The trio has impressed the critics and audiences alike. While Padmavaat may not have had Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh sharing any frame together, fans of the stars had expected the three actors to at least be promoting the film together.&nbsp; 
 
Controversies around the film made the makers cancel all promotional activities around the film and thus no one got a glimpse of the three actors in the same frame. Now that the film has released and running to packed theaters, the three actors are seen speaking about the film.&nbsp; 
 
At a special screening that took place on Wednesday, the cast and crew came together to celebrate the film. Photos of Deepika, Ranveer, and Shahid cutting a celebratory cake is doing the rounds of the internet.&nbsp;

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film&#39;s director, can also be seen in the photos.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Beia3Bunl9k/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">New pics! Deepika Padukone and team #Padmaavat post the film screening last week ❤????????... -- #slb #shahidkapoor #deepveer #life #deepikapadukone #ranveersingh</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/deepveer_life/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Shilan ????</a> (@deepveer_life) on <time datetime="2018-01-29T15:06:57+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 29, 2018 at 7:06am PST</time>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BeibsBvn40Z/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Since the announcement of the film ive dreamed of a pic for the three main actors and we finally have one, truly a wonderful film with an extraordinary cast ❤????????... -- #slb #shahidkapoor #deepveer #life #deepikapadukone #ranveersingh</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/deepveer_life/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Shilan ????</a> (@deepveer_life) on <time datetime="2018-01-29T15:14:11+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 29, 2018 at 7:14am PST</time>
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Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor with Sanjay Leela Bhansali at the special screening Padmaavat ❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Deepveer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Deepveer</a> <a href="https://t.co/49mCIGTUXv">pic.twitter.com/49mCIGTUXv</a>
&mdash; Deepveer ♡ (@deepveerfanclub) <a href="https://twitter.com/deepveerfanclub/status/958009096258637824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Padmaavat released in theaters on 25th January and has been consistently doing well at the box office. The film has already crossed the Rs 100 crore mark.&nbsp;

The three actors were clicked together for the first time since the shooting of the film began.

The trio has impressed the critics and audiences alike. While Padmavaat may not have had Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh sharing any frame together, fans of the stars had expected the three actors to at least be promoting the film together. Controversies around the film made the makers cancel all promotional activities around the film and thus no one got a glimpse of the three actors in the same frame. Now that the film has released and running to packed theaters, the three actors are seen speaking about the film. At a special screening that took place on Wednesday, the cast and crew came together to celebrate the film. Photos of Deepika, Ranveer, and Shahid cutting a celebratory cake is doing the rounds of the internet. Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film's director, can also be seen in the photos. New pics! Deepika Padukone and team #Padmaavat post the film screening last week ❤????????... -- #slb #shahidkapoor #deepveer #life #deepikapadukone #ranveersingh A post shared by Shilan ???? (@deepveer_life) on Jan 29, 2018 at 7:06am PST × Since the announcement of the film ive dreamed of a pic for the three main actors and we finally have one, truly a wonderful film with an extraordinary cast ❤????????... -- #slb #shahidkapoor #deepveer #life #deepikapadukone #ranveersingh A post shared by Shilan ???? (@deepveer_life) on Jan 29, 2018 at 7:14am PST × Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor with Sanjay Leela Bhansali at the special screening Padmaavat ❤️ #Deepveer pic.twitter.com/49mCIGTUXv — Deepveer ♡ (@deepveerfanclub) January 29, 2018 × Padmaavat released in theaters on 25th January and has been consistently doing well at the box office. The film has already crossed the Rs 100 crore mark.

Finally, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor come together to celebrate Padmaavat success; See pics

It doesnt take much for veteran Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan to make someone happy.&nbsp;

Most recent example is that of Ranveer Singh, who got a surprise on Monday when he received a heartfelt handwritten letter from the legenadary actor praising him on account of his pwoerful acting display in &quot;Padmaavat&quot;.&nbsp;

The epic movie hit theatres on January 25 and has ever since its release, earned Ranveer his fair share of accolades.&nbsp;

Film critics and viewers alike have enjoyed his acting on th big screen.&nbsp;

On getting the letter, Ranveer felt overwhelemed by the gesture and thus called the latter his &#39;award&#39;. He took to Twitter to share a picture of the note and a bouquet that senior actor sent him after watching the film.&nbsp;

Ranveer wrote: &quot;Mujhe mera award mil gaya (I have got my award) @SrBachchan.&quot;

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Mujhe mera award mil gaya ????????????<a href="https://twitter.com/SrBachchan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SrBachchan</a> <a href="https://t.co/zlo9B6G2od">pic.twitter.com/zlo9B6G2od</a>
&mdash; Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/RanveerOfficial/status/958062973775380480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Amitabh Bachchan also praised Ranveer and sent a handwritten note in 2015, after watching &quot;Bajirao Mastani&quot;.

In &quot;Padmaavat&quot;, Ranveer Singh was seen alongwith&nbsp;Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh, Aditi Rao Hydari and Raza Murad.

The veteran actor wrote a heartfelt handwritten letter praising Ranveer Singh's acting in 'Padmaavat'

It doesnt take much for veteran Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan to make someone happy. Most recent example is that of Ranveer Singh, who got a surprise on Monday when he received a heartfelt handwritten letter from the legenadary actor praising him on account of his pwoerful acting display in "Padmaavat". The epic movie hit theatres on January 25 and has ever since its release, earned Ranveer his fair share of accolades. Film critics and viewers alike have enjoyed his acting on th big screen. On getting the letter, Ranveer felt overwhelemed by the gesture and thus called the latter his 'award'. He took to Twitter to share a picture of the note and a bouquet that senior actor sent him after watching the film. Ranveer wrote: "Mujhe mera award mil gaya (I have got my award) @SrBachchan." Mujhe mera award mil gaya ????????????@SrBachchan pic.twitter.com/zlo9B6G2od — Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) January 29, 2018 × Amitabh Bachchan also praised Ranveer and sent a handwritten note in 2015, after watching "Bajirao Mastani". In "Padmaavat", Ranveer Singh was seen alongwith Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh, Aditi Rao Hydari and Raza Murad.

Ranveer Singh says letter from Amitabh Bachchan is his 'award'

Over the weekend, Swara Bhaskar&#39;s<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/swara-bhaskar-feels-like-reduced-to-vagina-after-watching-padmaavat-31009"> open letter to Sanjay Leela Bhansali over the depiction </a>of Jauhar scene in his latest film Padmaavat create an uproar on the Internet. While a lot of people agreed with Swara that Bhansali had glorified a regressive custom like Sati in his film, many also criticised the actress and some even trolled her.&nbsp; 
 
The film&#39;s leading man, Shahid Kapoor was asked to respond to Swara Bhaskar&#39;s letter at an event recently. The actor said, &quot; &quot;I haven&#39;t read it yet. We have been busy with other things, but I think this isn&#39;t the right time. &#39;Padmaavat&#39; is representing the film industry and it&#39;s freedom of expression.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-earns-rs-114-crores-within-the-first-four-days-of-its-release-31092">Also read: Padmaavat&#39;s enters Rs 100 crore club within four days of its release</a> 
 
&quot;It has been a tough battle for us to be able to bring forth the film to the audience. It feels great to receive support from the entire industry but it feels odd that someone said something on a personal level. That&#39;s OK though as everyone has the right to say what they want but I haven&#39;t read it yet,&quot; a news agency quoted the actor as saying.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-padmaavat-now-barred-from-release-in-malaysia-31119">Read: Now, Malaysia bans Padmaavat</a>

In the letter, Swara had written that how after watching Padmaavat felt feeling like a vagina. The actress accused Bhansali of glorifying Jauhar and stated that a woman has the right to live despite being raped or being widowed.&nbsp;

Padmaavat also features Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Adito Rao Hydari and Jim Sarbh.&nbsp;

"Feels odd that someone said something on a personal level," Shahid said reacting to the letter.

Over the weekend, Swara Bhaskar's open letter to Sanjay Leela Bhansali over the depiction of Jauhar scene in his latest film Padmaavat create an uproar on the Internet. While a lot of people agreed with Swara that Bhansali had glorified a regressive custom like Sati in his film, many also criticised the actress and some even trolled her. The film's leading man, Shahid Kapoor was asked to respond to Swara Bhaskar's letter at an event recently. The actor said, " "I haven't read it yet. We have been busy with other things, but I think this isn't the right time. 'Padmaavat' is representing the film industry and it's freedom of expression. Also read: Padmaavat's enters Rs 100 crore club within four days of its release "It has been a tough battle for us to be able to bring forth the film to the audience. It feels great to receive support from the entire industry but it feels odd that someone said something on a personal level. That's OK though as everyone has the right to say what they want but I haven't read it yet," a news agency quoted the actor as saying. Read: Now, Malaysia bans Padmaavat In the letter, Swara had written that how after watching Padmaavat felt feeling like a vagina. The actress accused Bhansali of glorifying Jauhar and stated that a woman has the right to live despite being raped or being widowed. Padmaavat also features Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Adito Rao Hydari and Jim Sarbh.

Shahid Kapoor reacts to Swara Bhaskar's open letter to Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Karni Sena will not be happy with this piece of news, perhaps. Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s magnum opus Padmaavat has already entered Rs 100 crore club.&nbsp; 
 
The film release on Thursday and in four days of its release, the film has earned Rs 114 crores and going steady at the Box Office.&nbsp; 
 
Owing to the controversy around the film and the long weekend, Padmaavat&nbsp;managed to get audiences to the theatres. 
&nbsp; 
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh reports that Padmaavat, in its opening weekend, has crossed the business of films like Dilwale, Sultan, Tiger Zinda Hai and Bajrangi Bhaijaan. In fact, Padmaavat has surpassed the collections of Deepika and Ranveer&#39;s 2013 film Bajirao Mastani, also directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.&nbsp;

Even in UK, Australia and New Zealand, Padmaavat is performing well.

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Looking at the overall scenario, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> has put up FANTASTIC numbers in its extended weekend... Crosses â¹ 100 cr mark... Wed [limited previews] 5 cr, Thu 19 cr, Fri 32 cr, Sat 27 cr, Sun 31 cr. Total: â¹ 114 cr. India biz. ?????í±????
&mdash; taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/957913145883807745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> is SENSATIONAL in key international markets... USA-Canada will be updated later... 
 
AUSTRALIA 
Weekend: A$ 1,728,642 [â¹ 8.88 cr] 
 
UK 
Weekend: &pound; 846,024 [â¹ 7.59 cr] 
Note: Some locations yet to be updated. 
 
NEW ZEALAND &amp; FIJI 
Weekend: NZ$ 419,161 [â¹ 1.95 cr]<a href="https://twitter.com/Rentrak?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Rentrak</a>
&mdash; taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/957884318809931778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This may sound UNBELIEVABLE, but <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> has crossed *lifetime biz* of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dilwale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dilwale</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BajiraoMastani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BajiraoMastani</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sultan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sultan</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TigerZindaHai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TigerZindaHai</a> [still running] and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BajrangiBhaijaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BajrangiBhaijaan</a> in its *opening weekend* itself in Australia... Will cross <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dhoom3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dhoom3</a> today [Mon]&hellip; INCREDIBLE indeed!... <a href="https://twitter.com/Rentrak?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Rentrak</a>
&mdash; taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/957878181440077825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Featuring Shahid Kapoor along with Deepika and Ranveer, the film was earlier scheduled to release in theatres on December 1 but owing to the protests, the release was pushed to January 25th.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The film opened to packed theatres on Thursday.

Karni Sena will not be happy with this piece of news, perhaps. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus Padmaavat has already entered Rs 100 crore club. The film release on Thursday and in four days of its release, the film has earned Rs 114 crores and going steady at the Box Office. Owing to the controversy around the film and the long weekend, Padmaavat managed to get audiences to the theatres. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh reports that Padmaavat, in its opening weekend, has crossed the business of films like Dilwale, Sultan, Tiger Zinda Hai and Bajrangi Bhaijaan. In fact, Padmaavat has surpassed the collections of Deepika and Ranveer's 2013 film Bajirao Mastani, also directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Even in UK, Australia and New Zealand, Padmaavat is performing well. Looking at the overall scenario, #Padmaavat has put up FANTASTIC numbers in its extended weekend... Crosses â¹ 100 cr mark... Wed [limited previews] 5 cr, Thu 19 cr, Fri 32 cr, Sat 27 cr, Sun 31 cr. Total: â¹ 114 cr. India biz. ?????í±???? — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 29, 2018 × #Padmaavat is SENSATIONAL in key international markets... USA-Canada will be updated later... AUSTRALIA Weekend: A$ 1,728,642 [â¹ 8.88 cr] UK Weekend: £ 846,024 [â¹ 7.59 cr] Note: Some locations yet to be updated. NEW ZEALAND & FIJI Weekend: NZ$ 419,161 [â¹ 1.95 cr]@Rentrak — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 29, 2018 × This may sound UNBELIEVABLE, but #Padmaavat has crossed *lifetime biz* of #Dilwale, #BajiraoMastani, #Sultan, #TigerZindaHai [still running] and #BajrangiBhaijaan in its *opening weekend* itself in Australia... Will cross #Dhoom3 today [Mon]… INCREDIBLE indeed!... @Rentrak — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 29, 2018 × Featuring Shahid Kapoor along with Deepika and Ranveer, the film was earlier scheduled to release in theatres on December 1 but owing to the protests, the release was pushed to January 25th.

Padmaavat earns Rs 114 crores within the first four days of its release

There seems to be no respite for Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat. Even though the film has managed to release in most parts of the country on January 25th, the film is being called out for its regressive content. Many have felt Bhansali, despite giving a disclaimer in the beginning, glorifies the archaic practice of Jauhar. Critics, thinkers and writers have also condemned the director for glamourizing the climax making the Jauhar scene look larger than life.&nbsp;

Actress Swara Bhaskar, who is known to speak her mind on pertinent&nbsp;issues, is the latest to call out Bhansali&#39;s regressive script. In an open letter for a&nbsp;news website, Bhaskar condemned Bhansali for&nbsp;glorifying&nbsp;Jauhar&nbsp;in his film.

