The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) held a meeting of the examining committee on December 28 and came to a decision to give Padmavati a U/A certificate.
However, the film will have to undergo some modifications and its title is likely to be changed to Padmavat, after Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s epic poem of the same name on which it is based.
Other key modifications include the use of disclaimers, particularly one clarifying the practice of Sati is not being glorified. The song Ghoomar will also undergo some modifications to befit the character of Rani Padmini.
The meeting was attended by the regular examining committee members along with the CBFC officials and a special advisory panel in presence of the board’s chairman, Prasoon Joshi.
Padmavati was approached with a balanced view keeping in mind both the filmmakers as well as society. Considering the complexities and concerns around the film, the requirement for a special panel was felt by the CBFC to add perspective to the final decision of the official committee.
The special panel consisted of Shri Arvind Singh from Udaipur as well as Dr Chandramani Singh and Prof K.K. Singh of the Jaipur University. The members of the panel had insights as well as some reservations regarding the claimed historical events and socio-cultural aspects which were duly discussed at length.
The makers, Sanjay Leela Bhansali Productions, in a written communication to the CBFC had requested that a panel of historians/academicians and members of the Rajput community view the film. The final 3D application of Padmavati was submitted on November 28.
Having a specialist panel at the CBFC has been in practice in earlier circumstances as well. Prakash Jha’s reservation-based film Aarakshan had an eminent panel representing a concerned group. For Jodhaa Akbar, as well, historical experts were called in.
The modification details and the CBFC’s decision regarding Padmavati was shared with the producers, Viacom18 and the director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who attended the feedback session post the screening and are in agreement with the modifications. The certificate will be issued as per procedure once the required modifications are carried out and the final material is submitted.
Source : India Today
