Violence erupts in India after controversial film releases

Violence has erupted in India following the release of a controversial film.

Extremist Hindu groups in the western state of Gujarat set fire to vehicles and vandalised a theatre in protest over the Bollywood film Padmavat.

Protesters claim the movie depicts an intimate romantic scene between a 14^th century Hindu queen and a Muslim ruler. They say the scene “disrespects” her character.

India’s Supreme Court lifted a ban on the film last week, with a release date set for Thursday 25 January.

However, some states have issued petitions to the court asking to reimpose the ban as they fear further violence.