Beginning by&nbsp;congratulating Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the film, Swara Bhaskar wrote that how she has batted for him and his film and spoken on the importance of artistic freedom. Bhaskar wrote that she had worked with Bhansali in a small role in&nbsp;Guzaarish, and how she had observed the director&#39;s precision over minutest details.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-how-sanjay-leela-bhansali-plays-to-the-gallery-with-padmaavat-30890">Also read: How Sanjay Leela Bhansali plays to the gallery with Padmaavat</a>

Attaching&nbsp;a video of her speaking in favour of Padmaavat, Swara reminded&nbsp;Bhansali how she always took a stand for him.

But the actress said that after watching Padmaavat,&nbsp;she felt she was reduced to a vagina. Swara wrote, &quot;I felt reduced to a vagina&ndash;only. I felt like all the &lsquo;minor&rsquo; achievements that women and women&rsquo;s movements have made over the years&ndash; like the right to vote, the right to own property, the right to education, equal pay for equal work, maternity leave, the Vishakha judgement, the right to adopt children&hellip;&hellip; all of it was pointless; because we were back to basics.&quot;

Swara said that a woman had the right to live despite being raped, despite being widowed. &quot;Surely Sir, you agree that&nbsp;Sati, and&nbsp;Jauhar&nbsp;are not practices to be glorified. Surely, you agree that notwithstanding whatever archaic idea of honour, sacrifice, purity propels women and men to participate in and condone such practices; that basically&nbsp;Sati&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jauhar,&nbsp;like the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Honour Killings, are steeped in deeply patriarchal, misogynist and problematic ideas,&quot; the actress wrote.

She further wrote that she understands that the movie is a period film and set in the 13th century where it was normal of a woman to commit Sati or Jauhar than being touched by another man who is not her husband, but it did not mean that it had to be projected in the way Bhansali did in his film. &quot;I understand that&nbsp;Jauhar&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sati&nbsp;are a part of our social history. These happened. I understand that they are sensational, shocking dramatic occurrences that lend themselves to splendid, stark and stunning visual representation; especially in the hands of a consummate maker like yourself &mdash; but then so were the lynchings of blacks by murderous white mobs in the 19th&nbsp;century in the US &ndash; sensational, shocking dramatic social occurrences. Does that mean one should make a film about it with no perspective on racism? Or, without a comment on racial hatred? Worse, should one make a film glorifying lynchings as a sign of some warped notion of hot-bloodedness, purity, bravery &ndash; I don&rsquo;t know, I have no idea how possibly one could glorify such a heinous hate crime,&quot; Swara wrote.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568">Read Padmaava review here</a>

Bhaskar said that despite the story being based in the 13th century, the film had 21st-century context and that glorifying a mass suicide in order to protect one&#39;s honour was not the most accurate way of telling the story. &quot;The&nbsp;context&nbsp;of your film is India in the 21st&nbsp;century; where five years ago, a girl was gang-raped brutally in the country&rsquo;s capital inside a moving bus. She didn&rsquo;t commit suicide because her honour had been desecrated, Sir. She fought her six rapists.&nbsp;

Bhaskar also wrote that how a disclaimer at the beginning of the movie made no sense when the entire film was about Rajput and the community&#39;s attempt at&nbsp;saving honour that was more important than the right to live. &quot;In the climax, breathtakingly shot of course &ndash; hundreds of women bedecked in red like Goddess Durga as bride rushed into the&nbsp;Jauhar&nbsp;fire while a raving Muslim psychopathic villain loomed over them and a pulsating musical track &ndash; that had the power of an anthem; seduced the audience into being awestruck and admiring of this act. Sir, if this is not glorification and support of&nbsp;Sati&nbsp;andJauhar, I really do not know what is,&quot;the letter further added.&nbsp;

Swara Bhaskar called out Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the glorification of Sati and Jauhar in his film

There seems to be no respite for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat. Even though the film has managed to release in most parts of the country on January 25th, the film is being called out for its regressive content. Many have felt Bhansali, despite giving a disclaimer in the beginning, glorifies the archaic practice of Jauhar. Critics, thinkers and writers have also condemned the director for glamourizing the climax making the Jauhar scene look larger than life. Actress Swara Bhaskar, who is known to speak her mind on pertinent issues, is the latest to call out Bhansali's regressive script. In an open letter for a news website, Bhaskar condemned Bhansali for glorifying Jauhar in his film. Beginning by congratulating Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the film, Swara Bhaskar wrote that how she has batted for him and his film and spoken on the importance of artistic freedom. Bhaskar wrote that she had worked with Bhansali in a small role in Guzaarish, and how she had observed the director's precision over minutest details. Also read: How Sanjay Leela Bhansali plays to the gallery with Padmaavat Attaching a video of her speaking in favour of Padmaavat, Swara reminded Bhansali how she always took a stand for him. But the actress said that after watching Padmaavat, she felt she was reduced to a vagina. Swara wrote, "I felt reduced to a vagina–only. I felt like all the ‘minor’ achievements that women and women’s movements have made over the years– like the right to vote, the right to own property, the right to education, equal pay for equal work, maternity leave, the Vishakha judgement, the right to adopt children…… all of it was pointless; because we were back to basics." Swara said that a woman had the right to live despite being raped, despite being widowed. "Surely Sir, you agree that Sati, and Jauhar are not practices to be glorified. Surely, you agree that notwithstanding whatever archaic idea of honour, sacrifice, purity propels women and men to participate in and condone such practices; that basically Sati and Jauhar, like the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Honour Killings, are steeped in deeply patriarchal, misogynist and problematic ideas," the actress wrote. She further wrote that she understands that the movie is a period film and set in the 13th century where it was normal of a woman to commit Sati or Jauhar than being touched by another man who is not her husband, but it did not mean that it had to be projected in the way Bhansali did in his film. "I understand that Jauhar and Sati are a part of our social history. These happened. I understand that they are sensational, shocking dramatic occurrences that lend themselves to splendid, stark and stunning visual representation; especially in the hands of a consummate maker like yourself — but then so were the lynchings of blacks by murderous white mobs in the 19th century in the US – sensational, shocking dramatic social occurrences. Does that mean one should make a film about it with no perspective on racism? Or, without a comment on racial hatred? Worse, should one make a film glorifying lynchings as a sign of some warped notion of hot-bloodedness, purity, bravery – I don’t know, I have no idea how possibly one could glorify such a heinous hate crime," Swara wrote. Read Padmaava review here Bhaskar said that despite the story being based in the 13th century, the film had 21st-century context and that glorifying a mass suicide in order to protect one's honour was not the most accurate way of telling the story. "The context of your film is India in the 21st century; where five years ago, a girl was gang-raped brutally in the country’s capital inside a moving bus. She didn’t commit suicide because her honour had been desecrated, Sir. She fought her six rapists. Bhaskar also wrote that how a disclaimer at the beginning of the movie made no sense when the entire film was about Rajput and the community's attempt at saving honour that was more important than the right to live. "In the climax, breathtakingly shot of course – hundreds of women bedecked in red like Goddess Durga as bride rushed into the Jauhar fire while a raving Muslim psychopathic villain loomed over them and a pulsating musical track – that had the power of an anthem; seduced the audience into being awestruck and admiring of this act. Sir, if this is not glorification and support of Sati andJauhar, I really do not know what is,"the letter further added.

Swara Bhaskar felt 'reduced to vagina' after watching 'Padmaavat'

It is almost&nbsp;11pm&nbsp;at night but Ranveer Singh<a href="http://www.bollywoodlife.com/celeb/ranveer-singh/">&nbsp;</a>has the broadest of smiles and warmest of hugs for all the journalists who have come to interview and chat with him .&nbsp; His infectious energy as usual is contagious and wards off the weariness caused due to the long wait. The actor confesses that he is on &lsquo;cloud nine&rsquo;. His gamble of playing Khilji in Sanjay Leela Bhansali&rsquo;s Padmaavat has paid off and how! He recently completed eight years in the industry and this film is the perfect icing on the cake given the superlative reviews he is getting for his monstrous and astounding act. Excerpts from the interview&hellip;.

Which role was tougher, Bajirao or Alauddin Khilji? 
This is the first time someone is asking me about this. I have not spoken about Padmaavat since I began work on it.&nbsp; I think Bajirao was more difficult mentally and physically while Khilji was tough physically. It was difficult only because of the shooting process. Due to the incidents and delays, all my work happened back to back. I was screaming my lungs out one day and doing action on the next day. During the Khalbali dance sequence, my knees had become like jelly. I could not feel my legs. While doing the action scenes, I would faint, recuperate, go aside vomit and come back to shoot. In costume dramas, normally everyone gets a break of six to eight days between sequences, which I did not get. The shooting process was extremely difficult but I knew I had to deliver. So, in terms of psyche and emotional turmoil, the role of Bajirao was very taxing but Khilji was an equally difficult part to play.&nbsp;

There was buzz that you were to see a shrink to undo Khilji from your system. Is that true? 
No, I did not see a shrink. I may have needed one if my so-called first aid did not work. I spent quality time with my family and best friends. I spoke my heart out on how I was feeling. I heard them out. They were my doctors. Slowly, I came back to where I was&hellip;yes, there was a point when I felt I was losing myself to this role to such an extent that I might have to visit a doctor. But my first aid worked&hellip;

Is there anything in common in between Ranveer and Khilji? 
There is nothing in common. I could not relate to this person who was so manipulative, greedy and ambitious. A person who would not bat an eyelid before harming others&hellip;it is not me at all. As part of my preparation and homework, I would study such people in history to relate to the worldview of Khilji. I had to understand and convince myself that there were people like them, and draw from it to infuse life into the character. I buried into the deep, dark recesses of my life and memories, which I had brushed under the carpet and were buried in my conscience. I have confronted those demons and used them in my performance. It has been a catharsis; I am feeling a lot more lighter, happier and nicer. I only have good feelings towards people, only gratitude. I have more love, affection and kindness to give now.&nbsp;

Which scene was the toughest to perform ?&nbsp; 
It was a physical concern, the way the shoot went. I shot for this elaborate dance piece after shooting back to back action scenes. After every day of shooting, I would jump into a bucket of ice from my toes to head to help recover my body. I would stay in it for three to six minutes, I slowly built it up. It is very tough to jump into a pool of ice. My body was breaking, my voice had gone with the screaming and I was doing brutal action scenes. I had so many niggles. After recovering in the ice bath, I would come back and perform. I shot back to back for action/dance sequences. On day 37, I was really broken.

People have loved Jim Sarbh&rsquo;s performance as Malik Kafur and your chemistry with him. 
People are talking so much about mine and Jim&rsquo;s parts (laughs). It is so heartening to see that. Jim was one of the most enriching co-actor experiences I ever had. You must know this, casting Jim was my idea. I had seen Neerja and was blown away by his performance. I told Sanjay Sir to please try him out for the role of Kafur. Just after his first audition he got cast. I am too thrilled about the appreciation he is getting. We know well how much he has contributed towards the film.

Not many mainstream actors would dare to play a bisexual villain. Did you have any apprehensions knowing it could backfire? 
Khilji was a bad person of so many negative shades. In personal life, I am straight. As far as playing a bisexual villain goes, not many mainstream actors would do that. Films are about imagery. Someone once told me that you are perceived as the characters you play. But then, it always excites me to push the envelope and challenge myself to do something that is a first. The bisexuality angle added to the menace, it was a complete skewing of a conservative or traditional moral compass like how scary would a person of that type be for someone with these values. 
I was scared to bits for taking on the part. I was apprehensive by Sanjay Sir persisted and persuaded me. He was convinced that I could do it and backed me fully. As apprehensive as I was, I know how much he has contributed towards my growth as an actor and artiste. I took a leap of faith for him. He almost insisted that I do that. I am thrilled that what we have created together is a memorable character that left an impact on pop culture and folklore.

Ranveer spoke about how difficult it was to shoot for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat

It is almost 11pm at night but Ranveer Singh has the broadest of smiles and warmest of hugs for all the journalists who have come to interview and chat with him . His infectious energy as usual is contagious and wards off the weariness caused due to the long wait. The actor confesses that he is on ‘cloud nine’. His gamble of playing Khilji in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat has paid off and how! He recently completed eight years in the industry and this film is the perfect icing on the cake given the superlative reviews he is getting for his monstrous and astounding act. Excerpts from the interview…. Which role was tougher, Bajirao or Alauddin Khilji? This is the first time someone is asking me about this. I have not spoken about Padmaavat since I began work on it. I think Bajirao was more difficult mentally and physically while Khilji was tough physically. It was difficult only because of the shooting process. Due to the incidents and delays, all my work happened back to back. I was screaming my lungs out one day and doing action on the next day. During the Khalbali dance sequence, my knees had become like jelly. I could not feel my legs. While doing the action scenes, I would faint, recuperate, go aside vomit and come back to shoot. In costume dramas, normally everyone gets a break of six to eight days between sequences, which I did not get. The shooting process was extremely difficult but I knew I had to deliver. So, in terms of psyche and emotional turmoil, the role of Bajirao was very taxing but Khilji was an equally difficult part to play. There was buzz that you were to see a shrink to undo Khilji from your system. Is that true? No, I did not see a shrink. I may have needed one if my so-called first aid did not work. I spent quality time with my family and best friends. I spoke my heart out on how I was feeling. I heard them out. They were my doctors. Slowly, I came back to where I was…yes, there was a point when I felt I was losing myself to this role to such an extent that I might have to visit a doctor. But my first aid worked… Is there anything in common in between Ranveer and Khilji? There is nothing in common. I could not relate to this person who was so manipulative, greedy and ambitious. A person who would not bat an eyelid before harming others…it is not me at all. As part of my preparation and homework, I would study such people in history to relate to the worldview of Khilji. I had to understand and convince myself that there were people like them, and draw from it to infuse life into the character. I buried into the deep, dark recesses of my life and memories, which I had brushed under the carpet and were buried in my conscience. I have confronted those demons and used them in my performance. It has been a catharsis; I am feeling a lot more lighter, happier and nicer. I only have good feelings towards people, only gratitude. I have more love, affection and kindness to give now. Which scene was the toughest to perform ? It was a physical concern, the way the shoot went. I shot for this elaborate dance piece after shooting back to back action scenes. After every day of shooting, I would jump into a bucket of ice from my toes to head to help recover my body. I would stay in it for three to six minutes, I slowly built it up. It is very tough to jump into a pool of ice. My body was breaking, my voice had gone with the screaming and I was doing brutal action scenes. I had so many niggles. After recovering in the ice bath, I would come back and perform. I shot back to back for action/dance sequences. On day 37, I was really broken. People have loved Jim Sarbh’s performance as Malik Kafur and your chemistry with him. People are talking so much about mine and Jim’s parts (laughs). It is so heartening to see that. Jim was one of the most enriching co-actor experiences I ever had. You must know this, casting Jim was my idea. I had seen Neerja and was blown away by his performance. I told Sanjay Sir to please try him out for the role of Kafur. Just after his first audition he got cast. I am too thrilled about the appreciation he is getting. We know well how much he has contributed towards the film. Not many mainstream actors would dare to play a bisexual villain. Did you have any apprehensions knowing it could backfire? Khilji was a bad person of so many negative shades. In personal life, I am straight. As far as playing a bisexual villain goes, not many mainstream actors would do that. Films are about imagery. Someone once told me that you are perceived as the characters you play. But then, it always excites me to push the envelope and challenge myself to do something that is a first. The bisexuality angle added to the menace, it was a complete skewing of a conservative or traditional moral compass like how scary would a person of that type be for someone with these values. I was scared to bits for taking on the part. I was apprehensive by Sanjay Sir persisted and persuaded me. He was convinced that I could do it and backed me fully. As apprehensive as I was, I know how much he has contributed towards my growth as an actor and artiste. I took a leap of faith for him. He almost insisted that I do that. I am thrilled that what we have created together is a memorable character that left an impact on pop culture and folklore.

