There is no use in objecting anymore, according to Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra, who had threatened to have Pathaan banned in the state, as the Censor Board has already “taken care” of any offensive language. One of the first politicians to raise concerns about the Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone film Pathaan was Narottam Mishra.
Narottam Mishra threatened to have the movie Pathaan banned in Madhya Pradesh in December 2022, shortly after the release of the song “Besharam Rang” from the film. Deepika Padukone’s use of a saffron bikini in the song offended him.
“The outfits are really inappropriate and the song has been shot with a nasty mindset,” he remarked in a tweet in Hindi.
Soon after, the Pathaan filmmakers received a directive from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to make “changes” to the movie, including the songs, in compliance with board policies.
The movie had a huge opening weekend after its January 25 release.
Right-wing groups, however, staged anti-movie rallies in various areas of Madhya Pradesh, causing some cinemas in Indore and Bhopal to postpone some showings. According to a report by news agency PTI, Narottam Mishra responded to the protests by saying that those who were protesting the film will be counselled.
“I think all the corrections have been made to it” (film). Corrections have been made by the Censor Board. Unpopular phrases have been eliminated. Therefore, I don’t think protesting today is worthwhile, said Narottam Mishra.
Notably, sources told India Today earlier this month that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had ordered BJP leaders to avoid making any “unnecessary remarks” about movies. During the BJP national executive meeting that took place in Delhi on January 16 and 17, PM Modi reportedly gave the order.
BJP minister Narottam Mishra responded to a question on PM Modi’s remark by saying, “Nobody was named, but his (PM Modi’s) every word, syllable, and thought is significant to us, which is why all the workers have found inspiration there.
