Producers defer release of Padmavati

 Producers of Karni Sena have decided to extend the December 1 date for the release of the film Padmavati that has stirred a controversy.

In a statement on Sunday, the Viacom18 Motion Pictures, the studio behind the film, said it has "voluntarily" deferred the release of film.

It reposed its faith in the law of the land and hoped that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) will we will "soon" give the requisite clearances to the release of the film.

The revised date for the release of the film will be announced "in due course" of time, a spokesperson of the Viacom18 Motion Pictures said releasing a statement on behalf of the producers of the film.

This, however, failed to calm down those protesting against the film.

Chief media coordinator of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Haryana, Suraj Pal Amu offered a reward of Rs 10 crore to one who would behead films lead actor Deepika Padukone and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, taking the ongoing row over the film to a new low.

"We are responsible, law-abiding corporate citizens and have the highest respect and regard for the law of the land and all our institutions and statutory bodies including Central Board of Film Certification. We have faith that we will soon obtain the requisite clearnces to the release of the film. We will announce the revised release date of the film in due course," the Viacom18 Motion Pictures said.

The Viacom18 Motion Pictures has created "a beautiful cinematic masterpiece" in Padmavati that captures Rajput valour, dignity and tradition "in all its glory," it maintained."The film is an eloquent portrayal of a tale that will fill every Indian with pride and showcase our country's story-telling prowess across the globe. We always have and are committed to continue following following the established procedure and convention. We stand firm in our commitment to tell endearing tales that resonate with our audiences the world over as we have in the past with our other projects such as 'Toilet: Ek prem Katha,' 'Queen'. Bhag Milkha Bhaag' and many more," it added.

The BJP's chief media coordinator in Haryana, however, remained unmoved.

"Want to congratulate the Meerut youth for announcing Rs 5 crore bounty for beheading of Deepika and Bhansali. We will reward the ones beheading them with Rs 10 crore, and also take care of their family's needs," a multi-media news agency quoted Amu as saying on Sunday.

The BJP leader also reportedly threatened actor Ranveer Singh, who plays Delhi Sultanate ruler Alauddin Khilji in the movie, with causing physical harm to him for saying that he supported Bhansali. "If you do not take your words back, we will break your legs," Amu said.

The film generated huge amount of protests in several states including the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP)-ruled State of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh after political activists charged the film's director with distorting the history.