Playing Bajirao was mentally tough, Khilji was physically difficult: Ranveer Singh on Padmaavat

Establishing itself as a box-office record-breaker, Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s epic film &quot;Padmaavat&quot; has already earned Rs 114 crores&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-earns-rs-114-crores-within-the-first-four-days-of-its-release-31092" target="_blank">within the first four days of its release in India</a>.&nbsp;

Continuing the streak even outside India, &quot;Padmaavat&quot; is currently running to its full capacity in several theatres across the United States in both standard format as well as IMAX 3D.&nbsp;

As reported by PTI, in Houston alone, &quot;Padmaavat&quot; has been running houseful in all AMC theatre locations with 24 shows a day since its opening.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-padmaavat-now-barred-from-release-in-malaysia-31119" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;&#39;Padmaavat&#39; now barred from release in Malaysia</a>

As per box office collections sources, the film had collected over USD 3,488,239 till Saturday. It has crossed all previous records for Bollywood movies by collecting USD 1,841,628 on January 27 in a single day across North America, racing past PK&#39;s USD 1,418,817.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568" target="_blank">Also </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568" target="_blank">Read:</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568" target="_blank">&nbsp;Padmaavat review: Ranveer Singh shines in Bhansali&#39;s visually grand historical saga</a>

As reported by PTI, a Bollywood fan living in Dallas, after watching the film said, &quot;&#39;Padmaavat&#39; has all the hallmarks of what might have been a universally celebrated Bollywood epic, a critically acclaimed director, A-list actors dressed in lavish finery, elaborate dance and action sequences, and a love story to tie it all together.&quot;

Another Bollywood fan said. &quot;I still don&#39;t understand why the movie was the subject of street protests in India were all about and why they delayed the movie for so long.&quot;

&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the film has been banned in Malaysia

Establishing itself as a box-office record-breaker, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epic film "Padmaavat" has already earned Rs 114 crores within the first four days of its release in India. Continuing the streak even outside India, "Padmaavat" is currently running to its full capacity in several theatres across the United States in both standard format as well as IMAX 3D. As reported by PTI, in Houston alone, "Padmaavat" has been running houseful in all AMC theatre locations with 24 shows a day since its opening. Also Read: 'Padmaavat' now barred from release in Malaysia As per box office collections sources, the film had collected over USD 3,488,239 till Saturday. It has crossed all previous records for Bollywood movies by collecting USD 1,841,628 on January 27 in a single day across North America, racing past PK's USD 1,418,817. Also Read: Padmaavat review: Ranveer Singh shines in Bhansali's visually grand historical saga As reported by PTI, a Bollywood fan living in Dallas, after watching the film said, "'Padmaavat' has all the hallmarks of what might have been a universally celebrated Bollywood epic, a critically acclaimed director, A-list actors dressed in lavish finery, elaborate dance and action sequences, and a love story to tie it all together." Another Bollywood fan said. "I still don't understand why the movie was the subject of street protests in India were all about and why they delayed the movie for so long."

'Padmaavat' is a hit in the US, running houseful in theatres

Controversies don&#39;t seem to lose sight of Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s film &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-earns-rs-114-crores-within-the-first-four-days-of-its-release-31092" target="_blank">Padmaavat</a>&quot; as it is now barred from releasing in the neighbouring country of Malaysia.&nbsp;

Citing&nbsp;&quot;sensitivities of Islam&quot;,&nbsp;Malaysia&#39;s National Film Censorship Board (LPF) barred filmmaker the epic film from getting released in the country.

In a statement, LPF chairman&nbsp;Mohd Zamberi Abdul Aziz said&nbsp;that the storyline of the film itself is of grave concern as &quot;Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country&quot;.&nbsp;

He said: &quot;The storyline of the film touches on the sensitivities of Islam. That in itself is a matter of grave concern in Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country.&rdquo;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-here-are-the-first-reactions-on-the-film-30455" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;Padmaavat: Here are the first reactions to the film&nbsp;</a>

The film released in India amid escalating violence on part of fringe groups like Karni Sena that claimed that the storyline of the film distorted the image of their historical queen Padmini and was directly aiming at the Rajput honour.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/padmaavat-releasing-in-pakistan-without-cuts-30744" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;&#39;Padmaavat&#39; releasing in Pakistan without cuts</a>

This is, however, not the first time when Malaysia has banned films. Last year, the country banned&nbsp;Disney&rsquo;s &quot;Beauty and the Beast&quot; for a gay moment before relenting and allowing it a PG13 certificate.The country also prosecuted filmmaker Lena Hendry, for holding a private screening of a documentary &quot;No Fire Zone: The Killing Fields of Sri Lanka&quot;.

Rights advocacy groups voice concerns over&nbsp;Malaysia&#39;s censorship laws that are used time and again in an arbitrary fashion.

The groups have criticised this way of working and said that this has stunted Malaysian filmmaking.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The epic film met with violence across the country from fringe groups like Karni Sena who said that the film dishonoured the Rajput legacy

Controversies don't seem to lose sight of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film "Padmaavat" as it is now barred from releasing in the neighbouring country of Malaysia. Citing "sensitivities of Islam", Malaysia's National Film Censorship Board (LPF) barred filmmaker the epic film from getting released in the country. In a statement, LPF chairman Mohd Zamberi Abdul Aziz said that the storyline of the film itself is of grave concern as "Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country". He said: "The storyline of the film touches on the sensitivities of Islam. That in itself is a matter of grave concern in Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country.” Also Read: Padmaavat: Here are the first reactions to the film The film released in India amid escalating violence on part of fringe groups like Karni Sena that claimed that the storyline of the film distorted the image of their historical queen Padmini and was directly aiming at the Rajput honour. Also Read: 'Padmaavat' releasing in Pakistan without cuts This is, however, not the first time when Malaysia has banned films. Last year, the country banned Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast" for a gay moment before relenting and allowing it a PG13 certificate.The country also prosecuted filmmaker Lena Hendry, for holding a private screening of a documentary "No Fire Zone: The Killing Fields of Sri Lanka". Rights advocacy groups voice concerns over Malaysia's censorship laws that are used time and again in an arbitrary fashion. The groups have criticised this way of working and said that this has stunted Malaysian filmmaking.

'Padmaavat' now barred from release in Malaysia

Now that Ranveer Singh&#39;s much-awaited epic movie with co-stars Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor is ready to release country-wide next week on January 25, the actor seems to breathe a sigh of relief now.&nbsp;

Posting on Twitter, Ranveer shared a photo of his body transformation for his upcoming movies, Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s &quot;Padmaavat&quot;&nbsp;to Zoya Akhtar&#39;s &quot;Gully Boy&quot;.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#padmaavat</a> &mdash;&gt; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gullyboy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#gullyboy</a> <a href="https://t.co/6GFJAzPChf">pic.twitter.com/6GFJAzPChf</a>
&mdash; Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/RanveerOfficial/status/954263787556581377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While in the epic drama &quot;Padmaavat&quot;, Ranveer&nbsp;Singh plays the role of mighty king Sultan Alauddin Khilji, in Zoya Akhtar&#39;s &quot;Gully Boy&quot; he becomes a slum boy who likes to rap and with his sincerity and determination rose to fame in the world of entertainment.&nbsp;

For his role in &quot;Padmaavat&quot;, Ranveer had to work tirelessly to build a beefed up body to shoot action scenes and intense battle scenes with Shahid Kapoor while in &quot;Gully Boy&quot; he had to subsequently lose al that muscle to portray the role of a slum boy who lives with basic minimal.&nbsp;

&quot;Gully Boy&quot;&nbsp;is the story of an underdog who rises from slums and goes on to become a big rapper. It&rsquo;s an interesting take on the typical-rag-to-riches story.

Ranveer's upcoming movie 'Padmaavat' will hit the theatres on January 25

Now that Ranveer Singh's much-awaited epic movie with co-stars Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor is ready to release country-wide next week on January 25, the actor seems to breathe a sigh of relief now. Posting on Twitter, Ranveer shared a photo of his body transformation for his upcoming movies, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Padmaavat" to Zoya Akhtar's "Gully Boy". #padmaavat —> #gullyboy pic.twitter.com/6GFJAzPChf — Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) January 19, 2018 × While in the epic drama "Padmaavat", Ranveer Singh plays the role of mighty king Sultan Alauddin Khilji, in Zoya Akhtar's "Gully Boy" he becomes a slum boy who likes to rap and with his sincerity and determination rose to fame in the world of entertainment. For his role in "Padmaavat", Ranveer had to work tirelessly to build a beefed up body to shoot action scenes and intense battle scenes with Shahid Kapoor while in "Gully Boy" he had to subsequently lose al that muscle to portray the role of a slum boy who lives with basic minimal. "Gully Boy" is the story of an underdog who rises from slums and goes on to become a big rapper. It’s an interesting take on the typical-rag-to-riches story.

Ranveer Singh's transformation: 'Padmaavat's mighty Alauddin Khilji to slum boy in 'Gully Boy'

&quot;Padmaavat&quot;&nbsp;director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and &quot;PadMan&quot;&nbsp;Akshay Kumar held a joint press conference today announcing that the two mega flicks will <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padman-to-not-clash-with-padmaavat-shifts-release-date-to-february-9-30080" target="_blank">not be clashing at the box-office</a> next week.&nbsp;

Originally&nbsp;scheduled to release on January 25, both films have decided this in their best interest.&nbsp;

Speaking to the press, Akshay Kumar on Friday announced that his film &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-twinkle-khanna-takes-padman-to-the-prestigious-oxford-union-29899" target="_blank">PadMan</a>&quot;&nbsp;has now been moved to a release on February 9 instead of January 25 on the request of Bhansali.&nbsp;

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It is essential for them to release the film <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> as quickly as possible, so I agreed to move the release date of my film &#39;Pad Man&#39; ahead, will now be released on Feb 9: Akshay Kumar in Mumbai <a href="https://t.co/H2br6bsTxq">pic.twitter.com/H2br6bsTxq</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/954339841113649154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Akshay speaking about &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-panel-discussed-controversial-works-in-literature-and-cinema-during-padmaavat-proceedings-30024" target="_blank">Padmaavat</a>&quot;&nbsp;director said:&nbsp;&quot;He has gone through a lot. It is essential for them to release the film at this time, their stakes are higher than mine,&quot; before calling him &quot;a dear friend.&quot;

Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/supreme-court-clears-all-india-release-for-padmaavat-7838">Supreme Court clears all-India release for &#39;Padmaavat&#39;</a>

Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-watch-padmaavat-dialogue-promo-ranveer-singh-as-khilji-looks-fierce-30077">Watch &#39;Padmaavat&#39; dialogue promo: Ranveer Singh as Khilji looks fierce</a>

On this, Sanjay Leela Bhansali folded hands and said:&nbsp;&quot;I will be grateful to him for a lifetime. This is how we stand with each other.&quot;

He added, &quot;Padmaavat has been made after facing a lot of difficulties, we decided on the release date of 25 Jan but it was Akshay Kumar for the release of his film &#39;PadMan&#39;, we requested him to move the release date of his film ahead, he agreed.&quot;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> has been made after facing a lot of difficulties,we decided on release date of 25 Jan but it was with Akshay Kumar for release of his film &#39;PadMan&#39;,we reqwsted him to move release date of his film ahead,he agreed,will be grateful to him for a lifetime:Sanjay L Bhansali <a href="https://t.co/FoLQbiLa7u">pic.twitter.com/FoLQbiLa7u</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/954337086898806784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Akshay Kumar address the media in Mumbai <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> <a href="https://t.co/m8HxNJy8XA">https://t.co/m8HxNJy8XA</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/954334937435394049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Padmaavat&quot;&nbsp;has been mired in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-not-sit-quiet-if-padmavati-releases-threatens-rashtriya-rajput-karni-sena-28377" target="_blank">controversies</a> ever since the crew started shooting the film last year. Their shooting locations were vandalised, director and actress were <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmavati-row-now-karni-sena-threatens-to-chop-off-deepika-padukones-nose-if-the-film-releases-24367" target="_blank">threatened</a> and eventually, CBFC denied giving the film a release certificate.&nbsp;

Makers of the controversial film &quot;Padmaavat&quot;&nbsp;announced January 25 as release date after CBFC passed the film with a certificate late last year. It was the earliest possible date that the makers spotted for the film amid negative sentiment growing against it. This led to a clash with an already announced release date for &quot;PadMan&quot; and &quot;Aiyaary&quot;.&nbsp;

Soon after the announcement, Siddharth Malhotra starrer &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padman-padmavat-to-clash-on-jan-25-aiyaari-steps-out-of-race-postpones-release-28942" target="_blank">Aiyaary</a>&quot;&nbsp;shifted its date to February 9.&nbsp;

After the latest&nbsp;press conference, &quot;PadMan&quot;&nbsp;and &quot;Aiyaary&quot;&nbsp;will meet its fate again on the same date -- February 9.&nbsp;

&quot;PadMan,&quot; tells the story of Arunachalam Muruganantham, the man behind a low-cost machine for manufacturing sanitary napkins in rural India.

