'Mangal Pandey' - Ketan Wants Praise , Blasts The Protesters

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" The statue of Mangal Pandey was not unveiled for four years there ( Ballia) . Now , suddenly books are being written on him and everybody remembers him . Instead of patting me I am being criticised , " he said

Mehta advises his critics to see the film in its right perspective . " Aamir Khan gave two and a half years to the movie , we all got emotionally involved . I have done what I could , " he added .

The director was not bothered by the Ballia controversy and the subsequent announcement by a senior state minister that a " ban on 'Mangal Pandey - The Rising' would be considered . " Justifying the film's script Mehta said , " First , the film is based not on Mangal Pandey's entire life but on his role during the historic struggle for independence towards the end of his life , which basically centres around Barrackpore ."

" Secondly , at least four U.P. villages have claimed to be his birthplace . Once Pandey was hanged , his family had gone underground . Besides , there are several versions about him being married or not , " he said .

The filmmaker felt that those behind the controversy had ignored the fact that Mangal Pandey's role in the struggle was shown in the right perspective for the first time .

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