Prithviraj Trailer Launch: Prithviraj director Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi BREAKS silence on the Karni Sena row; explains why no one should have an objection to the title of the Akshay Kumar starrer

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By Fenil Seta -

May 9, 2022 - 4:54 PM IST

Padmaavat (2018). The Sri Rajput Karni Sena embarked on a yearlong protest. They assaulted director Sanjay Leela Bhansali on the sets in Rajasthan and successfully got the film banned in 4 states.

Prithviraj Trailer Launch: Prithviraj director Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi BREAKS silence on the Karni Sena row; explains why no one should have an objection to the title of the Akshay Kumar starrer

As a result, there was a lot of concern when the Sri Rajput Karni Sena objected to Prithviraj. In March 2020, they stormed the sets in Rajasthan. Lead actor Akshay Kumar wasn't present on that day. However, director Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi spoke to the Karni Sena members and heard their grievance. Later, it came to light that Karni Sena has demanded a change of title.

At the trailer launch of Prithviraj, director Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi was asked about Karni Sena's objection and the demand to change the title of the film, which also stars Manushi Chhillar. To which, the expert filmmaker said, "I personally believe that every person or organization has the right to object against a film, but within the framework of the constitution. They shouldn't resort to violence. Secondly, the organization you are talking about is a social group and their objective is that no one should distort with Indian history. With this film, we wanted to pay homage to Prithviraj. He's revered from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Why would any filmmaker or prominent actor do something that would be found objectionable by a section of the society?"

Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi continued, "With regards to the title, I won't say there was no opposition. Rather, there was a difference of opinion. Our producer, Shri Aditya Chopra asked me if there's any need to change the film's title. I reasoned that the first write up on Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan was a poem called 'Prithviraj Raso'. Even there, 'Samrat' hasn't been used. There's another written material, 'Prithviraj Vijaya', written by the king's court poet, Jayanaka. Again, 'Samrat' is missing from the title. Then in 2015, a Sanskrit book called 'Prithviraj Charitra', was published. Lastly, there's a street in Delhi named Prithviraj Road."

Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi then stated, "So, in my opinion, no one should have objection if I am addressing someone by their name. I address Lord Ram as Rambhadra, Shri Ram, Ram etc. In fact, in 'Prithviraj Raso', Prithviraj is also mentioned as 'Prathiraj'."

Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi then added, "Hence, you can call such a legendary person fondly by any name and it should be acceptable. To be honest, they (Karni Sena) don't even have an objection. They have doubts. I am sure once they see the film, they'll be satisfied."

Also Read: Prithviraj Trailer Launch: “I would also request the government that they make it compulsory viewing in school” – says Akshay Kumar