Live: Delhi Dy CM Manish Sisodia invites Rajput leaders to watch 'Padmaavat'

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial film Padmaavat (initially titled Padmavati) starring Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmavati, Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji releases today amid high security. The film has been in news for all wrong reasons ever since it went on floors. Inspired by 16th century Awadhi poem - Padmavat - penned by Sufi poet Malik Muhammed Jayasi, Padmaavat is one of Bhansali's most ambitious projects. 

Also featuring Aditi Rao Hydari as Mehr-un-nisa (wife of Alauddin Khilji), Raza Murad as Jalaluddin Khilji (uncle of Alauddin), Jim Sarbh as Malik Kafur ( close aide of Alauddin) and Anupriya Goenka as Rani Nagmati (first wife of Maharawal Ratan Singh), Padmaavat has witnessed massive protests by various Rajput groups across the country.

The Supreme Court had paved the way for the nationwide release of Padmaavat after some states had issued notifications banning the film. But the Rajput Karni Sena is hell bent on disrupting the film's release by resorting to violence.

25 January 2018

20:02 IST

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia invites Rajput leaders to watch 'Padmaavat'

20:01 IST

Supreme Court agrees to hear on Monday pleas seeking contempt action against 4 state governments and Karni Sena for allegedly violating its order allowing nationwide release of 'Padmaavat'

17:20 IST

Former Haryana BJP leader Suraj Pal Amu taken into preventive detention, as per ANI report

17:04 IST

Police HQ issued detailed guidelines to police force, clearly stating protection to be provided to people screening & watching #Padmaavat. So far protests have been done within the law. If there's an untoward incident we'll take action: Sanjeev Kumar Singhal, ADG (HQ), Bihar told ANI.

16:51 IST

Haryana has become gang-rape capital of India, PM must speak on Padmaavat violence: Congress

16:51 IST

#WATCH: Members of various organisations vandalised a 'dhaba' located at Dewas, Maxi bypass in protest against #Padmaavat, protesters removed from the spot after police intervention. #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/frCOPLY7Bz

— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018

16:20 IST

"Law & order situation is peaceful across the state. Only 2 minor incidents have been reported in Jalore & Udaipur. If multiplexes ask for protection we'll certainly give it to them.Appeal people to protest peacefully, not take law into their handsm" ANI quoted Rajasthan Home Minister as saying.

15:52 IST

Addressing reporters, Haryana DGP BS Sandhu said, "18 people have been arrested in connection with attack on a school bus and torching of a Haryana Roadways bus in Gurugram yesterday, case registered.

"All theaters provided with adequate protection. Things peaceful now. If someone is found getting involved in unlawful activities, they would be immediately arrested & strict action will be taken. Govt is providing full protection to those ready to screen #Padmavaat," ANI report quoted Sandhu as saying.

15:41 IST

One of the accused, in connection with the attack on a school bus in Gurugram, has been sent to 14 days judicial custody by Sohna Court: ANI report

15:40 IST

#WATCH DGP Haryana addresses the media over law and order situation in the state #Padmaavat https://t.co/LnzgC8dVla

— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018

15:25 IST

Despite challenges and extremely limited preview shows [which commenced in evening], #Padmaavat collects ₹ 5 cr in previews screenings on Wed.

— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) 25 January 2018

15:18 IST

Bihar: Members of an organisation staged a protest against #Padmaavat in Motihari. pic.twitter.com/RUgXyGbu7S

— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018

15:07 IST

Kshatriya community will contribute & give the person a reward of Rs 1 Crore who chops off Deepika Padukone's ears and nose: Gajendra Singh, President Kshatriya Mahasabha (24.1.2018) #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/OP9R4EmaG1

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) 25 January 2018

14:43 IST

BJP members should be ashamed of themselves for not putting an end to violence by protesters opposing the release of Padmaavat, says Congress.

