NEW DELHI: Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s epic drama Padmaavat has finally seen the light of the day and has released in India. The cast of the film shared pictures from the special screening of the film and while there were no extensive promotions or a premiere, the cast of the film has been low-key promoting the film on social media. In any case, the hype surrounding the film was enough promotion in itself.
Pakistani viewers will also get a chance to view the magnum opus starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor as Padmaavat was cleared for release in Pakistan on Wednesday, the censor board’s top official announced.
“Padmaavat has been declared fit for public exhibition in the cinema houses without any excision by Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC),” CBFC Chairman Mobashir Hasan tweeted. The movie has been given ‘U’ certification.
Central Board of Film Censors #CBFC has declared a feature film containing Indian cast & crew #Padmaavat without any excision suitable for public exhibition in the cinemas with a ‘U’ certification. #CBFC #Unbiasedforartscreativity&healthy entertainment
— Mobashir Hasan (@BABUCRATE) January 24, 2018
According to distributors in Pakistan, there were apprehensions over the movie given the negative portrayal of the Muslim ruler, Alauddin Khilji. When asked about it, Hasan said, “CBFC isn’t biased in arts, creativity, and healthy entertainment.”
He also added that for the film’s certification, the CBFC co-opted Professor Waqar Ali Shah, chairman of Department of History, Quaid-e-Azam University as per rules. However, Hasan explained, “A co-opted member has no voting rights. They are for expert opinion.”
Padmaavat is set for a worldwide release on Thursday.
Satish Reddy, chairman of a key film distributor in Pakistan said that Padmaavat should have a “very strong” response in its first week.
Meanwhile, the film has received mixed responses from critics. However, the acting and direction has received a lot of applause with many praising Ranveer Singh for his epic portrayal of Allauddin Khilji.
In response, Ranveer shared an emotional message on social media saying that he was “overwhelmed” and feels “immensely blessed” to be part of the film.
❤️?? ?? pic.twitter.com/zWMLC6JkwC
— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) January 24, 2018
Deepika also thanked fans and friends on Twitter for appreciating her in the movie and stated that “The Jauhar scene is by far my most special and challenging moments as an actor!”
Wow!Thank You so much Ram!Yes,the Jauhar scene is by faaaar my most special & challenging moments as an actor!& I cannot wait for you to witness it!Lots of Love!❤️ @Ramkamal https://t.co/FWuhEvbd4T
— Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) January 24, 2018
In India, the film-makers have had a long struggle in getting it to theatres as some Rajput outfits have been up against its release over alleged historical inaccuracies. Karni Sena activists have been staging violent protests across some parts of the country to stop the film’s release. On Thursday morning, the activists attacked a school bus carrying children and staff as part of their protests. Luckily, no one was injured.
Similarly, a large number of police personnel along with paramilitary forces have been deployed across Gujarat following a nationwide bandh (general strike) call by Karni Sena on Thursday. As a results of protests, multiplex owners in Gujray have refused to screen the film.
Originally titled Padmavati, the movie’s makers were asked to make five modifications – including title change, an addition of two disclaimers and some alterations in a song before it got a U/A certificate.
With Deepika Padukone as brave Queen Padmavati, Ranveer Singh as menacing Alauddin Khilji and Shahid Kapoor as the proud king Maharawal Ratan Singh, the movie sets out to tell a tale of Rajput valour and sacrifice.
The film, replete with Bhansali’s trademark grandeur, is based on the 16th-century poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s famed poem Padmavat.
