Padmavati row: CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi hits out at movie producers after media screening

Controversies over Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period drama 'Padmavati' are not dying down yet and now the Chairman of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Prasoon Joshi has criticised the producers of the movie for holding a screening for media persons without Censor board’s certificate.

Joshi termed the screening as disappointing and an “irresponsible way of pressurising” the board.

“Disappointing that the film Padmavati is being screened for the media and getting reviewed on national channels without CBFC having seen or certified the Film. This compromises the role of systems and balances that are part of a functioning industry. It’s myopic to treat the certification process haphazardly to suit convenience,” a news channel quoted Joshi as saying.

 “On one hand, holding the CBFC responsible and pressurising to accelerate the process and on the other hand, attempt to subvert the very process, sets an opportunistic precedent. In this specific, case, the film’s application came up this week only for review. The makers know and admit that the paper work is not complete – the very disclaimer whether the film is work of fiction or a historical was left blank and not stated – and on simply and legitimately being asked to provide important documents, target the CBFC for “looking the other way and delay”. This truly is surprising,” infuriated Joshi added.

Earlier, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has sent the movie back to the makers. CBFC CEO Anurag Srivastava claimed that the film has been sent back due to technical issues.

The row over Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming period drama 'Padmavati' has the country’s warrior clan, more famously known as Rajputs out on streets baying for Bhansali’s blood.

The Karni Sena, a right wing organisation of Rajputs is opposing the release of Padmavati and has openly threatened to cause terrible harm to the star cast and director of the movie.

The movie is based on a legendry Rajput queen Padmavati, who some believe was a ‘fictional character’ but considered motherly figure by the community.

They are alleging the movie 'Padmavati' which was slated to release on December 1 (which is highly unlikely after Censor board sent the film back to makers), demeans their queen and distorts historic facts.