Producers defer Dec 1 release of Padmavati

Producers of Padmavati have decided to defer the December 1 release of the film that has stirred a controversy.

In a statement on Sunday, Viacom18 Motion Pictures, the studio behind the period drama, 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 "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 BJP in Haryana, Suraj Pal Amu, offered a reward of Rs 10 crore to anyone who would behead the film's 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 the Central Board of Film Certification. We have faith that we will soon obtain the requisite clearances for the release of the film. We will announce the revised release date 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 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, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and many more," it added.

The film generated massive protests in several states, including the BJP-ruled Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh after activists charged Bhansali with distorting history.

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