The controversial &quot;Padmaavat&quot;&nbsp;is based on the legend of Rani Padmini of Chittor, played by Deepika Padukone.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

'Padmaavat' director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and 'PadMan' actor Akshay Kumar held a joint press conference today announcing that 'Padmaavat' needs to release on January 25 and there is no point in clashing two mega flicks on the same date

"Padmaavat" director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and "PadMan" Akshay Kumar held a joint press conference today announcing that the two mega flicks will not be clashing at the box-office next week. Originally scheduled to release on January 25, both films have decided this in their best interest. Speaking to the press, Akshay Kumar on Friday announced that his film "PadMan" has now been moved to a release on February 9 instead of January 25 on the request of Bhansali. It is essential for them to release the film #Padmaavat as quickly as possible, so I agreed to move the release date of my film 'Pad Man' ahead, will now be released on Feb 9: Akshay Kumar in Mumbai pic.twitter.com/H2br6bsTxq — ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2018 × Akshay speaking about "Padmaavat" director said: "He has gone through a lot. It is essential for them to release the film at this time, their stakes are higher than mine," before calling him "a dear friend." Also Watch: Supreme Court clears all-India release for 'Padmaavat' Also Watch: Watch 'Padmaavat' dialogue promo: Ranveer Singh as Khilji looks fierce On this, Sanjay Leela Bhansali folded hands and said: "I will be grateful to him for a lifetime. This is how we stand with each other." He added, "Padmaavat has been made after facing a lot of difficulties, we decided on the release date of 25 Jan but it was Akshay Kumar for the release of his film 'PadMan', we requested him to move the release date of his film ahead, he agreed." #Padmaavat has been made after facing a lot of difficulties,we decided on release date of 25 Jan but it was with Akshay Kumar for release of his film 'PadMan',we reqwsted him to move release date of his film ahead,he agreed,will be grateful to him for a lifetime:Sanjay L Bhansali pic.twitter.com/FoLQbiLa7u — ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2018 × #WATCH Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Akshay Kumar address the media in Mumbai #Padmaavat https://t.co/m8HxNJy8XA — ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2018 × "Padmaavat" has been mired in controversies ever since the crew started shooting the film last year. Their shooting locations were vandalised, director and actress were threatened and eventually, CBFC denied giving the film a release certificate. Makers of the controversial film "Padmaavat" announced January 25 as release date after CBFC passed the film with a certificate late last year. It was the earliest possible date that the makers spotted for the film amid negative sentiment growing against it. This led to a clash with an already announced release date for "PadMan" and "Aiyaary". Soon after the announcement, Siddharth Malhotra starrer "Aiyaary" shifted its date to February 9. After the latest press conference, "PadMan" and "Aiyaary" will meet its fate again on the same date -- February 9. "PadMan," tells the story of Arunachalam Muruganantham, the man behind a low-cost machine for manufacturing sanitary napkins in rural India. The controversial "Padmaavat" is based on the legend of Rani Padmini of Chittor, played by Deepika Padukone.

'I will be grateful to him for a lifetime', says Bhansali after Akshay postpones 'PadMan'

As Bollywood fans gear up for a treat on January 25 with the much-awaited film &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-rejects-plea-to-cancel-cbfc-certificate-to-padmaavat-30051" target="_blank">Padmaavat</a>&quot;&nbsp;finally getting released country-wide, there is more good news.&nbsp;

On Friday, Viacom 18 shared a sensational dialogue promo of the film between Ranveer Singh who plays the character of Sultan Alauddin Khilji and Shahid Kapoor who is the valiant Rajput&nbsp;Maharaja Rawal Ratan Singh.&nbsp;

In the short yet impactful 30-second video, the two characters are shown prepping up for war and taking a stand for their rightful ownership of the land of Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.&nbsp;

Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-ranveer-singhs-transformation-padmaavats-mighty-alauddin-khilji-to-slum-boy-in-gully-boy-30062">Ranveer Singh&#39;s transformation: &#39;Padmaavat&#39;s mighty Alauddin Khilji to slum boy in &#39;Gully Boy&#39;</a>

While Ranveer is dark, mystical and ready-to-fight, Shahid is the composed, honourable ruler who knows what he is doing.&nbsp;

Watch the promo for yourself:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j2O68Ho3Zgg" width="970"></iframe>

The Sanjay Leela Bhansali film recently won the fight against the Rajput Karni Sena, after the Supreme Court stayed any ruling against the release of the film in any state.&nbsp;

Based on the 1540 AD poem by the Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi, it stars Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles.&nbsp;

The film is set to release on January 25.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the 30-second-long video, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor's on-screen characters will give you chills with their ready-to-fight vibe

As Bollywood fans gear up for a treat on January 25 with the much-awaited film "Padmaavat" finally getting released country-wide, there is more good news. On Friday, Viacom 18 shared a sensational dialogue promo of the film between Ranveer Singh who plays the character of Sultan Alauddin Khilji and Shahid Kapoor who is the valiant Rajput Maharaja Rawal Ratan Singh. In the short yet impactful 30-second video, the two characters are shown prepping up for war and taking a stand for their rightful ownership of the land of Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. Also Watch: Ranveer Singh's transformation: 'Padmaavat's mighty Alauddin Khilji to slum boy in 'Gully Boy' While Ranveer is dark, mystical and ready-to-fight, Shahid is the composed, honourable ruler who knows what he is doing. Watch the promo for yourself: The Sanjay Leela Bhansali film recently won the fight against the Rajput Karni Sena, after the Supreme Court stayed any ruling against the release of the film in any state. Based on the 1540 AD poem by the Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi, it stars Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles. The film is set to release on January 25.

Watch 'Padmaavat' dialogue promo: Ranveer Singh as Khilji looks fierce

In a recent turn of events, &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/padmaavat-a-timeline-of-controversies-7843" target="_blank">Padmaavat</a>&quot;&nbsp;and &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padman-akshay-kumar-says-sanitary-pads-should-be-free-29590" target="_blank">PadMan</a>&quot;&nbsp;will not clash at the box office on January 25.&nbsp;

Bollywood film trade analyst took to Twitter to announce the breaking news.

He wrote: &quot;Breaking news: Pad Man release postponed to 9th February. Padmaavat will be solo release on 25th January&quot;.

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Breaking news: Pad Man release postponed to 9th February. Padmaavat will be solo release on 25th January
&mdash; Komal Nahta (@KomalNahta) <a href="https://twitter.com/KomalNahta/status/954309442849226752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to a Mumbai-based fashion magazine, a source close to the film said:&nbsp;&quot;Padmaavat&nbsp;director Sanjay Leela Bhansali met with Akshay Kumar personally to request him to postpone his film &quot;PadMan&quot;&nbsp;and to avoid a clash with his controversy-ridden film. This comes in the wake of the film already being mired in controversies due to disputed content and depiction, as cited by some fringe elements.&nbsp;

Keeping in mind all the difficulties that came in the way of his film, Bhansali requested Akshay to push the release date of PadMan so that Padmaavat doesn&#39;t suffer at the box-office.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-panel-discussed-controversial-works-in-literature-and-cinema-during-padmaavat-proceedings-30024">SC panel discussed controversial works in literature and cinema during &#39;Padmaavat&#39; proceedings</a>

Recently, the Supreme Court <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-rejects-plea-to-cancel-cbfc-certificate-to-padmaavat-30051" target="_blank">ruled</a> in favour of the film refusing to stay ban on the film by state governments. The movie has been cleared by the CBFC and is scheduled to release on January 25.&nbsp;

PadMan, on the other hand, has had a successful pre-release run with the audience. It&nbsp;tells the story of Arunachalam Muruganantham, the man behind a low-cost machine for manufacturing sanitary napkins in rural India.

The film&rsquo;s unusual storyline and its cast of Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte led to it being projected as a sure-shot winner at the box office.&nbsp;

According to reports, PadMan will now clash with Sidharth Malhotra, Manoj Bajpayee&rsquo;s &quot;Aiyaary&quot;, which is also releasing on February 9.

According to reports, Sanjay Leela Bhansali met with Akshay Kumar to postpone release date of his movie 'PadMan'

In a recent turn of events, "Padmaavat" and "PadMan" will not clash at the box office on January 25. Bollywood film trade analyst took to Twitter to announce the breaking news. He wrote: "Breaking news: Pad Man release postponed to 9th February. Padmaavat will be solo release on 25th January". Breaking news: Pad Man release postponed to 9th February. Padmaavat will be solo release on 25th January — Komal Nahta (@KomalNahta) January 19, 2018 × According to a Mumbai-based fashion magazine, a source close to the film said: "Padmaavat director Sanjay Leela Bhansali met with Akshay Kumar personally to request him to postpone his film "PadMan" and to avoid a clash with his controversy-ridden film. This comes in the wake of the film already being mired in controversies due to disputed content and depiction, as cited by some fringe elements. Keeping in mind all the difficulties that came in the way of his film, Bhansali requested Akshay to push the release date of PadMan so that Padmaavat doesn't suffer at the box-office. Also Read: SC panel discussed controversial works in literature and cinema during 'Padmaavat' proceedings Recently, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the film refusing to stay ban on the film by state governments. The movie has been cleared by the CBFC and is scheduled to release on January 25. PadMan, on the other hand, has had a successful pre-release run with the audience. It tells the story of Arunachalam Muruganantham, the man behind a low-cost machine for manufacturing sanitary napkins in rural India. The film’s unusual storyline and its cast of Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte led to it being projected as a sure-shot winner at the box office. According to reports, PadMan will now clash with Sidharth Malhotra, Manoj Bajpayee’s "Aiyaary", which is also releasing on February 9.

'PadMan' to not clash with 'Padmaavat', shifts release date to February 9

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has come out in support of Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat. The filmmaker screened the film for the spiritual leader on Wednesday evening at his ashram.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;I loved the movie and haven&#39;t found anything objectionable about it. Very shocked to see people protesting, as the movie is about Rajput honour and is a beautiful tribute to Rani Padmavati. I request people to go watch the movie, it will make you proud. Padmaavat should be celebrated across India,&rdquo; said the Art of Living founder.

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Sanjay Leela Bhansali with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (WION)
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Sanjay Leela Bhansali screened Padmaavat for Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Wednesday evening at his ashram. (WION)
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Padmaavat has been in the middle of a controversy as a fringe group, Rajput Karni Sena demanded a ban on the film&#39;s release as they felt it dishonoured the Rajput community and Queen Padmini. &nbsp; 
 
While the film was cleared by CBFC in the first week of January with a demand of title change and 5 modifications in the story, four states decided to ban the film. On Thursday, the Supreme Court stayed the ban and cleared the film&#39;s release.&nbsp;

Sanjay Leela Bhansali screened the film for the spiritual leader at his ashram on Wednesday.

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has come out in support of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat. The filmmaker screened the film for the spiritual leader on Wednesday evening at his ashram. “I loved the movie and haven't found anything objectionable about it. Very shocked to see people protesting, as the movie is about Rajput honour and is a beautiful tribute to Rani Padmavati. I request people to go watch the movie, it will make you proud. Padmaavat should be celebrated across India,” said the Art of Living founder. Sanjay Leela Bhansali with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (WION) × Sanjay Leela Bhansali screened Padmaavat for Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Wednesday evening at his ashram. (WION) × Padmaavat has been in the middle of a controversy as a fringe group, Rajput Karni Sena demanded a ban on the film's release as they felt it dishonoured the Rajput community and Queen Padmini. While the film was cleared by CBFC in the first week of January with a demand of title change and 5 modifications in the story, four states decided to ban the film. On Thursday, the Supreme Court stayed the ban and cleared the film's release.

Sri Sri Ravi Sankar bats for Padmaavat, says film should be celebrated across India

Even after the Supreme Court cleared decks for release of Padmaavat, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/final-warning-padmaavat-should-not-be-released-say-protesters-after-supreme-court-order-29929">opposition against the Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s film</a> continues. Controversial Haryana politician Suraj Pal Amu has said that if the film is released, the country will fall apart.

&quot;Today the Supreme has hurt the sentiments of crores of people, who respect the court. We will continue our struggle, even if we are sent to the gallows. If this film is released, the country will fall apart,&quot; Amu said.

Amu, a former BJP leader, had offered a Rs 10 crore bounty last year to anybody who beheaded director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and the film&#39;s lead actress Deepika Padukone. He had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/haryana-bjps-chief-media-coordinator-who-offered-rs-10-crore-bounty-for-beheading-deepika-padukone-resigns-25417">resigned from the party</a> after controversy over his remarks.

The BJP had issued a show-cause notice to Amu and asked him to apologise.

Padmaavat has been accused of distorting historical facts by fringe groups. The objection is to an alleged dream sequence between Deepika Padukone&#39;s Rani Padmini and Ranveer Singh&#39;s Alauddin Khilji, a claim that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has repeatedly rubbished.

Padmaavat was originally scheduled to hit theatres on December 1 but its co-producers Viacom 18 deferred the film&#39;s release after film ran into trouble with the censor board. Widespread protests followed from the fringe groups, especially in Rajput-dominated areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana, against the release of films prompting the censor board to form a panel to review the film; the film&#39;s name was finally changed to &#39;Padmaavat&#39; and the release date decided as January 25, 2018.

But the fringe groups kept protesting against the film&#39;s release, and the governments of Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat said they will not allow Padmaavat to be released in their states.

The filmmakers then approcahed the Supreme Court which on Thursday (January 18) <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-cleared-by-the-supreme-court-in-four-states-stays-ban-29917">stayed the ban</a>, clearing decks for the film&#39;s pan-India release.

Amu, a former BJP leader, had offered a Rs 10 crore bounty last year to anybody who beheaded director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and the film's lead actress Deepika Padukone.

