The Problem With Padmavat

Ever since the Movie Padmavat/Padmavati based on apoem by Malik Muhammed Jaisi was announced, many sections sprouted like mushrooms with all sorts of threats. They attacked the film sets and sent frequent death threats to those associated with the film. The sole reason for these atrocities was the supposed belief that the film if allowed to release would make unredeemable dishonour to the “ aan baan and shaan” of Rajput culture.

As the film saw limelight many of these claims died down . Because all the filmcould be seen doing was to showcase this luxurious Rajput culture. In doing so this film has undoubtedly picturised a marginalise community in negative.

Yes. We are talking about Alauddin Khalji of the film. Nothing to be said about how Ranveer Singh brought the ruler to the screen. He had done full justice to the script and the text on which the film is based. But the way Khalji was presented should be questioned.

The fact that Alauddin murdered his uncle Jalaluddin Khalji for the throne is historically correct. It’s cruel, but that doesn’t make him a total savage. He had implemented some of the best administrative reforms like:

1. Four separate markets in Delhi with regulated prices

2. Paid soldiers in cash

3. Royal offices were not hereditary, meaning anyone with merit could be employed

4. New garrison town for soldier

5. Proper records for soldiers and horses in the army

His reforms were all for military purposes and maintaining power. But people were benefitted from his market control regimes. It is this ruler that was portrayed as the total antagonist in the film . The battle between Alauddin and Ratan Singh became a battle of dharma were the evil represented by Khalji could defeat the truth only through treachery.

The representation itself is problematic. But what shatters me is the silent reception it got. There were many war cries to defend the Rajput culture before the film was released. But not a single protest against the depiction of marginalised community. This is a close encounter with the political reality of the country. For the past few years atrocities against the marginalised community have been normalised. So any man could walk away after raping a Muslim minor girl for teaching the community a lesson, or beat up a Muslim man after falsely accusing him of eating cow’s meat.

If this has to stop, we need to start questioning the narratives we get in the country. Let’s start that process by acknowledging the fact that padmavati is not a great movie.