Deepika Padukone-starrer Padmavat (Padmavati) banned in Gujarat despite changes

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming period drama ‘Padmavat’ has been mired in controversy since inception.

From fringe political groups to national parties to royals, various groups have raised the demand for film’s ban. Be it Deepika Padukone’s ‘Ghoomar’ or ruler of Khalji dynasty Alauddin Khilji, the magnum opus has managed to be in the headlines for every single matter.

Based on 16th century Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s epic poem Padmavat, the movie faced resistance due to misinformation campaigns and rumour-mongering.

Amidst these controversies over the release of Deepika Padukone-starrer, Gujarat government on Sunday issued a notification banning the screening of ‘Padmavat’ across the state, saying the step was necessary to maintain law and order. 

While issuing the notification on Sunday, Minister of State for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja said the ban on the movie was necessary to maintain law and order.

As per the notification, the ban was imposed as per the provisions of the Gujarat Cinemas (Regulation) Act of 2004.

“In exercise conferred by sub-section 1 of section 6 of the Act, Government of Gujarat hereby imposes the ban on Hindi feature film ‘Padmaavat’...No cinema owners or distributors shall exhibit the said movie in any cinema/multiplex/ video cinema/touring cinema within the jurisdiction of Gujarat,” the notification read.

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It added that the ban was imposed “in public interest and to maintain law and order situation in the state”.

Talking about this latest development Jadeja said the act had a provision wherein the state can ban a movie if it has the potential to dilute the law and order situation and public order.

“We have learnt that the movie, originally named as ‘Padmavati’ will be released with a new name ‘Padmaavat’.  However, people across the country are against the movie, as they feel that history has been distorted. With this notification, the movie will be considered as a non-certified one and will not be screened in the state,” Jadeja added.

The notification was issued days after the Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani announced that the ban on the movie will continue despite the change of name.

Starring Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmavati, Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh & Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji, the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial is slated to hit the screens on January 25, 2018.

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The film will also be released in Tamil and Telugu, in addition to Hindi.