Padmavati gets all-clear from CBFC with changes, makers to wait and watch

New Delhi: After months of uncertainty over Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s controversial film Padmavati, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on Saturday cleared the movie with a UA certification, provided the film’s title is changed to Padmavat and suggested modifications, cuts are made.

It is learnt that the examining committee met on December 28 and decided to give the film a UA certification along with some modifications and change of the film’s title. 

Apart from several cuts, the Censor Board has also suggested a disclaimer specifically stating that the film does not glorify the practice of Sati. 

Some suggested changes are in the song Ghoomar, reportedly to befit the character portrayed, sources stated.

As per procedure, the Censor Board will issue the UA certificate once the modifications are carried out and the final material is submitted to the CBFC. No release date has yet been announced by the filmmaker. 

Sources stated that the meeting on Thursday took place in the presence of CBFC chairman Prasoon Joshi and was also attended by regular examining committee members, along with other Censor Board officials. 

This newspaper was the first to report on December 7 that considering the complexities and concerns around the film, the Narendra Modi government had decided to seek the help of eminent historians to check the veracity of facts represented in the film. 

Bhansali Productions, in a written communication to CBFC, had also requested that a panel of historians/academicians and members of the Rajput community view the film.  

Rajput fronts like Shri Rajput Karni Sena and Rajput Sabha, who were opposed to the release of the film, are likely to plan their strategy soon.