How Much Was the Padmavati Movie Altered?
The highly anticipated movie “Padmavati,” directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, has been a topic of intense debate and controversy since its announcement. One of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the film is: how much was “Padmavati” altered? This article delves into the extent of the changes made to the movie, examining the reasons behind them and their impact on the final product.
The original script of “Padmavati” was based on the 1946 novel of the same name by Chetan Bhagat. The story revolves around the life of Rani Padmavati, a legendary queen of the 13th century, and her tragic love story with the Rajput king Ratan Singh. However, as the film’s production progressed, it faced several controversies, primarily centered around the portrayal of historical figures and events.
One of the most significant changes made to the movie was the portrayal of Rani Padmavati. In the original script, she was depicted as a strong, independent woman who fought against the tyranny of her husband’s enemies. However, as the film’s release neared, the producers faced pressure from various groups to alter the character’s portrayal to align with a more traditional and subservient image of a queen.
As a result, the character of Rani Padmavati was reimagined as a more passive figure, who relied on her husband for protection and guidance. This change was met with criticism from many, who felt that it undermined the strength and independence of the original character. However, the producers maintained that the alterations were necessary to avoid offending any religious or cultural groups.
Another significant alteration in the movie was the depiction of the Alauddin Khilji character. In the original script, he was portrayed as a powerful and charismatic ruler, who was deeply in love with Rani Padmavati. However, as the film’s release approached, the producers faced pressure to alter the character’s portrayal to align with a more negative image of a tyrant.
As a result, the character of Alauddin Khilji was reimagined as a cruel and ruthless ruler, who was driven by his desire for power and wealth. This change was also met with criticism, with many arguing that it was a gross misrepresentation of the historical figure.
Despite the controversies, “Padmavati” was eventually released in India on December 1, 2017. The film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, with some praising its visual grandeur and performances, while others criticized the alterations made to the story and characters.
In conclusion, the “Padmavati” movie was significantly altered during its production, primarily to address the concerns of various religious and cultural groups. While some of these changes were met with criticism, the film’s success at the box office suggests that it resonated with a large audience. The question of how much the movie was altered remains a topic of debate, but it is clear that the changes had a significant impact on the final product.
