Screening of 'Jodhaa Akbar' suspended in Madhya Pradesh

Bollywood stars Hrithik Roshan (L) and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan attend the music release function of ''Jodhaa Akbar'' in Mumbai January 9, 2008. The Madhya Pradesh government suspended the screening of ''Jodhaa Akbar'' on Friday following protests against the film by the Rajput community in the state.

BHOPAL, India (Reuters) - The Madhya Pradesh government suspended the screening of "Jodhaa Akbar" on Friday following protests against the film by the Rajput community in the state.

The Mughal-era romance of Emperor Akbar and his Rajput consort, brought to life by filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, has sparked protests over the historical accuracy of his on-screen love life.

The order suspending screenings of "Jodhaa Akbar" was issued after some Rajput groups tore posters of the film and shouted slogans outside cinemas. They claim that Rajput princess Jodhaa was the Mughal emperor's daughter-in-law and not his wife.

"The screening of the movie has been suspended for the time being only," Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said at a press conference.

"Later, the situation would be reviewed and further decision would be taken."

But Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha, a Rajput community organisation, said protests would continue.

"We welcome the decision (but) opposition to this movie would continue demanding a blanket ban on the movie," Hemant Bahadur Singh Parihar said.

The organisation had earlier threatened to set ablaze cinema halls if screenings of the film were not stopped.

For fear of violent protests, the film was not released in Rajasthan when it opened in cinemas across India on Feb. 15.