14:13 IST

Meanwhile, SP (City) Dehradun, Pradeep Rai told ANI, "Dehradun All the vehicles are being checked and every person is being frisked. All the shows were houseful yesterday. It was peaceful yesterday and so will be today. We are prepared for all situation. Arrests will be made if need be."

13:52 IST

Karni Sena members protest outside Lucknow's Novelty cinema. The members present roses to people and appeal to them to not watch the film. A protester says 'we will also compensate money of the tickets in case people have already bought' #Padmaavat, as per ANI.

Karni Sena members protest at Lucknow's Novelty cinema, present roses to people and appeal to them to not watch the film. A protester says 'we will also compensate money of the tickets in case people have already bought' #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/uezpold0lG

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 25, 2018

13:11 IST

Uttarakhand: Clash between Police & Bajrang Dal workers outside a cinema hall in Rishikesh #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/69gNzsf04E

— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018

13:05 IST

"Yesterday some people pelted stones on school children in Gurugram. I couldn't sleep entire night. If our children are pelted with stones on Republic Day eve, a few kms away from nation's capital, it is a matter of shame for the entire nation," ANI quoted Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal as saying.

12:39 IST

Man tries to self immolate outside a cinema hall in Varanasi, detained by Police. #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/lIGVaaozct

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) 25 January 2018

12:35 IST

Karni Sena members protest at Lucknow's Novelty cinema by presenting roses to people. They have opted for a non-violent form of protest by appealing to people to not watch the film. They are even ready to compensate of the tickets. 

"We will also compensate money of the tickets in case people have already bought," ANI quoted a protester as saying. 

12:32 IST

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi takes a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi while talking about the violent protests against Padmaavat.

"This is nothing but 'pakoda' politics practiced by BJP. Prime Minister & his party have meekly surrendered before these people who are protesting. He has 56 inch chest only for Muslims," ANI quoted him as saying.

12:22 IST

18 people have arrested in connection with the attack on a school bus in Gurugram yesterday. The culprits will be brought to Sohna Court later today.

12:17 IST

While talking to reporters about the school bus attack, Haryana Minister Ram Bilas Sharma said, "It is a worrying incident,and I am sure there will be a solution to this whole issue today. Hume aisi ghatna ka andesha nahi tha (we didn't expect such an incident to happen)."

11:55 IST

Rajasthan: Shops vandalized in Udaipur during protest against #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/tJfgusGh5b

— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018

11:44 IST

Protesters brandish swords, burn tires in protest against #Padmaavat in Muzaffarpur #Bihar pic.twitter.com/y2Id7YfDxp

— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018

11:41 IST

#WATCH Karni Sena members take out bike rally in protest against #Padmaavat in Jaipur #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/TqcCdLGhGS

— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018

11:32 IST

Karni Sena stage protest against #Padmaavat in Jaipur #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/99U9JG7tEl

— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018

11:17 IST

Delhi High Court refuses to entertain plea against Padmaavat .High Court asked petitioner to approach Supreme court: report

11:16 IST

Contempt petition filed against four states in Supreme Court. The petitioner claimed that the states in question had failed in their duty to maintain law and order.

11:10 IST

Padmaavat screening cancelled in two theatres in Jalna area of Maharashtra. Stones were pelted on the theatres on Wednesday night, following which three people were detained.

11:08 IST

Contempt petition filed in the Supreme Court against three members of Karni Sena for violating Supreme Court order: report

11:05 IST

Notice put up outside PVR Cinemas in Gurugram's Ambience Mall. #Padmaavat #Haryana pic.twitter.com/3F5nWNB6D2

— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018

10:42 IST

Senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy spoke about the controversy surrounding Bhansali's Padmaavat. 

"It opens old wounds, and that is why such films should not be made. what is the historical value of it? Zero. They say it has nothing to do with history, then why are you making it? Also, why is Rahul Gandhi not taking a stand on it?," ANI quoted Swamy as saying.

