Padmavati cleared by UK censor board, producers won't release now
Mumbai, Nov 23 (IBNS): Controversy-marred Sanjay Leela Bhansali film Padmavati has been cleared by the UK censor board but the film producers are in no mood to release the movie on the foreign soil now.
Viacom 18, the production company, said they will hold the release in the UK till the film is cleared by Indian censor board.
Padmavati received criticisms from several fringe groups in the country over the alleged portrayal of Rani Padmini, played by Deepika Padukone on screen, in poor light.
The Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan governments have banned Padmavati even before the film received its certificate. The state governments stated they have banned the film since it hurts the Rajput sentiment.
Padmavati evoked a huge controversy after several fringe groups alleged that Bhansali has distorted history in his upcoming film.
Taking the controversy to a new low, a Karni Sena leader has threatened to chop off actor Deepika Padukone's nose as the latter reacted sharply to the ongoing controversy centred on the film recently.
Reacting sharply to the vandalisation of a Kota mall recently, Padukone said people have regressed as a nation. "It's appalling, it's absolutely appalling. What have we gotten ourselves into? And where have we reached as a nation? We have regressed."
The actress even said nothing can stop the release of the film, drawing strong reactions from the leaders of Karni Sena.
Reacting to it, threats of physical harm were issued to Padukone.
Recently Haryana BJP leader offered a bounty of Rs. 10 crore on the heads of Bhansali and Padukone.
Padukone had earlier urged Information and Broadcasting minister Smriti Irani to take legal actions after few protesters who had vandalised artist Karan K's Rangoli, which was inspired by film Padmavati.
The Supreme Court has recently dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding a stay on the release of Bhansali’s film Padmavati.
The top court suggested that the Censor Board should take an independent view over the issue, saying it can’t substitute role of CBFC.
Amid the running feuds, the censor board, has sent the movie back to the makers as the application for the certification was “incomplete."
According to media reports, the application was sent back to the filmmakers through an online process on November 16.
The makers of Padmavati have even deferred the release date of the movie from Dec 1.
The producers have also hinted that the film might be released in 2018.
Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh on Tuesday refused to make any comment on the controversy.
Ranveer, who will be seen in the role of second ruler of Khilji dynasty Alauddin Khilji, told media: "I have been specifically asked (producers) not to comment at this sensitive time."
The actor even said only the producers will make any official statement on the row. However, he said, "I am 200% with the film (Padmavati)."
The film also stars actor Shahid Kapoor in one of the three lead roles.
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