Padmaavat Writer Defends Jauhar Scene as Historical Reality

The Cliff News | 3 September 2026

Prakash Kapadia, who co-wrote Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama 'Padmaavat', has reiterated his defence of the film's depiction of the Jauhar sequence, asserting that it represented the stark realities of the historical era. His comments come as the debate surrounding the scene, previously raised by actress Swara Bhasker, has resurfaced.

Speaking to the Hindustan Times, Kapadia emphasized that the filmmaking team relied on extensive research and historical accounts for their portrayal. He maintained that the controversial Jauhar scene was an accurate reflection of the circumstances prevalent during the period depicted in the movie.

Defending Historical Accuracy

“We made the film according to our research and what is written in history books,” Kapadia stated. He further elaborated that while individual interpretations of a film can vary, the depiction of Jauhar was presented as a factual representation of the times. He stressed that the sequence depicted a "do or die" situation, referring to the practice of 'kesariya' undertaken by male warriors.

The writer acknowledged that viewers may approach films with different perspectives and expectations. However, he firmly stood by the decision to include the Jauhar scene, describing it as an unalterable aspect of that historical period.

Renewed Scrutiny of 'Padmaavat'

Kapadia’s remarks follow a renewed wave of criticism regarding the portrayal of Jauhar in 'Padmaavat'. Swara Bhasker had previously voiced her concerns, labelling the depiction as problematic and sparking discussions about the film's historical accuracy and its impact.

While Kapadia indicated he had not been closely following Bhasker's specific comments, he suggested that such debates often stem from differing viewer expectations. He reiterated that the filmmakers aimed to present the historical context as faithfully as possible, even when dealing with sensitive and challenging subject matter.