JOIN USCentral Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Chief Prasoon Joshi on Saturday slammed the makers of "Padmavati" for screening the movie to various TV channels without getting a censor certificate.
Joshi's statement comes after reports that the producers - mired in controversy over claims that it distorts history - held a special screening for few journalists.
A day after the CBFC sent Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film back because the application for certification was incomplete, Joshi said he was disappointed that it was being screened for the media and getting reviewed on national channels without CBFC having to see or certify it.
"On one hand, holding the CBFC responsible and pressurising to accelerate the process and on the other hand, attempt to subvert the very process, sets an opportunistic precedent," he added.
In this specific case, Joshi added, the film's application came up this week only for review.
"The makers know and admit that the paper work is not complete - the very disclaimer whether the film is work of fiction or a historical was left blank and not stated and on simply and legitimately being asked to provide important documents, target the CBFC for looking the other way and delay. This truly is surprising." he said.
Ajit Andhare, COO, Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, which has produced the film, yesterday told PTI that the issue with the application was "minor" and the CBFC could have screened the film.
"That's true. But film is with the CBFC, it is merely a minor technical issue. Nothing stops them from seeing the film if they want," he said.