Samrat Prithviraj, directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi released on June 3. The film depicts Prithviraj, a 12th-century Rajput ruler, and his struggle with Muhammad Gori, who invaded his country.
Criticism is mounting that Samrat Prithviraj is glorifying Sati. Rani Sanyogita, played by Manushi Chiller, is portrayed in the film with suicidal courage and sacrifice. The disclaimer in the film is that he does not support Sati. But the audience says that watching the movie gives the opposite experience.
Padmavath, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali in 2017, was similarly criticized. Rani Padmavathi entered the fire dramatically when she learned that Alauddin Khilji had defeated the Rajput ruler Maharwal Ratan Singh.
In Samrat Prithviraj, Manushi Chiller is seen jumping into the fire accompanied by a song and dance with disguised as a warrior after receiving information that her husband had been defeated in battle.
In another scene, the queen sits next to the king and argues for her own rights. Audiences also ask about the paradox of Sanyogita’s suicide romanticization in the same film.
Following the release, Samrat Prithviraj received a mixed response. With a budget of around Rs 300 crore, the film has reached the theaters with high expectations and has so far grossed only Rs 45 crore.
There are reports that the film will suffer huge losses even if it gets satellite, overseas, and OTT money. There are reports that the film will lose Rs 100 crore even if the digital and satellite rights are taken into account.
