The release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s controversial film ‘Padmavati’ has been “deferred voluntarily”, said Viacom18, the makers of the film.
The film was originally scheduled to release on 1 December.
Several Rajput groups have been protesting against Padmavati, starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, alleging that the film distorts history.
Speaking on the deferment, Rajput Karni Sena’s chief Lokendra Singh Kalvi said that the film’s release has been deferred by a few days and that the protesting group ‘will wait and see.’
The Viacom18 statement said it had the highest regard for the law of the land and statutory bodies such as the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
As a "responsible and law-abiding corporate citizen", it was committed to following the established procedure and convention, it said.
"We have faith that we will soon obtain the requisite clearances to release the film," the statement read.
Viacom18 Motion Pictures has created a beautiful cinematic masterpiece in ‘Padmavati’ that captures Rajput valor, 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 story-telling prowess across the globe. 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 Central Board of Film Certification.Viacom18 Statement
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. We stand firm in our commitment to tell endearing tales that resonate with our audiences the world over as we have in the past with our other projects such as ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’, ‘Queen’, ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ and many more.Viacom18 Statement
The move comes just a day after Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje had written to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani, urging her to ensure that Padmavati is not released without necessary changes to the film.
Raje also said that the film certification board should consider all possible results before certifying the film, a day after the board sent the film back to its makers because the application for the certification was "incomplete".
Rajput Karni Sena, the organisation which has been leading the protests, warned “a lot will burn, stop us if you can,” if the film releases.
(This is a developing story. More details awaited.)
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