No cuts ordered, only five modifications: CBFC chief on Padmavati

Deepika Padukone in a still from PadmavatiThe Central Board of Film Certification CBFC has not suggested any cuts in Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Padmavati but has asked for five modifications for the movie to get a UA certificate censor board chairperson Prasoon Joshi clarified on Saturday Uncertainty has been looming large over the movies release since a few months but on Saturday CBFC following a examining committee meeting said it has decided to give a UA certificate to the movie subject to modificationsSetting the record straight Joshi told IANS via email There are no cuts suggested in this film by CBFC only five modificationsHe said they have asked the makers to change the disclaimer clearly to one that does not claim historical accuracyRegarding the films title Padmavati Joshi said the discussed change is to Padmavat as the filmmakers have attributed their materialcreative source as the fictional poem Padmavat and not historyCBFC has also asked the makers to modify the song Ghoomar to make the depiction befitting the character being portrayedThat apart they have demanded modification in the incorrectmisleading reference to historical places Joshi saidAdditionally they have asked the makers to add a disclaimer which clearly makes the point that the film in no manner subscribes to the practice of Sati or seeks to glorify itJoshi said these suggested changes are completely in agreement with the filmmakers the producers and director of the filmPadmavati backed by Viacom18 Motion Pictures is directed by Bhansali and features Deepika Padukone Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapur in lead rolesThe film which was to release on December 1 has been embroiled in controversy over alleged distortion of facts regarding Rajput history with Rajput outfits and some backed by the BJP actively protesting its releaseA Parliamentary committee summoned Bhansali in November to resolve the issue and the filmmaker had clarified that the controversy over the film is based on rumoursI have not distorted facts The film is based on a poem by Malik Muhammad Jayasi referring to the 16th century Indian sufi poets epic poem PadmavatThe CBFC then set up a special panel to watch the movie The screening was held on December 28Joshi was present along with the examining committee members and the special panel which comprised Arvind Singh from Udaipur Chandramani Singh and Professor KK Singh of the Jaipur UniversityA long discussion ensued post which the filmmakers were met as well The members of the panel had insights and also some reservations regarding the claimed historical events and sociocultural aspects which were duly discussed at length Joshi saidHe said a special panel was set up considering the complexities and concerns around the film and to add perspective to the final decision of the CBFC official committeeJoshi said the filmmakers Bhansali Productions in a written communication to CBFC had themselves too requested for a special panel of historiansacademicians and members of the Rajput community to view the filmHaving a special panel was not a new precedent set by CBFCI Can cite two examples Aarkashan wherein an eminent panel representing a concerned group was created and also in case of Jodhaa Akbar wherein historical experts were called inOverall Joshi said giving the movie UA certification was an unprecedented and tough situationI am glad that following a balanced approach we resolved the task at hand in a pragmatic and positive mannerCatch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip hereDownload the new midday Android and iOS apps to get updates on all the latest and trending stories on the go