A day ahead of the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film 'Padmaavat', the protest against the controversial film today spread to Madhya Pradesh as various fringe outfits staged demonstrations in Indore and other towns and blocked national a highway.
Nearly 200 protesters blocked National Highway-3, which links Agra with Mumbai, near Pigdambar crossing in Kishanganj area in Indore district and broke glass bottles on the road, police said.
Heated arguments ensued between the protesters, who included members of Karni Sena, and the police when the Rajput group members tried to stop vehicles as part of their protest.
Talking to PTI, Additional Superintendent of Police Nagendra Singh denied reports of stone-pelting during the clashes. He said the police managed to bring the situation under control.
"The agitators broke glass bottles on the road. We have videographed the protest and are in the process of identifying the activists to take appropriate actions against them," he said.
Around 50 Karni Sena activists armed with sticks burnt an effigy of Bhansali, the film's director, on Indore-Depalpur road, police said. A police officer said the road was cleared after the protesters were given a warning.
Agitations were also carried out in Sagar, Guna, Bhopal, Ratlam and other towns in Madhya Pradesh against the movie.
The film, which was earlier named "Padmavati" and was slated for a December 1 release, will now hit theatres nationwide tomorrow.
The film, starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, is based on the saga of the 13th century battle between Maharaja Ratan Singh of Mewar and Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi.
The film has been been facing protests by Karni Sena and other fringe groups over allegations that it distorts historical facts.
The film's producers have denied the allegations.
The Supreme Court last week paved the way for its nationwide release by staying the notifications and orders issued by Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat - all ruled by the BJP - prohibiting exhibition of the film in the states.
The apex court also restrained other states from issuing such notifications or orders banning the screening of the movie.
PTI