Again! Release date of SLB’s ‘Padmavati’ postponed to next year?

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-awaited project ‘Padmavati’ has been facing several hindrances and roadblocks. From the mob attack in Jaipur, vandalism incident in Kolhapur to the strike by members of the FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees), the film has seen it all. Now due to so many obstacles, it seems unlikely that the film will release on November 17 this year and sources close to a daily assert that the release has been postponed again. The film will most likely release in April next year.

Sources state that the prime reason is that many portions of the film still need to be shot and there is also work remaining with the special effects. A trade source close to the daily says that the release date of ‘Padmavati’ has been pushed from November to April next year. Since both the ‘Baahubali’ films had released in April, the month is a good one for movies. Also, since the school holidays begin in April and the movie’s budget is around Rs 150 crore, it needs a good holiday period to recover its cost and with November that wouldn’t have been possible as there are no holidays.

Post-production will also require few more months. Many battle sequences require good amount of VFX and that is touted to be the major reason for the postponement. Another reason is that some portions are pending with the actors of the film, Shahid Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Sanjay Dutt and Aditi Rao Hydari. (Also Read: SLB’s ‘Padmavati’ hits a roadblock again due to the strike by technicians)

The source further stated that even though Viacom 18 has denied reports of the movie getting postponed earlier, they will keep on denying until they select a new release date. There has been no announcement on the trailer as yet, so it’s really doubtful if the film will be wrapped up by October. However, a source from Bhansali’s team said, “It’s not true. We want to know who is spreading these rumours of the film getting postponed! It’s been happening for over month now. The rumour started because of the FWICE strike as the shooting got a bit delayed. Only some minor patchwork remains to be shot with Ranveer, Deepika and Shahid and everything including VFX and editing is happening simultaneously. The film is racing towards its release date.”

Let’s wait and watch what course of action Mr Bhansali initiates further.

Prajakta Ajgaonkar

Passionate about writing, and a Bollywood lover, she is all that is sweet and endearing! She desires to put her best foot forward in everything that she does and loves to help anyone who’s in need.