Protests against 'Jodha-Akbar' in MP

Bhopal, Feb 15 (UNI) Screening of the Bollywood blockbuster 'Jodha-Akbar', released today, had to be halted at some cinema halls in Madhya Pradesh following damage to property even as demonstrations took place at several places against historical facts being allegedly distorted in the film.

A report from Gwalior said kshatriya community members targeted two halls and submitted a memorandum, to the administration, against the movie's screening. The demonstrators alleged that the film portrayed Emperor Akbar's wife Jodha Bai as a kshatriya though she was not one.

During the demonstration, under the Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha banner, people pelted stones at the halls and tore posters. Screening was halted on the administration's advice.

''Discussions will take place with the protestors,'' said Superintendent of Police B K Suryavanshi.

At Indore, the Mahasabha staged a demonstration near Madhumilan hall and tore posters. Peaceful protests took place at two other halls there. A total seven halls are screening the film there.

In Ujjain, people under the Kshatriya Yuva Mahasabha banner, pelted stones at a hall resulting in halting of screening. The demonstrators submitted a memo, to the administration, demanding a ban. At Dhar, Rajput community representatives prevented screening at Mohan Talkies and ripped posters outside the hall.

In the state capital, some people protested peacefully but others actually supported the movie by dressing up as Akbar.

Protests were peaceful in some other places.

UNI Team-AC SB KN2055