After what seemed like forever, the makers of Padmavat (earlier titled Padmavati) finally announced its release date yesterday. The film is slated to release on January 25 this year. And while we thought that would be a permanent end to all the troubles and controversies surrounding the film, we were unfortunately mistaken. The film has already been banned in Rajasthan. A report by Mumbai Mirror suggested that although the CBFC had cleared Padmavat with a U/A certificate and five modifications, which were recommended by the examining committee, one of it brought about as many as 300 cuts in the film.
While the first of the five modifications suggested a change in the title of the film from Padmavati to Padmavati, the second one entailed a disclaimer that must mention the film does not claim any historical accuracy. The third modification asked for changes in the Ghoomar song to befit the character of the Queen, the fourth included correcting wrong or misleading references to historical places and finally the fifth modification that emphasized on the film carrying a disclaimer that it doesn’t endorse or glorify the practice of Sati/johar. (ALSO READ : Padmavat Is Bollywood’s Baahubali; Will Not Get Affected By Delays, Controversies Or Clashes: Trade Experts)
Moreover, the report by the leading tabloid also suggested that references to places like Delhi, Mewar, and Chittor in the films will be cut due to one of the prescribed modifications. This way the audience, as per the report, won’t ever get to know where the ruthless Delhi Sultanate ruler came from or would go for battle. However, it seems that the report is false and no such thing has happened in reality. CBFC Chief, Prasoon Joshi, has rubbished the reports of issuing so many cuts. In an statement statement, Joshi said, “The makers have submitted the final film with agreed five modifications which has already been communicated and a U/A certificate has been been given to the film. CBFC’s process is complete and any further news about cuts etc is absolutely untrue. Let’s refrain from utilising CBFC’s name unnecessarily.”
It seems like the problems surrounding the Deepika Padukone-Ranveer Singh-Shahid Kapoor starrer isn’t going to subside that easily. The fringe groups like Karni Sena too are not bowing down anytime soon, from the look of it. As a run up to the release, we’re hoping that the issue doesn’t deteriorate to a point of unnecessary vandalism and harm to human life and property. Meanwhile, stay tuned to this space as we keep you updated with all Bollywood and TV related news.