Padmavati: CBFC chairman Prasoon Joshi clarifies that he has still not watched the film

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus ‘Padmavati’ is currently in the news for all the wrong reasons. It is a known fact that various organisations, political parties and individuals from the Rajput community have been opposing the film’s release claiming that it distorts history in telling the tale of Rani Padmavati. However, along with the makers, the lead stars of the film too have said the movie doesn’t feature any scenes that may hurt anyone’s sentiments.

Recently, there were reports been heard that Prasoon Joshi, lyricist, screenwriter and chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has already seen the film and didn’t find anything objectionable in the content. Further, it was expected that the film will not face major cuts from the CBFC. But, contrary to the reports, Prasoon has now come out with a clarification where he has said that he is yet to watch the film.

In a text to an agency, he has clarified, “The speculative reports a few publications are carrying about I having watched ‘Padmavati’ are absolutely baseless and untrue. I have not watched the film, not expressed any views regarding it. The film will follow the due process at CBFC.”

It was just last week when Prasoon had even come out in support of Bhansali after BJP member Arjun Gupta, who is also a CBFC member, urged Home Minister Rajnath Singh that the filmmaker should be tried for treason for distorting history.

“It’s unfortunate to see the personal point of view expressed by an advisory panel member of CBFC against Sanjay Leela Bhansali. By no means does it represent the point of view of CBFC as an organisation or the CBFC board. We have respect for Bhansali as an individual and artist,” added the chairman of the CBFC.

‘Padmavati’ stars Deepika Padukone playing the titular role, Shahid Kapoor playing the role of Maharawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Sultan Alauddin Khilji. It is currently in the final stages, and undergoing post-production work.

The film is slated to hit the screens on December 1.

Inputs from IANS

Amod Pandit

Quiet, resonant, and creative, he can be seen immersed in his own world, and puts in his heart and soul into the one passion that he has, Bollywood. His line for survival? Feel happy to be a part of it.