The Indian Films and TV Directors’ Association (IFTDA), along with 20 other bodies of the film and television industry, is planning a 15-minute blackout in support of the film and “to protect the right to freedom of expression of creative individuals”.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati is facing a strong opposition by the Karni Sena, citing the misrepresentation of the queen Padmawati in the film.

Confirming the plan, Ashoke Pandit of IFTDA told IANS: “We will keep showing our support for Padmavati and SLB (Sanjay Leela Bhansali) because it is the basic right of a creative person to tell a story in his own way.”

“Sanjay is a responsible filmmaker, and making a film on history is not something easy for him but a big responsibility. To express our solidarity (with the film), we are gathering on Sunday for a 15-minute blackout where all shooting units in Mumbai will put off lights and no shootings will take place.”

Pandit added: “We strongly protest against the non-institutional bodies who every now and then protest against movies and threaten actors and makers of films. We will keep condemning their actions in a democratic manner. We have faith in our Prime Minister…for justice to Padmavati,” added Pandit.