10:34 IST

Student & teachers are safe. Staff handled situation, teachers didn't let students panic. We are grateful to our staff who were able to tackle the situation so beautifully as they are trained for this: Neeta Bali, Principal, GD Goenka school #Gurugram #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/70eHWRfLg2

— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018

10:24 IST

Security increased outside cinema halls screening Padmaavat in Ahmedabad: reports

10:18 IST

#Visuals from Chittorgarh (Rajasthan): Heavy security outside Chittor Fort #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/c8JdGh5WTi

— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018

10:11 IST

Security has been beefed up outside cinema halls in Varanasi. Police have not witnessed any protest yet but have increased security as a precautionary measure, reports suggest.

10:10 IST

The film has been drawing mixed reponses from the political class. Addressing reporters, senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh said, "Films which hurt sentiments of any religion or caste should not be made." 

10:05 IST

According to an ANI report, Vijender, a bus conductor in Gurugram said, "Protesters were pelting stones on cars and clashing with Police, we tried to navigate safely but got caught in the violence, fortunately we were able to ensure safety of children which was our priority."

10:01 IST

Tight security ensured outside Hyderabad cinema halls as Padmaavat hits theatres today.

Telangana: Security outside cinema halls in Hyderabad #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/rM20CwaFn0

— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018

09:58 IST

ANI shared the visuals of school bus attacked in Gurugram over Padmaavat row.

Visuals of the school bus which was attacked yesterday by vandals in Haryana's Gurugram. #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/aZHyiA4TZR

— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018

09:56 IST

UP government has issued an advisory for the safe screening of Padmaavat. The government has said that those protesting will be dealt with strongly, said reports.

09:52 IST

"Freedom of Expression does not allow one to distort historical facts. Therefore, we should sit with those protesting and solve the issue. When things don't happen with consensus, they lead to trouble", VK Singh, Union Minister on Padmaavat row.

09:49 IST

Meanwhile, Delhi theatres witness a good occupancy on opening day. 

Delhi: Theater in Rajouri Garden witnesses good turn-out on first day, first show of #Padmaavat; movie-goers say, 'want to see the reason behind all that uproar' pic.twitter.com/qpbocKCxDK

— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018

09:39 IST

Bihar cinema owners association say no to screening Padmaavat, say reports.

09:30 IST

Visuals of security personnel outside cinema halls in Agra. #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/4Lr9geHcQN

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) 25 January 2018

09:19 IST

Protesters set fire to a car during a protest against #Padmavaat in Bhopal yesterday, Police say 2 people have been taken into custody. #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/d0Iek2fvbY

— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018

09:13 IST

Visuals from Mumbai's Sion, security outside PVR cinemas. #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/o0YbtDM6Gz

— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018

08:44 IST

Its peaceful.Current show housefull. Police presence is here, our own security is also in place. All good as of now: Kishore Ganatra, E-Square cinema hall owner #Pune #Padmavaat pic.twitter.com/U2f14SlqXi

— ANI (@ANI) 25 January 2018

08:42 IST

Shahid Kapoor, who has teamed up with Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the first time essays Rajput warrior Maharawal Ratan Singh. Talking about the film and his character, Shahid said, "Prior to Padmaavat I was nervous, because people know very less of my character (in the film). It's a very important film for me. It's tough to essay a role like this. I feel thankful & honored. We've done everything, it's time for people to decide what they feel."

08:40 IST

The actress looked very confident about the film's impressive performance at the Box Office. She said, "It's time for us to celebrate & see the film do wonders at box office. The best response is the one we can give to someone through the work we do. This time I am excited about the box office because it is going to be earth shattering."

08:39 IST

Deepika Padukone, who essays Rani Padmavati, interacted with the media Wednesday evening.

"Padmaavat has been through so much. To see it finally releasing & the reaction it is getting is extremely overwhelming. I am very excited for the release tomorrow. Big day for all of us. On behalf of entire crew we want to thank you for being so supportive," ANI quoted the actress as saying.