Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati release date postponed, makers confirm

After being mired in incessant controversies, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum-opus Padmavati, the makers have willfully decided to postpone the release date. The Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor starrer was scheduled to release on December 1. With just 10 days to go, it had still not received a clearance from the CBFC. The film was facing protests by different communal outfits from all over the country.

Recently, the Central Board of Film Certification had returned the film to the makers because the application didn’t mention if Padmavati was a work of fiction or based on historical facts. The makers had then held a private screening of the film for some select journalists who consequently stood up for the fact that the film doesn’t hurt any sentiments and infact upholds Rajput pride.

Criticing the screening, CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi had told ANI, “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.”

But as can be read in the statement below, the makers claim that this postponement of the release date is a voluntary action. They also clarify that they have utmost respect for the country’s statutory bodies including the Central Board of Film Certification, mentioning that they hope they will get the required clearances soon enough. Till then, we will just have to wait for the revised dates.

A spokesperson of Viacom 18 says, “The studio has voluntarily deferred the release date of Padmavati from December 1, 2017. Along with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, amongst the most gifted film makers of his generation, 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. We always have and are committed to continue following the established procedure and convention. 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.”