Even after the Supreme Court cleared decks for release of Padmaavat, opposition against the Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film continues. Controversial Haryana politician Suraj Pal Amu has said that if the film is released, the country will fall apart. "Today the Supreme has hurt the sentiments of crores of people, who respect the court. We will continue our struggle, even if we are sent to the gallows. If this film is released, the country will fall apart," Amu said. Amu, a former BJP leader, had offered a Rs 10 crore bounty last year to anybody who beheaded director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and the film's lead actress Deepika Padukone. He had resigned from the party after controversy over his remarks. The BJP had issued a show-cause notice to Amu and asked him to apologise. Padmaavat has been accused of distorting historical facts by fringe groups. The objection is to an alleged dream sequence between Deepika Padukone's Rani Padmini and Ranveer Singh's Alauddin Khilji, a claim that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has repeatedly rubbished. Padmaavat was originally scheduled to hit theatres on December 1 but its co-producers Viacom 18 deferred the film's release after film ran into trouble with the censor board. Widespread protests followed from the fringe groups, especially in Rajput-dominated areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana, against the release of films prompting the censor board to form a panel to review the film; the film's name was finally changed to 'Padmaavat' and the release date decided as January 25, 2018. But the fringe groups kept protesting against the film's release, and the governments of Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat said they will not allow Padmaavat to be released in their states. The filmmakers then approcahed the Supreme Court which on Thursday (January 18) stayed the ban, clearing decks for the film's pan-India release.

If Padmaavat is released, the country will fall apart: Suraj Pal Amu

Members of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-women-of-kshatriya-community-threaten-to-perform-jauhar-if-the-films-release-is-not-stalled-29572">Rajput community</a> have refused to accept the decision of the Supreme Court allowing the screening of Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat.

&quot;We do not accept the decison of Supreme Court on Padmaavat. Our protest will continue,&quot; said Vikramaditya Singh, state president of Sarv Rajput Kshatriya Mahasabha in Raipur.

&quot;Members of the Rajput community have submitted a memorandum to Chhattisgarh Home Minister Ramsewak Paikra demanding ban on Padmaavat in the state. Cinema halls screening the film would be burnt down. No changes hereafter are acceptable. We want a complete ban. This is our final warning,&quot; he added.

The Supreme Court on Thursday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-cleared-by-the-supreme-court-in-four-states-stays-ban-29917">cleared the decks</a> for the all-India release of controversial movie &#39;Padmaavat&#39; on January 25 and stayed notifications and orders issued by Rajasthan and Gujarat prohibiting exhibition of the film in their states.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra also restrained any other state from issuing such notifications and orders prohibiting exhibition of the movie.

&quot;We direct that there shall be a stay of operation on the notification and orders issued and we also restrain other states from issuing such notifications or orders in this matter,&quot; the bench said in its interim order.

Senior advocates Harish Salve and Mukul Rohatgi, representing Viacom 18 and other producers of the movie, told the bench that states have no power to issue such notifications banning exhibition of a film when the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has given a certificate of release.

Governments of Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-now-rajasthan-bans-the-film-keeping-public-interest-in-mind-29892">Rajasthan</a> had declared that they will not allow screening of the movie, which stars Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in lead roles.

The producers submitted <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-producers-move-supreme-court-against-states-banning-release-29802">before the Supreme Court</a> that the movie has undergone changes including in its title as suggested by the CBFC.

Asserting that the film has been cleared by the CBFC, the plea has said that the states cannot impose a blanket ban on a film and its screening can be suspended in a particular area or areas on account of law and order problem, not across the states.

The film is based on the saga of the historic battle of 13th century between Maharaja Ratan Singh and his army of Mewar and Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi.

The set of the movie was vandalised twice - in Jaipur and Kolhapur, while its director Sanjay Leela Bhansali was roughed up by members of the Karni Sena last year.

(With PTI inputs)

The Supreme Court on Thursday cleared the decks for the all-India release of controversial movie 'Padmaavat' on January 25.

Members of the Rajput community have refused to accept the decision of the Supreme Court allowing the screening of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat. "We do not accept the decison of Supreme Court on Padmaavat. Our protest will continue," said Vikramaditya Singh, state president of Sarv Rajput Kshatriya Mahasabha in Raipur. "Members of the Rajput community have submitted a memorandum to Chhattisgarh Home Minister Ramsewak Paikra demanding ban on Padmaavat in the state. Cinema halls screening the film would be burnt down. No changes hereafter are acceptable. We want a complete ban. This is our final warning," he added. The Supreme Court on Thursday cleared the decks for the all-India release of controversial movie 'Padmaavat' on January 25 and stayed notifications and orders issued by Rajasthan and Gujarat prohibiting exhibition of the film in their states. A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra also restrained any other state from issuing such notifications and orders prohibiting exhibition of the movie. "We direct that there shall be a stay of operation on the notification and orders issued and we also restrain other states from issuing such notifications or orders in this matter," the bench said in its interim order. Senior advocates Harish Salve and Mukul Rohatgi, representing Viacom 18 and other producers of the movie, told the bench that states have no power to issue such notifications banning exhibition of a film when the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has given a certificate of release. Governments of Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan had declared that they will not allow screening of the movie, which stars Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in lead roles. The producers submitted before the Supreme Court that the movie has undergone changes including in its title as suggested by the CBFC. Asserting that the film has been cleared by the CBFC, the plea has said that the states cannot impose a blanket ban on a film and its screening can be suspended in a particular area or areas on account of law and order problem, not across the states. The film is based on the saga of the historic battle of 13th century between Maharaja Ratan Singh and his army of Mewar and Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi. The set of the movie was vandalised twice - in Jaipur and Kolhapur, while its director Sanjay Leela Bhansali was roughed up by members of the Karni Sena last year. (With PTI inputs)

'Final warning, Padmaavat should not be released', say protesters after Supreme Court order

After Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana, Rajasthan is the fourth state to officially ban Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat. The film, that is scheduled to release in theaters on January 25th will not be releasing in Rajasthan, a notice by the Rajasthan government said. 
 
According to the notice, the movie has been banned keeping public interest in mind, and to maintain law and order situation in the state. 
 
&quot;The Government of Rajasthan considers it necessary to do so in public interest, to maintain the law and order situation,&quot; said the order issued by the Home Department of the Rajasthan government. 
 
&quot;This ban on exhibition of the film shall come into effect from [January 17, 2018]. No cinema owner or distributor shall exhibit the said movie in any Cinema/Multiplex/Video cinema/Touring cinema etc within the jurisdiction of the state of Rajasthan,&quot; the order added. 
 
A few days earlier, Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje had also announced the film will not be screened in any theater in the state. 
 
&quot;Rani Padmini&rsquo;s sacrifice is associated with honour, esteem and pride of the state, so Rani Padmini is not merely a history chapter for us, but is our self-esteem. We will not allow her dignity to be hurt howsoever,&rdquo; the CM had said in a statement. 
 
The film has been riddled with controversy for a long time. It was earlier scheduled to release on December 1, 2017, but the film was not given a certification until January first week when the CBFC demanded a change in the title of the film- from Padmavati to Padmaavat- and asked for 5 modifications and cleared it for a commercial release.&nbsp; 
 
Fringe outfit Rajput Karni Sena had raised opposition against the content of the film stating it dishonoured Queen Padmini of Chittor. The makers have categorically stated that the film, in no way dishonours the Rajput queen.&nbsp; 
Bhansali has stated that the film is based on Jayasi&#39;s poem Padmavat. The film stars Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in the lead roles.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Rajasthan is the fourth state to ban Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film.

After Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana, Rajasthan is the fourth state to officially ban Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat. The film, that is scheduled to release in theaters on January 25th will not be releasing in Rajasthan, a notice by the Rajasthan government said. According to the notice, the movie has been banned keeping public interest in mind, and to maintain law and order situation in the state. "The Government of Rajasthan considers it necessary to do so in public interest, to maintain the law and order situation," said the order issued by the Home Department of the Rajasthan government. "This ban on exhibition of the film shall come into effect from [January 17, 2018]. No cinema owner or distributor shall exhibit the said movie in any Cinema/Multiplex/Video cinema/Touring cinema etc within the jurisdiction of the state of Rajasthan," the order added. A few days earlier, Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje had also announced the film will not be screened in any theater in the state. "Rani Padmini’s sacrifice is associated with honour, esteem and pride of the state, so Rani Padmini is not merely a history chapter for us, but is our self-esteem. We will not allow her dignity to be hurt howsoever,” the CM had said in a statement. The film has been riddled with controversy for a long time. It was earlier scheduled to release on December 1, 2017, but the film was not given a certification until January first week when the CBFC demanded a change in the title of the film- from Padmavati to Padmaavat- and asked for 5 modifications and cleared it for a commercial release. Fringe outfit Rajput Karni Sena had raised opposition against the content of the film stating it dishonoured Queen Padmini of Chittor. The makers have categorically stated that the film, in no way dishonours the Rajput queen. Bhansali has stated that the film is based on Jayasi's poem Padmavat. The film stars Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in the lead roles.

Padmaavat: Now, Rajasthan bans the film keeping public interest in mind

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhoopendra Singh said that people should not even play Padmaavat&nbsp;songs.

The film has already been banned in Madhya Pradesh.

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MP govt banned <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a>, people shouldn&#39;t even play songs of it. If someone plays a banned song, it must be reported to police &amp; not take matter in your own hands. Action to be taken against culprits: MP HM on school vandalised in Jaora after students performed on song Ghoomar <a href="https://t.co/47LJAfVfC7">pic.twitter.com/47LJAfVfC7</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/953633332503363585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The statement followed the incident where the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/madhya-pradesh-student-injured-as-rajput-karni-sena-vandalise-school-for-padmaavat-performance-29634">Rajput Karni Sena vandalised a school in Madhya Pradesh</a> on Monday.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-women-of-kshatriya-community-threaten-to-perform-jauhar-if-the-films-release-is-not-stalled-29572">Kshatriya women threaten to commit jauhar if Padmaavat release is not stalled</a>

Saint Paul&#39;s Convent School in Madhya Pradesh was vandalised by the Karni Sena as students performed to a song from Bhansali&#39;s magnum opus.

Members of Karni Sena allegedly destroyed school&#39;s property; a student was also reported injured during the mishap.

Deepika Padukone starrer&nbsp;Padmaavat&nbsp;has been banned in four states -- Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and <a href="http://Haryana becomes fourth state to ban 'Padmaavat'">Haryana.</a>

Also read: Padmaavat: Have the makers preponed the release date to January 24th?

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-producers-move-supreme-court-against-states-banning-release-29802">Makers of the movie have moved the Supreme Court</a> against the ban; according to reports, the apex court has agreed to hear the plea.

Padmaavat has been scheduled to release on January 26th and is set to clash with Akshay Kumar&#39;s PadMan.

The movie features Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles.

The statement followed the incident where Rajput Karni Sena vandalised a school in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhoopendra Singh said that people should not even play Padmaavat songs. The film has already been banned in Madhya Pradesh. MP govt banned #Padmaavat, people shouldn't even play songs of it. If someone plays a banned song, it must be reported to police & not take matter in your own hands. Action to be taken against culprits: MP HM on school vandalised in Jaora after students performed on song Ghoomar pic.twitter.com/47LJAfVfC7 — ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2018 × The statement followed the incident where the Rajput Karni Sena vandalised a school in Madhya Pradesh on Monday. Also read: Kshatriya women threaten to commit jauhar if Padmaavat release is not stalled Saint Paul's Convent School in Madhya Pradesh was vandalised by the Karni Sena as students performed to a song from Bhansali's magnum opus. Members of Karni Sena allegedly destroyed school's property; a student was also reported injured during the mishap. Deepika Padukone starrer Padmaavat has been banned in four states -- Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana. Also read: Padmaavat: Have the makers preponed the release date to January 24th? Makers of the movie have moved the Supreme Court against the ban; according to reports, the apex court has agreed to hear the plea. Padmaavat has been scheduled to release on January 26th and is set to clash with Akshay Kumar's PadMan. The movie features Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles.

Even Padmaavat's songs should not be played: Madhya Pradesh Home Minister

The Supreme Court said Thursday that the movie Padmaavat would have to be released across the country.&nbsp;Four states -- Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh -- had banned the release of the film.&nbsp;

&quot;When Bandit Queen can be released, why not this movie?&quot; Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra asked while passing his order. Bandit Queen was the controversial 1994 movie made on the life of dacoit-turned-politician Phoolan Devi.&nbsp;

The court added that a state cannot ban a movie on the expectation that it will lead to law and order troubles. And that it was the states&#39; job to ensure peace.&nbsp;

Padmaavat, which has been cleared by the CBFC, is scheduled for release on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/confirmed-padmavat-to-release-on-january-25th-28879">January 25</a>.&nbsp;

The movie&#39;s producers -- Bhansali Productions and Viacom18 Motion Pictures -- had approached the Supreme Court after the four states had banned the release.&nbsp;

The producers had in their petition referred to an earlier Supreme Court order stating that the release of a film cannot be banned on the expectation of law and order troubles.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://Also read: " target="_blank"> should not be screened, appeal to public to impose &#39;curfew&#39;, says Karni Sena chief</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-ban-rajasthan-haryana-say-they-respect-sc-decision-will-look-for-legal-provision-29944" target="_blank">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-ban-rajasthan-haryana-say-they-respect-sc-decision-will-look-for-legal-provision-29944" target="_blank"> release row: Rajasthan, Haryana say they respect SC decision, will see if can appeal</a>

Representing the producers at the court, lawyer Harish Salve said to the court the federal structure is destroyed if the states ban a film. &quot;If somebody has a problem, then he or she can approach appellate tribunal for relief. The state can&#39;t touch the content of a film. Request the Central government to pass a direction to the states for a better and an effective step and solution,&quot; Salve said while representing producers of Padmaavat at the Supreme Court.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-sri-ravi-sankar-bats-for-padmaavat-says-film-should-be-celebrated-across-india-29937">Also</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-sri-ravi-sankar-bats-for-padmaavat-says-film-should-be-celebrated-across-india-29937"> see:&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-sri-ravi-sankar-bats-for-padmaavat-says-film-should-be-celebrated-across-india-29937">Sri Sri</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-sri-ravi-sankar-bats-for-padmaavat-says-film-should-be-celebrated-across-india-29937"> Ravi Sankar bats for Padmaavat, says film should be celebrated across India</a>

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Here is what producers of <a href="https://twitter.com/filmpadmaavat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@filmpadmaavat</a> had asked. <a href="https://t.co/liAkS5j5wZ">pic.twitter.com/liAkS5j5wZ</a>
&mdash; Bar &amp; Bench (@barandbench) <a href="https://twitter.com/barandbench/status/953882957990604802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A bench of CJI and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said cinemas are an inseparable part of Right to Free Speech and Expression through the medium of celluloid and guaranteed under Article 19 of Constitution. The court said all states are constitutionally obliged to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident during the screening of the film across India, a permission granted by CBFC. SC posted the matter for further hearing on March 26th.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-cleared-by-the-supreme-court-in-four-states-stays-ban-29917">Also see: Is Padmaavat releasing on January 24th?&nbsp;</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-producers-move-supreme-court-against-states-banning-release-29802">On Wednesday Bhansali and Viacom 18, producers of the film had moved SC to contest the ban.&nbsp;</a>

