‘Padmavati’ to get CBFC nod with UA certificate, changed title; Karni Sena fumes

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s controversial period drama “Padmavati” is likely to get a UA certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which has also suggested the director to change the film’s title to “Padmavat”. 

According to a release issued by the CBFC, the board had a meeting of their examining committee on December 28 and decided to give the film a “UA certification along with some modifications and likely change of the film’s title on the basis the attributed material/creative source”.

However, the Karni Sena seems to be in no mood to let the movie release peacfully and has threatened to vandalise cinema halls showing the film.

A Rajput Karni Sena member Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi said, "Our people will be outside cinema halls & each hall which shows the film will be vandalised."

"Members of committee formed to review the film have opposed it but censor board is taking this decision due to underworld pressure," he added.

Our people will be outside cinema halls & each hall which shows the film will be vandalised. Members of committee formed to review the film have opposed it but censor board is taking this decision due to underworld pressure: Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi, Rajput Karni Sena #Padmavati pic.twitter.com/nTBdpstsIb

— ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2017

Reacting to the development, former CBFC Chairman Pahlaj Nihalani has raised questions on the credibility of the Censor Board and said Prashoon Joshi was facing political pressure for delaying the film.

"This film was sidelined by CBFC & it raises question on the Censor Board. Producers suffered such huge losses because of the cuts. Vote bank politics has obviously been done, the film is being seen after elections. Chairman faced pressure from the ministry," Nihalani said.

This film was sidelined by CBFC & it raises question on the Censor Board. Producers suffered such huge losses because of the cuts. Vote bank politics has obviously been done, the film is being seen after elections. Chairman faced pressure from the ministry: Pahlaj Nihalani pic.twitter.com/4MVjw8w0jg

— ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2017

"Padmavati" director Bhansali, who appeared before a parliamentary panel, has said his lavishly mounted 150 crore period drama, featuring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, is based on the 16^th century epic poem “Padmavat” by Malik Muhammad Jayasi.

The board also suggested modifications in disclaimers, pertinently adding one regarding not glorifying the practice of “Sati” and also relevant changes in the song “Ghoomar” to befit the character portrayed, the release further stated.

The meeting took place in the presence of CBFC chairman Prasoon Joshi and was also attended by regular examining committee members, along with other censor board officials.

“The film was approached with a balanced view keeping in mind both the filmmakers and the society,” the statement added.

Considering the complexities and concerns around the film, the CBFC appointed a “special panel to add perspective to the final decision of the censor board’s official committee.”

The special panel included Arvind Singh from Udaipur, Dr Chandramani Singh and professor K K Singh of the Jaipur University.

According to the board, the modification details and CBFC’s decision regarding this film was shared with the producers Viacom and Bhansali, who attended the feedback session post the screening and are in agreement with the changes.

The certificate as per procedure will be issued once the required modifications are carried out and final material is submitted, the statement added.

The film got stuck in controversy after various Rajput groups alleged that it distorts history, a claim repeatedly denied by the director.

As protests spread across various states, the film’s December 1 release was deferred as it didn’t have censor clearance.

(With PTI Inputs)