We’re Happy With The Success Of Padmaavat: Birthday Boy Bhansali

“We’re Happy With The  Success…We’ll Be Happier If Rajasthan and Gujarat  Urban Our Film,” Says  Birthday Boy Bhansali

Padmaavat has crossed Rs 270  crores at the Indian boxoffice. Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali feels more vindicated than elated.

“What better gift can I  expect than this wholehearted acceptance of my film? There were threats and risks of violence and yet families all across the country went to see  Padmaavat.  It gives me feeling of tremendous gratitude.I’ve been through so  much during the past year,I am numbed. It is baffling why the situation was allowed to get out of hand in the first place. I can only thank the audience for  going to see my film in spite of  the threats,” says Bhansali whose one big fear is that the fringe elements will target other films.

“I don’t think Padmaavat is the end  of it(the protests). This is  just the beginning,” says Bhansali ominously.

Sure enough there are protests brewing against another historical drama Manikarnika in  another part of  India, while Padmaavat remains  banned in three states Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

“We’re very happy with the film’s success.We’d be happier if the two states(Gujarat and Rajasthan) where the film is not showing, decide to  release our film. My films have always had a tremendous  response in these two states. I feel helpless and  sad about the film’s being held back in Gujarat and Rajasthan. It’s all destiny, I suppose. Who would’ve thought that my film which honours  a community would be attacked by members  of the same community?” wonders Bhansali.

What are  the takeaways for the  director from the experience of making Padmaavat? “That making cinema that  you believe in is becoming increasingly difficult. That these difficulties  only make  me more determined  to do exactly what I want to do, no matter what the price. Today when I see the swelling crowds  forPadmaavat my heart swells in  pride.Yes, it has been  a tough journey.But finally all worth it.”