Despite controversies Deepika Padukone is confident that 'Padmaavat' will create box office records

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus ‘Padmaavat’, which is one of the most-anticipated movies of the year, finally hit the screens on Friday.

Despite massive protests by fringe groups throughout the country, lead actress Deepika Padukone is much confident about the flick. According to her, the movie will shatter several box office records in India.

Deepika, who portrays the character of Queen Padmavati in the period drama, said she is overwhelmed by the response the film has received till now.

Ahead of its release, filmmakers arranged special screenings for journalists of Delhi and Mumbai on January 23.

 “I am extremely overwhelmed and emotional right now. I think this film has been through so much. To see that the film is finally releasing and to see the kind of reactions that the film is getting, reactions to my performance, it is extremely overwhelming,” PTI quoted Deepika.

The actress was interacting with reporters at the red carpet of Hindustan Time’s ‘India’s Most Stylish’ award on Wednesday.

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

Also Read: From Padmaavat to My Name is Khan Top 7 Bollywood movies which courted controversies before their release

Several Rajput groups like Karni Sena accused the filmmakers of distorting historical facts, maligning the image of Rani Padmini. A rumoured dream sequence between Padmini and Khilji has sparked several debates ever since the movie began shooting in Rajasthan.

Queen Padmavati is the symbol of woman courage, resistance, sacrifice and considered to be the Goddess of Rajput. Hence, Karni Sena left no stone unturned to prevent makers from maligning her image and tried to impose a complete ban on the period drama across India.

Earlier, scheduled to release on December 1, 2017, the Deepika Padukone-starrer initially failed to get a censor certificate and was suggested a few cuts and modifications. Bhansali also had to change the title of the movie from ‘Padmavati’ to ‘Padmaavat’.

PADMAAVAT IN CINEMAS NOW! Book your tickets on Book My Show https://t.co/2pR4DDkMMz & Paytm https://t.co/G9CAkd92HD @filmpadmaavat @RanveerOfficial @shahidkapoor @Viacom18Movies @Bhansali_Prod @TSeries pic.twitter.com/rsqnz96ppk

— Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) January 25, 2018

Calling the release a ‘big day’, Deepika thanked everyone who stood by the film and said now it is time to celebrate.

Asked about the atmosphere being tense in the country over the film’s release, Padukone said, “There is a time for everything. The film has spoken for itself. The reactions to the film have been absolutely phenomenal. That is the best response we can give to anyone through the work that we do.”

Also Read: Padmaavat released LIVE, Protesters brandish swords, burn tires in Bihar, shops vandalised in Udaipur

“I’m not someone who gets excited about the box office numbers but this time I am, because I think it will be earth-shattering,” Deepika added.

Also starring Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles, 'Padmaavat' was earlier expected to mint around Rs 20 crore on the first day of its release. However, considering the situation due to Karni Sena protests all over India, the movie is now likely to witness average figures at the Box office.

(With inputs from PTI)