Padmaavat features Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in the lead roles and is scheduled to release across the country on January 25th.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Supreme Court said Thursday that Padmaavat would have to be released across the country

The Supreme Court said Thursday that the movie Padmaavat would have to be released across the country. Four states -- Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh -- had banned the release of the film. "When Bandit Queen can be released, why not this movie?" Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra asked while passing his order. Bandit Queen was the controversial 1994 movie made on the life of dacoit-turned-politician Phoolan Devi. The court added that a state cannot ban a movie on the expectation that it will lead to law and order troubles. And that it was the states' job to ensure peace. Padmaavat, which has been cleared by the CBFC, is scheduled for release on January 25. The movie's producers -- Bhansali Productions and Viacom18 Motion Pictures -- had approached the Supreme Court after the four states had banned the release. The producers had in their petition referred to an earlier Supreme Court order stating that the release of a film cannot be banned on the expectation of law and order troubles. Also read: Padmaavat should not be screened, appeal to public to impose 'curfew', says Karni Sena chief Also read: Padmaavat release row: Rajasthan, Haryana say they respect SC decision, will see if can appeal Representing the producers at the court, lawyer Harish Salve said to the court the federal structure is destroyed if the states ban a film. "If somebody has a problem, then he or she can approach appellate tribunal for relief. The state can't touch the content of a film. Request the Central government to pass a direction to the states for a better and an effective step and solution," Salve said while representing producers of Padmaavat at the Supreme Court. Also see: Sri Sri Ravi Sankar bats for Padmaavat, says film should be celebrated across India Here is what producers of @filmpadmaavat had asked. pic.twitter.com/liAkS5j5wZ — Bar & Bench (@barandbench) January 18, 2018 × A bench of CJI and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said cinemas are an inseparable part of Right to Free Speech and Expression through the medium of celluloid and guaranteed under Article 19 of Constitution. The court said all states are constitutionally obliged to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident during the screening of the film across India, a permission granted by CBFC. SC posted the matter for further hearing on March 26th. Also see: Is Padmaavat releasing on January 24th? On Wednesday Bhansali and Viacom 18, producers of the film had moved SC to contest the ban. Padmaavat features Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in the lead roles and is scheduled to release across the country on January 25th.

When Bandit Queen can be released, why not Padmaavat, says Supreme Court

Makers of epic film &quot;Padmaavat&quot; have now moved to Supreme Court against the film ban in four states of India namely Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.&nbsp;

As reported by PTI, the apex court has agreed to hear the plea of producers of the film.&nbsp;

Only Tuesday, the&nbsp;Manohar Lal Khattar government in Haryana banned the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s controversial film in the state

&quot;Padmaavat&quot;, which was earlier named as Padmavati, is scheduled to hit theatres on January 25 after it was cleared by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in December.

The board had asked for several modifications, including a change in the title.&nbsp;

This comes after state governments of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Haryana banned the release of the film in their respective states

Makers of epic film "Padmaavat" have now moved to Supreme Court against the film ban in four states of India namely Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. As reported by PTI, the apex court has agreed to hear the plea of producers of the film. Only Tuesday, the Manohar Lal Khattar government in Haryana banned the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial film in the state "Padmaavat", which was earlier named as Padmavati, is scheduled to hit theatres on January 25 after it was cleared by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in December. The board had asked for several modifications, including a change in the title.

'Padmaavat' producers move Supreme Court against states banning release

A big clash awaits at the box office next week as both Padmaavat and PadMan will jostle for space in theatres over the Republic day long weekend. While Padmaavat is scheduled to release on January 25th, Akshay Kumar&#39;s Padman will hit the theaters on January 26th.&nbsp; 
 
Now news has it that makers of Padmaavat will be releasing the film on the night of January 24th. Cinema halls across the country are likely to have paid previews of Padmaavat on the night of January 24th.&nbsp; 
 
According to a report in Pinkvilla, the film is likely to have only one show on the 24th. Confirming the development, Manoj Desai, owner of a multiplex in Mumbai told a leading daily, &lsquo;&rsquo;While PadMan releases on 26th January, Padmaavat will release the night before. The distributors of Padmaavat are likely to reimburse the film that is scheduled for the 9.30 pm show that day and screen the magnum opus instead. There will be only one paid preview. This will happen not just in my theatres but across India.&rsquo;&rsquo; 
 
incidentally, while Akshay Kumar and Sonam Kapoor are busy promoting PadMan across the country, the cast of Padmaavat - Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor- will not be doing any promotions. Makers believe that interviews of the stars can further fuel the controversy around the film. &quot;Also, the cast members are busy with other commitments,&quot; said a source close to the film. 
 
The movie was earlier scheduled to release on December 1, 2017, but continuous protests and CBFC fiasco forced the makers to shift the date. CBFC asked for a change in title and 5 other modifications within the film while giving it certification.&nbsp; 
 
Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat is the filmmaker labour of love. &quot;Padmaavat is a dream come true for me. I have always been fascinated by the stories of honour, valour and vigour of our great Rajput warriors that have been captured so beautifully in our literature and this movie is my homage to those glorious stories. I would also like to thank the entire film fraternity for supporting Viacom18 and Bhansali Productions through the entire production and pre-release phase and hope they like the film they so supported,&quot; the director has said in an earlier interview.&nbsp;

A big clash awaits at the box office next week as both Padmaavat and PadMan will jostle for space in theatres over the Republic day long weekend.

A big clash awaits at the box office next week as both Padmaavat and PadMan will jostle for space in theatres over the Republic day long weekend. While Padmaavat is scheduled to release on January 25th, Akshay Kumar's Padman will hit the theaters on January 26th. Now news has it that makers of Padmaavat will be releasing the film on the night of January 24th. Cinema halls across the country are likely to have paid previews of Padmaavat on the night of January 24th. According to a report in Pinkvilla, the film is likely to have only one show on the 24th. Confirming the development, Manoj Desai, owner of a multiplex in Mumbai told a leading daily, ‘’While PadMan releases on 26th January, Padmaavat will release the night before. The distributors of Padmaavat are likely to reimburse the film that is scheduled for the 9.30 pm show that day and screen the magnum opus instead. There will be only one paid preview. This will happen not just in my theatres but across India.’’ incidentally, while Akshay Kumar and Sonam Kapoor are busy promoting PadMan across the country, the cast of Padmaavat - Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor- will not be doing any promotions. Makers believe that interviews of the stars can further fuel the controversy around the film. "Also, the cast members are busy with other commitments," said a source close to the film. The movie was earlier scheduled to release on December 1, 2017, but continuous protests and CBFC fiasco forced the makers to shift the date. CBFC asked for a change in title and 5 other modifications within the film while giving it certification. Bhansali's Padmaavat is the filmmaker labour of love. "Padmaavat is a dream come true for me. I have always been fascinated by the stories of honour, valour and vigour of our great Rajput warriors that have been captured so beautifully in our literature and this movie is my homage to those glorious stories. I would also like to thank the entire film fraternity for supporting Viacom18 and Bhansali Productions through the entire production and pre-release phase and hope they like the film they so supported," the director has said in an earlier interview.

Padmaavat: Have the makers preponed the release date to January 24th?

The Allahabad High Court issued a contempt notice to Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairman Prasoon Joshi on Tuesday over the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat. 
 
The notice was issued after Joshi failed to respond to a representation given by a petitioner seeking a ban on the release of the film.&nbsp; 
 
In November last year, the petitioner filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the high court seeking the ban on the film because it &quot;promoted&quot; Sati. The court dismissed the petition on November 9. However, the petitioner was given liberty to file a complaint under Rule 32 of 1983 with direction to decide the same expeditiously, if possible within a period of three weeks. 
 
The petitioner filed a representation before the CBFC on November 13, but Joshi failed to respond to the same. At this, the high court issued contempt notice to Joshi. 
&nbsp;

(With agency inputs)

The notice was issued after Joshi failed to respond to a representation given by a petitioner seeking a ban on the release of the film.

The Allahabad High Court issued a contempt notice to Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairman Prasoon Joshi on Tuesday over the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat. The notice was issued after Joshi failed to respond to a representation given by a petitioner seeking a ban on the release of the film. In November last year, the petitioner filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the high court seeking the ban on the film because it "promoted" Sati. The court dismissed the petition on November 9. However, the petitioner was given liberty to file a complaint under Rule 32 of 1983 with direction to decide the same expeditiously, if possible within a period of three weeks. The petitioner filed a representation before the CBFC on November 13, but Joshi failed to respond to the same. At this, the high court issued contempt notice to Joshi. (With agency inputs)

Padmaavat row: Allahabad HC issues contempt notice to CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi over the release of the film

Haryana on Tuesday became the fourth state to announce a ban on the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed &quot;Padmaavat&quot;.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Haryana minister Anil Vij confirmed the decision after a meeting with the cabinet.

Earlier, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan were the other three states to put up the ban.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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CM earlier said we will take decision after censor board passes it. In this meeting, I said it should be banned in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Haryana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Haryana</a> keeping in view law &amp; order situation in state. Cabinet supported this &amp; we decided it will be banned in Haryana: Anil Vij, Haryana Minister on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> <a href="https://t.co/GNJZSI0Mvb">pic.twitter.com/GNJZSI0Mvb</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/953198176768372736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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However, Haryana Chief Minister&nbsp;Manohar Lal Khattar had earlier said the government will take a decision after watching the movie.

&quot;Padmaavat&quot;, which was earlier named as&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmavat-finally-gets-release-date-may-clash-with-padman-28763">Padmavati, is scheduled to hit theatres on January 25</a> after it was cleared by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-cuts-proposed-on-padmavati-only-5-modifications-says-central-board-of-filmcertification-28132">Central Board of Film Certification</a>&nbsp;(CBFC) in December.

The board had asked for several&nbsp;modifications, including a change in the title.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmavat-wont-release-in-gujarat-madhya-pradesh-29351">Padmavat won&#39;t release in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh</a>

Rajasthan, where the protests against the film are loudest,&nbsp;demanded a nationwide ban on the movie.

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Dholpur: Rajput Karni Sena protest against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> movie, Sena chief Lokendra Singh Kalvi says, &#39;want nothing less than nation-wide ban on the movie&#39; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajasthan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajasthan</a> <a href="https://t.co/cNP0s49oBH">pic.twitter.com/cNP0s49oBH</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/953199410602655744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor,&nbsp;&quot;Padmaavat&quot; is based on character Padmavati which was first mentioned in a&nbsp;16th-century poem Padmaavat by Malik Muhammad Jayasi.

&nbsp;

Haryana has become the fourth state to ban the movie after Gujarat, Rajasthan and MP

Haryana on Tuesday became the fourth state to announce a ban on the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed "Padmaavat". Haryana minister Anil Vij confirmed the decision after a meeting with the cabinet. Earlier, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan were the other three states to put up the ban. CM earlier said we will take decision after censor board passes it. In this meeting, I said it should be banned in #Haryana keeping in view law & order situation in state. Cabinet supported this & we decided it will be banned in Haryana: Anil Vij, Haryana Minister on #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/GNJZSI0Mvb — ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2018 × However, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had earlier said the government will take a decision after watching the movie. "Padmaavat", which was earlier named as Padmavati, is scheduled to hit theatres on January 25 after it was cleared by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in December. The board had asked for several modifications, including a change in the title. Also read: Padmavat won't release in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh Rajasthan, where the protests against the film are loudest, demanded a nationwide ban on the movie. Dholpur: Rajput Karni Sena protest against #Padmaavat movie, Sena chief Lokendra Singh Kalvi says, 'want nothing less than nation-wide ban on the movie' #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/cNP0s49oBH — ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2018 × Starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor, "Padmaavat" is based on character Padmavati which was first mentioned in a 16th-century poem Padmaavat by Malik Muhammad Jayasi.

Haryana becomes fourth state to ban 'Padmaavat'

There is no end to all the controversy around Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat. Even as filmmakers have got a CBFC clearance to release the film after 5 modifications and a change in the title, protests across the country continue to grow demanding a ban on the film.&nbsp; 
 
Rajasthan and Gujarat have banned the film in their respective states. Now female members of Kshatriya community in Chittorgarh on Saturday threatened to perform &quot;jauhar&quot; (self-immolation) if the screening of the film is not stopped by the government. 
 
A Sarvasamaj meeting held in Chittaurgarh on Saturday where the members decided to stage a phase-wise protest against the proposed release of the film. The meeting was attended by around 500 people, out of which 100 females belonged to high-profile families of the city. 
 
Spokesperson of Rajput Karni Sena, Virendra Singh told a news agency that they intend to block national highways and railway tracks across Chittorgarh on January 17th.&nbsp; 
 
Singh also stated that a representative board will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 16, who is scheduled to visit Pachpadra village in Barmer district for laying the foundation stone for a refinery project. 
&quot;A request will be made to him as well to stop the screening of the film,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;But, if despite all these measures the film is released, the women of Kshatriya Samaj will perform jauhar on January 24 -- the day when the queen performed jauhar -- and at the same site,&quot; said Virendra Singh. 
 
Chittaurgarh Jauhar Smriti Sansthan general secretary Bhanwar Singh said that preparations were also being made to close the gates of the historical Chittorgarh fort once again. 
 
Earlier, the Sena had planned a protest on January 25 and 26, but in the wake of Republic Day celebrations, the protest was rescheduled to January 17, Virendra Singh added.

