Prithviraj director Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi opens up about Karni Sena's objection to Akshay Kumar-led movie

The trailer launch of Yash Raj Films-Akshay Kumar period drama Prithviraj took place today in Mumbai where director Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi shared his thoughts on Karni Sena's objection to the movie and its title.

OTTplay was present in the audience to report that the filmmaker, in Hindi, spoke about how any opposition made against any movie has to be within the bounds of the constitution. His remarks have been translated into English here. 

"Firstly, I believe you also have the right to question anything I do but only if you adhere to the constitution. Secondly, the organisation you're referring to is ensuring that no one misrepresents Indian history," he said.

Chandraprakash said there's debate around a lot of issues in society but their aim here is to pay tribute to Prithviraj's legacy. He was an important piece of history, who was also played by the late MG Ramachandran in Tamil. The director said that Prithviraj Chauhan is a national figure who is revered across the country for his valour. 

He went on to question why a filmmaker or an actor would ever want to tarnish the reputation of such a great figure.

Chandraprakah also spoke on the tension around the title of the movie, saying what other nomenclature could be used for the emperor instead. Karni Sena had insisted that the movie be called Veer Yoddha Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan as a mark of "respect."

He said that after the remarks from Karni Sena, YRF chief Aditya Chopra asked whether the title needed any additions, like an honourific. However, Chandraprakash bought all his historical knowledge out and explained how Prithviraj has been referred to as "Prithviraj Raso" or as "Prithviraj Vijaya" and not as "Samrat" (king) in epic poems by Chand Bardai and Jayanaka, respectively. 

From the looks of the trailer and Chandraprakash's extensive knowledge of the topic on display at the launch event, one should worry a lot less about Prithviraj being hurtful to the emperor's legacy. Additionally, let's not forget that the filmmaker has many historical TV shows and movies to his credit.

Besides Akshay, the movie also stars Sanjay Dutt, Sonu Sood, and Miss World-turned-actor Manushi Chhillar along with Ashutosh Rana and Sakshi Tanwar. The YRF-backed movie is set to release in cinemas on June 3.