Gujarat police will take action if violence used to stop Padmaavat

The Gujarat Police on Monday warned protesters it would not hesitate to use force as highways were blocked and buses damaged in the state by Rajput castes groups opposing the release of Hindi film Padmaavat.

With the controversial period drama set for release on January 25, police have initiated legal action against protesters, who claim the Sanjay Leela Bhansali film misrepresents history and insults Padmavati or Padmini, a legendary Rajput queen.

"No one would be allowed to break law. Patrolling vans will also do videography and all the miscreants will be booked," director general of Police Pramod Kumar told media, as a theatre was vandalised in the city.

Groups such as the Karni Sena and the Mahakal Sena have threatened to set fire to cinema halls showing the film, which was banned by the state government.