Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra has said that there was no point in protesting against Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Pathaan anymore as the Censor board has already “taken care” of controversial words in the movie.
Narottam Mishra, one of the first politicians who objected to some scenes and dialogues in the Bollywood film said on Wednesday that he believed that the Censor Board had made all the necessary cuts and correction in the action movie, including the removal of certain controversial words.
So, there was no point in protesting its release, Mishra said as right-wing groups held protests against Pathaan in some parts of the BJP-ruled state, forcing some theatres in Indore and Bhopal to cancel the morning shows on the first day. Mishra said the protesters will be “counselled”.
The BJP minister had last month objected Deepika Padukone’s skimpy orange bikini in the movie’s Besharam Rang song and was among the first to object the use of saffron costumes in aforementioned number.
Padukone’s contentious outfit, however, made the final cut and was not removed by the Censor Board.
Mishra had also objected to certain content in other movies and web series in his bid to “defend Indian culture and traditions.”
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a BJP national executive meeting, had advised party workers to refrain from making unnecessary remarks on irrelevant issues such as movies.
Commenting on PM Modi’s remark, Mishra said PM’s every word is an inspiration for all party workers, however, the PM did not name anyone in his comments.
Last year, Mishra had directed authorities to lodge an FIR against filmmaker Leena Manimekalai’s documentary ‘Kaali’ for its controversial poster.
Pathaan released in over 100 countries on Wednesday amidst much fanfare.
Directed by Siddharth Anand, Pathaan is part of the spy world created by Yash Raj Films, which also includes the Tiger films starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, and War featuring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff.
Shah Rukh Khan, in his first starring role since 2018’s Zero, plays Pathaan, a RAW agent sent from the desert to combat a terror threat. Pathaan hooks up with Deepika Padukone’s character to take on terrorist commander Jim (John Abraham).