Cinegoers in dilemma over fractured Padmaavat reviews, poor rating by many critics

'Padmaavat', the epic drama filmed by director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, has succeeded in earning mixed reviews at best from critics with some praising it while the rest giving it a thumbs down.

Interestingly, those giving it a thumbs down are considered to be reviewers who are respected for their authentic verdicts on films amid the open secret that many positive reviews, especially by one of India's leading dailies, are often considered influenced by other factors.

The Times of India has given four stars, out of five, to the movie, in sharp contrast to other reviews on some of the most respected media platforms.

Khaleej Times wrote about Padmaavat: "The extravagantly mounted Padmaavat is disappointingly numb. Its visual richness, with every frame charted like paintings, don't add up to give that wholesome whole."

NDTV has given two stars to the movie. The TV channel called the movie as a 'slog'.

"Despite Deepika Padukone's Inspired Performance, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Film Is A Slog," NDTV said enough in the headline of their review, illustrating their not so impressed attitude towards the movie that was earlier scheduled to released on Dec 1.

The Hindu also did not give much positive response towards the film.

"Exaltation of Rajputs, glorification of jauhar, demonisation of Khilji aside, 'Padmaavat' can’t rise above being an overlong snoozefest," The Hindu said in its review.

Rediff.com gave the movie a lowly 1.5 stars out of five.

"The biggest tragedy of Padmaavat is that it has nothing new to offer. We've seen Bhansali create similar picturesque frames before," the website said in its review.

However, a positive review came from The Guardian which called it a fabulous film.

The film, featuring  Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, received threats over its release from Rajput fringe groups which accused the makers of distorting history.

Vandalism and violence were reported in Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra on Wednesday.

The film was cleared by the CBFC with a few changes, but its screening was banned by some state governments, including Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

The Supreme Court later struck down the ban, citing the freedom of expression, and paved the way for its release today.