Ahead of its release (which has now been postponed to 2018), Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmavati' has finally found some support from the Indian Films and TV Directors' Association (IFTDA). 

Spearheaded by the Rajput Karni Sena, the controversies have now taken a deadly turn and it does not seem that they will die down anytime soon. What started as vandalism of the film sets have now taken a murky turn with Bhansali and his film's leading lady Deepika Padukone getting death threats almost every day. So much so, that brazen rewards are being announced for beheading Deepika. 

© Viacom 18 Motion Pictures

Despite several clarifications, the scontroversies around 'Padmavati' are stemming from the rumours that the story of Queen Padmini and Allaudin Khilji might be shown in a different light from what really happened in history, which can hurt the sentiments of the Rajput community.  

Showing their support to the film, IFTDA and as many as 20 other organizations from the film and television industry is reportedly planning a 15-minute blackout called 'Main Azaad Hoon' today to support the film and “to protect the right to freedom of expression of creative individuals”.

© Viacom 18 Motion Pictures

Reportedly, Ashoke Pandit from IFTDA said, “We will keep showing our support for 'Padmavati' and Bhansali because it is the basic right of a creative person to tell a story in his own way. Sanjay is a responsible filmmaker, and making a film on history is not something easy for him but a big responsibility. To express our solidarity (with the film), we are gathering on Sunday for a 15-minute blackout where all shooting units in Mumbai will put off lights and no shooting will take place.”  

© Viacom 18 Motion Pictures

While condemning the protests and death threats from these non-institutional bodies, Pandit extended his support to 'Padmavati' and expressed his concern over how the industry does not get any support from outside, “We as film industry feel hurt every time such groups target our films and try to control our freedom of expression. Unfortunately, we do not get support from any other industry, not even from the government as if we are orphans as a community.”

Along with IFTDA, celebrities too came out in support of 'Padmavati' and Bhansali. 

Its bizarre!! the whole #Padmavati row is based on just presumptions.
protestors have not seen a single frame of the film yet,but they know tht history hs been se tampered! How! ðð

— anurag basu (@basuanurag) November 19, 2017

I'm appalled at the drama that's unfolding.. it's ludicrous and I'm so ashamed of some of these Indians.. https://t.co/LMNnewDOKT

— Sonam Kapoor (@sonamakapoor) November 19, 2017

Mrs. Funnybones aka Twinkle Khanna too gave her two cents to the ongoing controversy and floored us all. 

The nation wants to know-Is this 10 cr beheading fee inclusive of GST? https://t.co/sSlKJKmlYt

— Twinkle Khanna (@mrsfunnybones) November 19, 2017

It's a sad day for our country & our craft.Rape them,beat them,violate them,abuse them on national tv,while YOU speak of respect & valour.And we call ourselves a great democracy.I can't wait to watch @FilmPadmavati .SLB sir you are just the bestðð» More power to #TeamPadmavati https://t.co/QjDKz2ELAB

— bhumi pednekar (@psbhumi) November 20, 2017

What kind of a country are we becoming???? Open death threats!!! Hope our Honorable Government takes quick action. #Padmavati #KyaMeraBharatMahaanHai? https://t.co/LTdju1ridW

— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) November 19, 2017

Having said that, we are still trying to decipher whatever happened to being a democratic country, where every citizen has the right to freedom of speech and expression. Are we even entitled to those rights anymore or we will have to live under the constant fear of being targeted for giving our thoughts or opinions? 

Source: Hindustan Times