'Padmavati' cleared with 5 modifications

The Censor Board has decided to give Padmavati — at the centre of a huge controversy and violent protests — a UA (universal adult) certificate, and suggested five modifications, including changing the film's title to Padmavat. The Bollywood period drama is based on an epic 16th-century poem, 'Padmavat', by Sufi author Malik Muhammad Jayasi.

A special panel meeting took place on December 28 in the presence of CBFC chairman Prasoon Joshi and took the decision. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has said the filmmakers are in agreement with the modifications (See graphic).

Groups claiming to represent the Rajput community have protested and issued bounties for murder and mutilation of director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and lead actress Deepika Padukone, and have also been endorsed by a section of politicians, for "distortion of history."

"The film was approached with a balanced view keeping in mind the filmmakers and the society. The panel members had insights and also some reservations regarding the claimed historical events and socio-cultural aspects which were duly discussed at length," the Board said.

Protesters have said the alleged depiction of romance between legendry Hindu queen Padmini and Delhi Sultanate ruler Alauddin Khilji insults the Rajput community. The film's makers have been denying the allegation.

Historians are divided over whether Padmavati ever existed. The special panel had Arvind Singh from Udaipur, Dr Chandramani Singh and Prof KK Singh of the Jaipur University. The December 1 release was deferred indefinitely by the makers and the magnum opus has been banned in multiple states, mostly ruled by the BJP.

"Considering the complexities and concerns around the film, the requirement for a special panel was felt by CBFC to add perspective to the final decision of the official committee," the CBFC said.

The modification details and the corresponding decision have been shared with the producers and filmmaker Bhansali, who attended the feedback session post the screening. "They are in agreement with the modifications," the Board said.

The modifications include a disclaimer that does not claim historical accuracy, modifications in the song "Ghoomar" to make the depiction befitting the character being portrayed, correcting incorrect/misleading references to historical places, and a disclaimer that says the film doesn't subscribes to the practice of Sati or seeks to glorify it.

Trouble started in January this year when Rajasthan-based fringe group Rajput Karni Sena assaulted Bhansali on the sets in Jaipur. In March, unidentified people vandalised the movie sets in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district.

Days after the movie's trailer released, Karni Sena and other fringe Rajput groups came out on the streets to protest in hundreds.

End of Controversy?

Prasoon Joshi tells DNA that there are no cuts suggested. Only 5 nips have to be made

• Change disclaimer clearly to one that does not claim historical accuracy.
• Title to be changed from ‘Padmavati’ to ‘Padmavat’ as the filmmakers have attributed their material/creative source as the fictional poem ‘Padmavat’ and not history.
• Modifications in the song ‘Ghoomar’ to make the depiction befitting the character being portrayed.
• Modify the incorrect/misleading reference to historical places.
• Add a disclaimer that the film in no manner subscribes to practice of Sati or seeks to glorify it.

Censor Board wants the film title to be changed to ‘Padmavat’