Padmaavat Writer Defends Controversial Jauhar Scene

Prakash Kapadia, a co-writer for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmaavat,' has defended the film's depiction of the Jauhar sequence, stating it was grounded in historical research and reality. He explained that the filmmakers based the portrayal on historical accounts and the difficult circumstances of the era, where a 'do or die' situation prevailed for warriors, referencing the 'Kesariya' tradition. Kapadia suggested that viewer interpretation and individual perspectives influence how a film is received. He noted that objections to the film were raised even before its release, and similar discussions continue years later. The film, released in 2018, was inspired by Malik Muhammad Jayasi's 16th-century epic poem 'Padmavat' and faced significant controversy prior to its theatrical debut. Its cast included Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh. Kapadia has a notable career in historical and mythological films, with past credits including 'Bajirao Mastani' and upcoming projects like 'Krishnavataram - Part 1: The Heart'.