Aishwarya Rai

An Indian film about a romance between a Muslim emperor and his Hindu wife opened to demonstrations over the weekend.

Jodhaa Akbar, starring former Miss World and Indian movie royalty Aishwarya Rai, has sparked protests from people who say the film is inaccurate.

The epic, which cost about $10 million US to make and is considered one of the most expensive Indian movies to be created, depicts the romance between 16th century Mughal ruler Akbar and Rajput princess Jodha Bai.

Cinemas in parts of Rajasthan state have refused to show the film after threats from the Rajput community there, which says the film is grossly inaccurate.

“We will not allow the film to run unless the director makes a public apology,” said Lokendra Kalvi, a community leader in Rajput.

Many in the Rajput community, as well as numerous historians, say Jodha Bai was in fact Akbar’s daughter-in-law.