,
no matter what the price. Today, when I see the swelling crowds for 'Padmaavat'
my heart swells in pride. Yes, it has been a tough journey. But finally (it was)
all worth it," he said.
Tags: Sanjay Leela BhansaliPadmaavatManikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi