Padmavati controversy: CBFC begins certification process; name change suggested

In a massive relief to the cast and crew of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus Padmavati, the Central Board of Film Certification proceeded with the certification of the film on Saturday. Furthermore, the filmmaker has been asked to change the title of the film. CBFC sources say that the title will be changed from “Padmavati” to “Padmavat” and the film will be passed with a U/A certificate. Additionally, sources tell Republic TV that more than 26 cuts have to made in the film, along with the title. Furthermore, at least three different disclaimers are to be added during the course of the film, sources say. They add that the filmmakers have in principle accepted to this condition which is yet to be implemented and another meeting will take place post the implementation of the suggestions.

Earlier, after threatening Deepika Padukone and the makers of Padmaavat against its release, fringe leader Suraj Pal Amu threatened Republic TV’s Aditya Raj Kaul . Amu threatened to forcibly stop Republic TV from reporting and speaking against fringe Amu further said that he will send a legal notice to Republic TV for its coverage of ‘Padmaavat’

The Deepika Padukone film has been in the center of controversies for months now after various groups alleged that the film ‘distorted’ the history of the Rajput community. From Bengaluru to Rajasthan to various parts of the nation, fringe groups had taken to streets protesting against the release and had also demanded an apology from the crew. The film was originally slated to release on December 1. The movie has been much in controversy, ever since the release of its trailer, as many Rajputana groups came forward and stated that there were various instances where 'Padmavati' has been portrayed in a very objectionable way. There were various mob protests and violence that were held as soon as the release of the film, as the people in Rajasthan and the nearby areas regarded Queen 'Padmavati' as a Goddess. And, so because of the chaos the release of the movie was postponed, and after some 26 cuts, and 5 modifications including the change of the name the movie was allowed to release. There are also two contempt orders that are being filed because of the on-going controversy around the movie.