(With agency inputs)

A Sarvasamaj meeting held in Chittorgarh on Saturday where the members decided to stage a phase-wise protest against the proposed release of the film

There is no end to all the controversy around Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat. Even as filmmakers have got a CBFC clearance to release the film after 5 modifications and a change in the title, protests across the country continue to grow demanding a ban on the film. Rajasthan and Gujarat have banned the film in their respective states. Now female members of Kshatriya community in Chittorgarh on Saturday threatened to perform "jauhar" (self-immolation) if the screening of the film is not stopped by the government. A Sarvasamaj meeting held in Chittaurgarh on Saturday where the members decided to stage a phase-wise protest against the proposed release of the film. The meeting was attended by around 500 people, out of which 100 females belonged to high-profile families of the city. Spokesperson of Rajput Karni Sena, Virendra Singh told a news agency that they intend to block national highways and railway tracks across Chittorgarh on January 17th. Singh also stated that a representative board will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 16, who is scheduled to visit Pachpadra village in Barmer district for laying the foundation stone for a refinery project. "A request will be made to him as well to stop the screening of the film," he said. "But, if despite all these measures the film is released, the women of Kshatriya Samaj will perform jauhar on January 24 -- the day when the queen performed jauhar -- and at the same site," said Virendra Singh. Chittaurgarh Jauhar Smriti Sansthan general secretary Bhanwar Singh said that preparations were also being made to close the gates of the historical Chittorgarh fort once again. Earlier, the Sena had planned a protest on January 25 and 26, but in the wake of Republic Day celebrations, the protest was rescheduled to January 17, Virendra Singh added. (With agency inputs)

Chittor: Kshatriya women threaten to commit jauhar if Padmaavat release is not stalled

Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat&nbsp;is finally releasing on January 25 after a long struggle with the censor board and actor Sonam Kapoor says she hopes no film faces the same fate as the upcoming period drama. 
 
The 32-year-old actor, who made her debut with Bhansali&#39;s Saawariya&nbsp;in 2007, wished the filmmaker all the best for the movie. 
 
&quot;I haven&#39;t worked with him (Bhansali) for 10 years since my first film released. I have been in touch with him. I wish him all the best for his film. I hope the film releases and I won&#39;t wish this (protest) on anybody,&quot; Sonam told PTI.

Her next release Padman&nbsp;is all set for box office clash with Padmaavat. 
 
The officials at Viacom18 Motion Pictures, producer of the controversy-ridden film, confirmed the release date as January 25 but are yet to make an official announcement.

Sonam hopes the R Balki-directed film would help eliminate the stigma surrounding menstruation. 
 
&quot;There is lot of stigma attached to menstrual hygiene and hopefully a film like this will change the mindset of people to an extent and even create awareness. I hope India is progressing towards a better future. 
 
&quot;The idea to make any kind of art be it films or anything is to reach out to more people and propagate something to change. Any change would be welcome with our film,&quot; she said. PTI&nbsp;

Sonam's next release Padman is all set for box office clash with Padmaavat.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat is finally releasing on January 25 after a long struggle with the censor board and actor Sonam Kapoor says she hopes no film faces the same fate as the upcoming period drama. The 32-year-old actor, who made her debut with Bhansali's Saawariya in 2007, wished the filmmaker all the best for the movie. "I haven't worked with him (Bhansali) for 10 years since my first film released. I have been in touch with him. I wish him all the best for his film. I hope the film releases and I won't wish this (protest) on anybody," Sonam told PTI. Her next release Padman is all set for box office clash with Padmaavat. The officials at Viacom18 Motion Pictures, producer of the controversy-ridden film, confirmed the release date as January 25 but are yet to make an official announcement. Sonam hopes the R Balki-directed film would help eliminate the stigma surrounding menstruation. "There is lot of stigma attached to menstrual hygiene and hopefully a film like this will change the mindset of people to an extent and even create awareness. I hope India is progressing towards a better future. "The idea to make any kind of art be it films or anything is to reach out to more people and propagate something to change. Any change would be welcome with our film," she said. PTI

Hope no film faces protests like 'Padmaavat': Sonam Kapoor

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmavat-wont-release-in-gujarat-madhya-pradesh-29351">Gujarat government</a> today announced that the state will not go ahead with the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s magnum opus, Padmavat. &nbsp;

Gujarat&#39;s Minister of State, Pradeepsinh Jadeja, noted the ban essential to maintain law and order in the state and said that it was issued in public interest.&nbsp;

The ban is imposed under the Gujarat Cinemas (Regulation) Act of 2004.

&quot;In exercise conferred by sub-section 1 of section 6 of the Act, the government of Gujarat hereby imposes the ban on Hindi feature film &#39;Padmaavat&#39;... No cinema owners or distributors shall exhibit the said movie in any cinema/multiplex/ video cinema/touring cinema within the jurisdiction of Gujarat,&quot; the notification said.

&quot;We have learnt that the movie, originally named as &#39;Padmavati&#39; will be released with a new name &#39;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/scenes-offensive-to-rajput-community-must-be-deleted-union-minister-on-padmavat-release-29427">Padmaavat</a>&#39;. However, people across the country are against the movie, as they feel that history has been distorted. With this notification, the movie will be considered as a non-certified one and will not be screened in the state,&quot; said Jadeja.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani had previously announced that the ban on Padmavat will continue despite the change in title.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the makers of the film confirmed Padmavat&#39;s release on January 25.&nbsp;

Viacom18 Motion Pictures announced that the movie shall be released across the globe in three languages -- Hindi, Telugu and Tamil.&nbsp;

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Get ready to witness the epic tale <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> on 25th January 2018, in theatres near you!Now also in 3D, Imax 3D, Tamil &amp; Telugu! <a href="https://twitter.com/filmpadmaavat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@filmPadmaavat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RanveerOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RanveerOfficial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/shahidkapoor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shahidkapoor</a> <a href="https://t.co/K6vxrPYSK1">pic.twitter.com/K6vxrPYSK1</a>
&mdash; Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) <a href="https://twitter.com/deepikapadukone/status/952520105451311105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Central Board of Film Certification cleared the film with a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bhansalis-padmavati-to-get-ua-certificate-films-title-may-also-get-changed-central-film-board-28111">UA certificate on December 28</a>.

The Censor Board called for necessary modifications -- including the name of the movie to be changed to Padmavat and changes made to the Ghoomar song -- in order to facilitate the film&#39;s release.&nbsp;

Various Rajput groups across the country have been staging protests against the film&#39;s&nbsp;release.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-karni-sena-members-held-while-protesting-outside-cbfc-office-29365">Karni Sena</a>, most vocal against Padmavat&#39;s release, recently staged a protest outside the CBFC office.&nbsp;

The group has also <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajput-karni-sena-threatens-to-vandalise-theaters-showing-padmavati-28115">threatened to vandalise cinema halls</a> screening the movie, despite the censor board&#39;s go-ahead.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The ban is imposed under the Gujarat Cinemas (Regulation) Act of 2004

The Gujarat government today announced that the state will not go ahead with the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus, Padmavat. Gujarat's Minister of State, Pradeepsinh Jadeja, noted the ban essential to maintain law and order in the state and said that it was issued in public interest. The ban is imposed under the Gujarat Cinemas (Regulation) Act of 2004. "In exercise conferred by sub-section 1 of section 6 of the Act, the government of Gujarat hereby imposes the ban on Hindi feature film 'Padmaavat'... No cinema owners or distributors shall exhibit the said movie in any cinema/multiplex/ video cinema/touring cinema within the jurisdiction of Gujarat," the notification said. "We have learnt that the movie, originally named as 'Padmavati' will be released with a new name 'Padmaavat'. However, people across the country are against the movie, as they feel that history has been distorted. With this notification, the movie will be considered as a non-certified one and will not be screened in the state," said Jadeja. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani had previously announced that the ban on Padmavat will continue despite the change in title. Meanwhile, the makers of the film confirmed Padmavat's release on January 25. Viacom18 Motion Pictures announced that the movie shall be released across the globe in three languages -- Hindi, Telugu and Tamil. Get ready to witness the epic tale #Padmaavat on 25th January 2018, in theatres near you!Now also in 3D, Imax 3D, Tamil & Telugu! @filmPadmaavat @RanveerOfficial @shahidkapoor pic.twitter.com/K6vxrPYSK1 — Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) January 14, 2018 × The Central Board of Film Certification cleared the film with a UA certificate on December 28. The Censor Board called for necessary modifications -- including the name of the movie to be changed to Padmavat and changes made to the Ghoomar song -- in order to facilitate the film's release. Various Rajput groups across the country have been staging protests against the film's release. The Karni Sena, most vocal against Padmavat's release, recently staged a protest outside the CBFC office. The group has also threatened to vandalise cinema halls screening the movie, despite the censor board's go-ahead. (With inputs from agencies)

Gujarat joins Rajasthan, bans Padmavat

Despite the clearance from Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Padmavat&nbsp;won`t be released in Gujarat, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said on Friday.

Similar announcement was made by Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan as well who said, &quot;Jo kaha hai wahi hoga [whatever I said earlier would continue to remain in force],&rdquo; to the&nbsp;reporters.

Gujarat is the second Indian state after Rajasthan to have banned the screening of the controversial Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial.Other states, including&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, which had indicated that the film will not be allowed to be released in November -- are yet to announce their final decisions.

The flick, based on the legend of Rani Padmini, a 13th century Hindu Rajput queen, mentioned in Padmavat, an Avadhi poem written by Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi in 1540, has been facing protests from various groups, particularly the Shri Rajput Karni Sena, for allegedly tampering with historical facts.

The CBFC has suggested five modifications in Padmavati, which included changing the film`s title to Padmavat, in December last year.&nbsp;

Earlier Rajasthan had declared a similar ban on Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film.

Despite the clearance from Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Padmavat won`t be released in Gujarat, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said on Friday. Similar announcement was made by Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan as well who said, "Jo kaha hai wahi hoga [whatever I said earlier would continue to remain in force],” to the reporters. Gujarat is the second Indian state after Rajasthan to have banned the screening of the controversial Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial.Other states, including Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, which had indicated that the film will not be allowed to be released in November -- are yet to announce their final decisions. The flick, based on the legend of Rani Padmini, a 13th century Hindu Rajput queen, mentioned in Padmavat, an Avadhi poem written by Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi in 1540, has been facing protests from various groups, particularly the Shri Rajput Karni Sena, for allegedly tampering with historical facts. The CBFC has suggested five modifications in Padmavati, which included changing the film`s title to Padmavat, in December last year.

Padmavat won't release in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh

It is astonishing what adversity can do to you. It has been eight long, painful and mortifying months now for filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali - the master of epic sagas like&nbsp;Devdas&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bajirao Mastani, which have made insane amounts of money while asserting the director&#39;s place as the only true successor to the epic filmmakers K Asif, Mehboob Khan, V Shantaram and Raj Kapoor.

For the past months while my dear friend Sanjay has been attacked physically and emotionally, he has felt like none of the movie moguls mentioned above could have felt. In fact, Sanjay feels like a common criminal, being hounded, threatened, bullied and heckled, for a crime whose nature he isn&#39;t aware of. Maybe he needs to read the law books which say making films in this country can be damaging to the filmmaker&#39;s health.

The&nbsp;Padmavat&nbsp;crisis has broken Sanjay physically and emotionally. For months now, he hasn&#39;t been eating or sleeping properly. And he has started chain-smoking again.

&quot;It&#39;s Lataji&#39;s songs and cigarettes which have kept me going all these months,&quot; he tells me. I stay quiet. I&#39;ve no words of consolation.

To say Sanjay has been to hell and back would be an understatement. Living under the constant shadow of threat and fear is like coping with a fatal disease, a cancer of the spirit that eats away at one&#39;s soul. The very real threats from the fringe groups - and I&#39;ve been first-hand witness to them where callers on his cell phone have been shouting they would do him much worse than merely behead him - is something that no outsider would understand, let alone empathise with.

The lack of real camaraderie within the film fraternity makes it worse for someone as private as Sanjay Bhansali. He became more vulnerable to attack when the attackers realized he had no support system to buffer the bullying. The post-midnight calls became more abusive and the threats more pecuniary in nature, if you know what I mean.

Yes, there were open offers to &#39;stop all protests&#39; in exchange of fiscal favours. Sanjay closed down his cell number. The calls then began coming on his home number, which were sometimes received by his old and ailing mother.

For Sanjay, the most important thing at that moment was to protect his mother from the hurt. He stopped watching news channels at home - and once the attacks gathered momentum and the security was beefed up, he was at home most of the time - so that his mother wouldn&#39;t be exposed to her son&#39;s vilification. But then, she would read about Sanjay&#39;s demonising the next morning in the Gujarati newspaper that she combed religiously.

The situation at Sanjay Bhansali&#39;s home was beyond depressing. At some point, Sanjay just gave up the fight and stopped thinking about the fate of&nbsp;Padmavat. He left all the marketing decisions to his producers, Viacom 18 Motion Pictures. The decision to release&nbsp;Padmavaton January 25 is the producer&#39;s.&nbsp;

My friend Sanjay Bhansali has become a bystander in the drama of his own that&#39;s being played out in full public view. No one is sure how this bizarre narrative based on hearsay and political antipathy will pan out finally. As Sanjay Bhansali told a friend, &quot;Can the film release in the states that have threatened to ban it? Does the CBFC endorsement mean anything to those who want to stop my film at any cost?&quot;

And why do they want&nbsp;Padmavat&nbsp;stopped? A whim? An impulse? Or it is it something far deeper that you or I cannot understand? I guess, like Jessica, we&#39;ll never know who tried to kill&nbsp;Padmavat.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

My friend Sanjay Bhansali has become a bystander in the drama of his own that's being played out in full public view.

