Akshay Kumar’s Prithviraj threatened by Karni Sena to change the title of the film

Chandraprakash Dwivedi’s Prithviraj is shrouded in controversy with the Karni Sena demanding that the title of the film be changed. Prithiviraj, starring Akshay Kumar and Manushi Chillar, has been produced by Yash Raj Films. As suggested by the title, Prithviraj is a period film inspired by the life of king Prithviraj Chauhan.

Reports have stated that Surjeet Singh Rathore, President of the Youth Wing of the Karni Sena, has asked for the title of the film to be changed. “How can they keep the title of the film as just Prithviraj when the film is based on the great Prithviraj Chauhan? We want the title to be changed to his full name and give respect to him,” Rathore has allegedly said.

Karni Sena has also demanded that the film be screened for their organisation before the official release. These protests and issues coming up for Prithviraj are very similar to the Karni Sena’s protests before the release of films like Padmaavat and Manikarnika. Rathore has threatened the Prithviraj filmmakers with the same consequences that were faced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali - he was asked to make cuts in the film and change the title.

This Akshay Kumar film was announced in 2019 on the actor’s birthday in a tweet, which read, “Elated to share about my 1st historical film on my birthday! Humbled to have the opportunity to play a hero I look up to for his valor and values - Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan in one of my biggest films #Prithviraj. (sic)”

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the filmmakers have not revealed details on whether Prithviraj will come directly to OTTs or go to theatres first.