In online journalism, there is a thing that makes or breaks your story. It’s called a thumbnail. A thumbnail is a concise description, representation, or summary of a story. It’s that little box with an image and a headline that appears on your phone screen. The box you tap on to read the whole article.
Well, I have a confession to make. In the past few weeks, whenever I have seen a thumbnail with this image on it.
I have flicked it away like you flick booger-balls from your (actual) thumbnail.
I know, I know. This is not the time to say something like this. The left-liberals will think we are being puerile.
And trust me, I acknowledge the fact that it’s not just about the film but about freedom of expression. Also, it poses some seriously difficult questions about the way we interpret history. Was Padmini at all a “real person”? If she was not a Rajput by birth, as some historians point out, why is her memory being burdened with preserving the Rajputana pride? Why are left-liberals, as pointed out in this brilliant The Print article, undermining interpretations of the Padmavati legend now?
Yet, the seasoned Bollywood buff in me can’t help but balk at all this drama. Every ounce of my being knows that Padmavati, like Bajirao Mastani, is all about ghagra porn.
You can distinguish a Sanjay Leela Bhanali film from cheap imitations like Mirziya, by the detailing of the zari patch on Deepika Padukone’s chunari.
No one expects a history lesson from the man who reduced the complexities of zamindari culture of Bengal to just one word.
I sincerely believe that there is a sizable population in the country that is more concerned with the rising price of eggs than the Padmavati release date. Or, for that matter, just having a good time.
If you don’t believe me, see what Bhansali’s one-time collaborator, Farah Khan is up to.
India is indeed suffering from a serious bout of Padmavati, or Padmavitis as we choose to call it. You have to check out our Padmavati mashup video to realise how serious an affliction this is.
I have a sneaking suspicion, even Mr Bhansali will agree with us.
