Padmavati release deferred

Mumbai: The release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati has been ‘voluntarily’ deferred, a spokesperson of the film’s producer and distributor Viacom18 Motion Pictures said on Sunday. Starring Deepika Padukone as Queen Padmini, the film has been facing controversy over conjectures that it “distorts history” and “demeans” the queen. Even though the film’s cast and director have vehemently denied the claims, it did nothing to stop the protests.

The film will not release on its scheduled date on December 1 and a new release date will be announced once the “requisite clearances” are in place, said the spokesperson in a statement. Some Hindu groups have been protesting against the movie's release while some political outfits have demanded that its release be deferred in view of the Gujarat Assembly elections.

The makers have also not got a clearance yet from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which said the application from the makers was "incomplete". A new release date will be announced once the "requisite clearances" are in place, the statement said, adding: "We are a responsible, law-abiding corporate citizen and have the highest respect and regard for the law of the land and all our institutions and statutory bodies including the CBFC.

"We always have and are committed to continue following the established procedure and convention. We have faith that we will soon obtain the requisite clearances to release the film. "We will announce the revised release date of the film in due course." On Saturday, CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi had expressed disappointment over the film being screened for some journalists, who said there was nothing in it to hurt anyone's sentiments.

The makers have described "Padmavati" as "a beautiful cinematic masterpiece that captures Rajput valour, dignity and tradition in all its glory".
"The film is an eloquent portrayal of a tale that will fill every Indian with pride and showcase our country's storytelling prowess across the globe," the spokesperson added. ‘Padmavati’ features Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, besides Deepika Padukone, in lead roles. No Padmavati release in UP?

In a major development in connection with the controversy over Padmavati release, deputy CM in Yogi Adityanath government Keshav Prasad Maurya has said, “We will not let ‘Padmavati’ be released in UP unless controversial portions are removed.” Maurya’s big statement came hours after the proposed release date of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati was deferred.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said the legendary queen had sacrificed her life instead of surrendering before the Mughals and made a place for herself in the history. “Islamic invaders created a lot of mayhem in the country. The ‘Rani’ burnt herself alive in ‘Jauhar’ for her ‘satitva’ (pride) and dignity,” he said. As an Entertainment Tax minister also, I can that we will not let the movie be released in Uttar Pradesh unless its controversial portions are removed, Maurya said.