It is astonishing what adversity can do to you. It has been eight long, painful and mortifying months now for filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali - the master of epic sagas like Devdas and Bajirao Mastani, which have made insane amounts of money while asserting the director's place as the only true successor to the epic filmmakers K Asif, Mehboob Khan, V Shantaram and Raj Kapoor. For the past months while my dear friend Sanjay has been attacked physically and emotionally, he has felt like none of the movie moguls mentioned above could have felt. In fact, Sanjay feels like a common criminal, being hounded, threatened, bullied and heckled, for a crime whose nature he isn't aware of. Maybe he needs to read the law books which say making films in this country can be damaging to the filmmaker's health. The Padmavat crisis has broken Sanjay physically and emotionally. For months now, he hasn't been eating or sleeping properly. And he has started chain-smoking again. "It's Lataji's songs and cigarettes which have kept me going all these months," he tells me. I stay quiet. I've no words of consolation. To say Sanjay has been to hell and back would be an understatement. Living under the constant shadow of threat and fear is like coping with a fatal disease, a cancer of the spirit that eats away at one's soul. The very real threats from the fringe groups - and I've been first-hand witness to them where callers on his cell phone have been shouting they would do him much worse than merely behead him - is something that no outsider would understand, let alone empathise with. The lack of real camaraderie within the film fraternity makes it worse for someone as private as Sanjay Bhansali. He became more vulnerable to attack when the attackers realized he had no support system to buffer the bullying. The post-midnight calls became more abusive and the threats more pecuniary in nature, if you know what I mean. Yes, there were open offers to 'stop all protests' in exchange of fiscal favours. Sanjay closed down his cell number. The calls then began coming on his home number, which were sometimes received by his old and ailing mother. For Sanjay, the most important thing at that moment was to protect his mother from the hurt. He stopped watching news channels at home - and once the attacks gathered momentum and the security was beefed up, he was at home most of the time - so that his mother wouldn't be exposed to her son's vilification. But then, she would read about Sanjay's demonising the next morning in the Gujarati newspaper that she combed religiously. The situation at Sanjay Bhansali's home was beyond depressing. At some point, Sanjay just gave up the fight and stopped thinking about the fate of Padmavat. He left all the marketing decisions to his producers, Viacom 18 Motion Pictures. The decision to release Padmavaton January 25 is the producer's. My friend Sanjay Bhansali has become a bystander in the drama of his own that's being played out in full public view. No one is sure how this bizarre narrative based on hearsay and political antipathy will pan out finally. As Sanjay Bhansali told a friend, "Can the film release in the states that have threatened to ban it? Does the CBFC endorsement mean anything to those who want to stop my film at any cost?" And why do they want Padmavat stopped? A whim? An impulse? Or it is it something far deeper that you or I cannot understand? I guess, like Jessica, we'll never know who tried to kill Padmavat. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Padmavat ready for release, but here is the toll it has taken on Sanjay Leela Bhansali

The date is finally confirmed. Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s film Padmavat is all set to release in the theatre on January 25th, 2018. The controversial film got its censor certificate earlier last week and now the makers have planned to release the film in January and cash in on the extended weekend.&nbsp;

Interestingly, the Bhansali&#39;s film will clash with two other major Bollywood releases that weekend- Akshay Kumar&#39;s Padman and Manoj Bajpayee&#39;s Aiyaary. While there has been speculation about the clash for some time, trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted the film&#39;s release date on Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmavat</a> to release on 25 Jan 2018... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicDayWeekend?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicDayWeekend</a>
&mdash; taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/950297415457824768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Bhansali&#39;s film has been in the center of a massive controversy almost the greater part of 2017. Earlier called Padmavati, the film was scheduled for a December 1, 2017 release but its release was postponed by the makers after objections around the film took a political&nbsp;turn. As many as 5 states have banned the film including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Fringe outfit Rajput Karni Sena and political leaders had appealed to Censor Board to screen the film first to a select audience and remove objectionable scenes around it.&nbsp;

Only last week, CBFC invited a panel which included historians and former Royals to view the film and makers were asked to rename the film as Padmavat. In December, Bhansali had met a special Parliamentary&nbsp;committee and stated that the film was based on Jayasi&#39;s poem Padmavat.&nbsp;The film features Deepika Padukone, Ranveer&nbsp;Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles.&nbsp;

The makers of the film- Viacom 18 and Bhansali Productions- have not made any official announcement yet.&nbsp;

The film will release a day before Republic Day and cash on long weekend.

The date is finally confirmed. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Padmavat is all set to release in the theatre on January 25th, 2018. The controversial film got its censor certificate earlier last week and now the makers have planned to release the film in January and cash in on the extended weekend. Interestingly, the Bhansali's film will clash with two other major Bollywood releases that weekend- Akshay Kumar's Padman and Manoj Bajpayee's Aiyaary. While there has been speculation about the clash for some time, trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted the film's release date on Monday afternoon. #Padmavat to release on 25 Jan 2018... #RepublicDayWeekend — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 8, 2018 × Bhansali's film has been in the center of a massive controversy almost the greater part of 2017. Earlier called Padmavati, the film was scheduled for a December 1, 2017 release but its release was postponed by the makers after objections around the film took a political turn. As many as 5 states have banned the film including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Fringe outfit Rajput Karni Sena and political leaders had appealed to Censor Board to screen the film first to a select audience and remove objectionable scenes around it. Only last week, CBFC invited a panel which included historians and former Royals to view the film and makers were asked to rename the film as Padmavat. In December, Bhansali had met a special Parliamentary committee and stated that the film was based on Jayasi's poem Padmavat. The film features Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles. The makers of the film- Viacom 18 and Bhansali Productions- have not made any official announcement yet.

Confirmed: Padmavat to release on January 25

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aadhaar-data-breach-after-police-complaint-against-journalist-government-says-committed-to-freedom-of-the-press-28889" target="_blank">After FIR against journalist, government says committed to freedom of press</a>

After a police complaint against a journalist of the Tribune for an expose on the breach of privacy of Aadhaar details, the government today clarified that it is committed to the freedom of the press.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/confirmed-padmavat-to-release-on-january-25th-28879" target="_blank">Confirmed: Padmavat to release on January 25</a>

The date is finally confirmed. Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s film&nbsp;Padmavat&nbsp;is all set to release in the theatre on January 25th, 2018. The controversial film got its censor certificate earlier last week and now the makers have planned to release the film in January and cash in on the extended weekend.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-government-says-padmavat-will-not-be-released-in-state-28900" target="_blank">Rajasthan government says &#39;Padmavat&#39; will not be released in state</a>

Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s much-awaited epic period drama Padmavat has been banned from release in Rajasthan. The state Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria confirmed the news.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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The Supreme Court has decided to &quot;refer&nbsp;to a larger bench&quot; a plea that seeks to decriminalise gay sex.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opposed-to-us-finger-pointing-at-pak-on-terror-related-issues-china-28887" target="_blank">Opposed to US &#39;finger pointing&#39; at Pakistan on terror-related issues: China</a>

China today said it is opposed to the US &quot;finger pointing&quot; at Pakistan and linking it with terrorism, insisting that the responsibility of cracking down on terror outfits cannot be placed on a particular country.

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After FIR against journalist, government says committed to freedom of press After a police complaint against a journalist of the Tribune for an expose on the breach of privacy of Aadhaar details, the government today clarified that it is committed to the freedom of the press. Confirmed: Padmavat to release on January 25 The date is finally confirmed. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Padmavat is all set to release in the theatre on January 25th, 2018. The controversial film got its censor certificate earlier last week and now the makers have planned to release the film in January and cash in on the extended weekend. Rajasthan government says 'Padmavat' will not be released in state Sanjay Leela Bhansali's much-awaited epic period drama Padmavat has been banned from release in Rajasthan. The state Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria confirmed the news. Supreme Court to review 2013 verdict on criminalising gay sex The Supreme Court has decided to "refer to a larger bench" a plea that seeks to decriminalise gay sex. Opposed to US 'finger pointing' at Pakistan on terror-related issues: China China today said it is opposed to the US "finger pointing" at Pakistan and linking it with terrorism, insisting that the responsibility of cracking down on terror outfits cannot be placed on a particular country.

WION evening news brief, January 8, 2018

Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s &#39;Padmavat&#39; has finally got a release date.&nbsp;The film is now scheduled to release on 25 of January clashing Akshay Kumar&#39;s PadMan.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-as-a-rajput-girl-i-believe-in-padmavati-24953">As a Rajput girl, I believe in Padmavati</a>

Biopic of Padmashri Arunachalam, PadMan starring Akshay Kumar and Radhika Apte, will be releasing on January 26.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmavati-row-no-shooting-for-15-minutes-across-india-tomorrow-25112">No shooting for 15 minutes across India today over Padmavati row</a>

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmavati-row-producers-postpone-films-release-24582">release of the film was postponed</a> in November after it saw a lot of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmavati-controversy-protests-in-gujarat-maharashtra-24034">protests</a> by Karni Sena in Rajasthan.The release will finally put an end to controversies and speculation surrounding the film.

According to reports the curiosity level of watching Padmavat&nbsp;has reached a significant point crediting to its constant controversies.

Padmavat&nbsp;featuring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor was in controversy as it is based on queen Padmini and Several groups in Rajsthan like Karni Sena took offence on the speculation that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has shown romance between Rani Padmini and &nbsp;Mughal emperor Allauddin Khilji.

Many people were demanding to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmavati-row-after-madhya-pradesh-gujarat-bans-the-film-24851">put a ban</a> on the film&#39;s release.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmavati-row-what-state-chief-ministers-have-to-say-about-the-film-24733"> Various chief ministers speak for and against the Padmavati release</a>

Deepika Padukone along with Sanjay Leela Bhansali received <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-death-threats-to-sanjay-leela-bhansali-deepika-padukone-unacceptable-nana-patekar-25534">death threats </a>over the Padmavat&nbsp;ban row.

The film is already banned in few states including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.

Padmavat&nbsp;is based on the story of Rani Padmini popularly known as Padmavati, a fictional character of 1540 poem &#39;Padmavat&#39; written by Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi.

There is no written proof of saying that Rani Padmini actually existed or the sequence of Rani Padmini actually committing &#39;Jauhar&#39; to save herself from Khilji.

 
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The film is now scheduled to release on 25 of January clashing with Akshay Kumar's PadMan

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmavat' has finally got a release date. The film is now scheduled to release on 25 of January clashing Akshay Kumar's PadMan. Also read: As a Rajput girl, I believe in Padmavati Biopic of Padmashri Arunachalam, PadMan starring Akshay Kumar and Radhika Apte, will be releasing on January 26. Also read: No shooting for 15 minutes across India today over Padmavati row The release of the film was postponed in November after it saw a lot of protests by Karni Sena in Rajasthan.The release will finally put an end to controversies and speculation surrounding the film. According to reports the curiosity level of watching Padmavat has reached a significant point crediting to its constant controversies. Padmavat featuring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor was in controversy as it is based on queen Padmini and Several groups in Rajsthan like Karni Sena took offence on the speculation that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has shown romance between Rani Padmini and Mughal emperor Allauddin Khilji. Many people were demanding to put a ban on the film's release. Also read: Various chief ministers speak for and against the Padmavati release Deepika Padukone along with Sanjay Leela Bhansali received death threats over the Padmavat ban row. The film is already banned in few states including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. Padmavat is based on the story of Rani Padmini popularly known as Padmavati, a fictional character of 1540 poem 'Padmavat' written by Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi. There is no written proof of saying that Rani Padmini actually existed or the sequence of Rani Padmini actually committing 'Jauhar' to save herself from Khilji.

'Padmavat' finally gets release date, may clash with PadMan

A senior member of the erstwhile Mewar royal family, Mahendra Singh, has questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for endorsing Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmavati&nbsp;claiming the film &quot;misrepresents&quot; revered heroic characters and may cause &quot;social unrest&quot;. 
 
In a letter to Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani and Minister of State Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, the Mewar royal alleged that CBFC chairman Prasoon Joshi had not considered all factors and &quot;this public deception&quot; suggested incompetence and complicity. 
 
&quot;The movie is likely to cause social unrest and such hurried certification and continuing misrepresentation can only bring disrepute to the CBFC,&quot; Mahendra Singh wrote. 
 
Accusing CBFC chief Joshi of misrepresenting facts, Mahendra Singh alleged that two panels seemed to have been invited for a special screening but the film was &quot;clandestinely&quot; shown to only one. 
 
&quot;The impression being given is that the panelists who saw the movie were in agreement over its release with the reported modifications. However, two members of the panel have gone on record to state that they were not in agreement to the release,&quot; read the letter. 
 
It is clear that the invitation to both panels was just a sham and the names of the panelists who viewed the film are now being used to add credibility, Mahendra Singh said. 
 
He added that the claims of historical authenticity were dropped and the movie was declared to be fictional, drawing inspiration from Malik Mohammad Jayasi&#39;s poem Padmavat.&nbsp;Mahendra Singh claimed that the period drama was not even an accurate adaptation of Jayasi&#39;s poem. 
 
&quot;The movie thereby misrepresents not only our culture but also this poem! It may be noted all communities had made their contribution at that time and we Rajputs need no certificate from the film or Mr Joshi, especially at the cost of misrepresenting our culture and denigrating that of others,&quot; the letter says.

Significantly, Mahendra Singh&#39;s son Vishvaraj Singh had written to CBFC chairman Joshi seeking some clarifications after he received an invitation to be on a panel to review the film. Mahendra Singh also raised questions at to why the CBFC had not answered the issues raise by his son.

Last week, the CBFC decided to give Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s &quot;Padmavati&quot; a UA certificate and suggested the director change the film&#39;s title to Padmavat.&nbsp; 
 
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A senior member of the erstwhile Mewar royal family, Mahendra Singh, has questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for endorsing Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmavati?

A senior member of the erstwhile Mewar royal family, Mahendra Singh, has questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for endorsing Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmavati claiming the film "misrepresents" revered heroic characters and may cause "social unrest". In a letter to Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani and Minister of State Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, the Mewar royal alleged that CBFC chairman Prasoon Joshi had not considered all factors and "this public deception" suggested incompetence and complicity. "The movie is likely to cause social unrest and such hurried certification and continuing misrepresentation can only bring disrepute to the CBFC," Mahendra Singh wrote. Accusing CBFC chief Joshi of misrepresenting facts, Mahendra Singh alleged that two panels seemed to have been invited for a special screening but the film was "clandestinely" shown to only one. "The impression being given is that the panelists who saw the movie were in agreement over its release with the reported modifications. However, two members of the panel have gone on record to state that they were not in agreement to the release," read the letter. It is clear that the invitation to both panels was just a sham and the names of the panelists who viewed the film are now being used to add credibility, Mahendra Singh said. He added that the claims of historical authenticity were dropped and the movie was declared to be fictional, drawing inspiration from Malik Mohammad Jayasi's poem Padmavat. Mahendra Singh claimed that the period drama was not even an accurate adaptation of Jayasi's poem. "The movie thereby misrepresents not only our culture but also this poem! It may be noted all communities had made their contribution at that time and we Rajputs need no certificate from the film or Mr Joshi, especially at the cost of misrepresenting our culture and denigrating that of others," the letter says. Significantly, Mahendra Singh's son Vishvaraj Singh had written to CBFC chairman Joshi seeking some clarifications after he received an invitation to be on a panel to review the film. Mahendra Singh also raised questions at to why the CBFC had not answered the issues raise by his son. Last week, the CBFC decided to give Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Padmavati" a UA certificate and suggested the director change the film's title to Padmavat.

Padmavati row: Mewar royal questions Censor Board clearance to film