Padmavati: Chittorgarh Fort shuts down for first time since independence
What's the story
With 12 days remaining for its release, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus, Padmavati, is getting shrouded in controversies, more violent each day.
Rajasthan's Chittorgarh Fort, the palace of queen Padmini (or Padmavati), remained closed on Friday, a first since India's independence. Karni Sena members fired gunshots, staged a sit-in protest, and hung Bhansali and Deepika Padukone's effigies.
Here's a low-down on latest developments.
Statement
I have faith in our judicial system: Deepika Padukone
Reacting to the widespread opposition, threats of vandalism and physical harm, actor Deepika Padukone says she is hurt and angry, but finds it funny to see people react like this to a film.
Padukone, who is playing the titular character of queen Padmavati in the film, has full faith in India's judicial system and is confident that "no wrong will be done".
Damage control
Bhansali organizes special screening to quell doubts
Though Bhansali had released a video earlier stating that the film is a symbol of the Rajput pride and valor, he had to succumb to the demands of religious fringe-outfits to show them 'Padmavati' ahead of its worldwide release.
He held a special screening on Friday for members of a few prominent Rajput communities and select journalists, including Rajat Sharma and Arnab Goswami.
Verdict
Rajat Sharma, Arnab Goswami back Padmavati
Sharma and Goswami dismissed the allegations against Padmavati on their prime-time shows on Friday.
According to Sharma, the film doesn't distort history, rather significantly adds to it. He credits Bhansali for basing Padmavati on thorough research, and calls it an inspiring tribute to the glory of Rajputs.
Goswami, meanwhile, mocked at how easy it was to provoke millions of Indians.
Complaint
CBFC disappointed with Padmavati being screened before certification
The special screening, however, hasn't gone well with the censor board, which hasn't yet watched or certified the film.
Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Prasoon Joshi, is reportedly disappointed with Bhansali's move. "This compromises role of systems and balances that are part of a functioning industry. It's myopic to treat certification process haphazardly to suit convenience," he told ANI.
Delay
Censor board returns Padmavati's application over 'technical deficiencies'
Meanwhile, the CBFC has returned Padmavati's certification application.
Prasoon Joshi said the paperwork was incomplete and several important documents hadn't been submitted yet.
The makers haven't even decided on the disclaimer - whether to credit Padmavati as a work of fiction or real events.
This might delay the film's release as the board can take up to 68 days to grant a certificate.
Twitter Post
What does Arnab have to say?
#RepublicWatchesPadmavati | We've watched Padmavati. Get the real story here - https://t.co/lpnVZxoMbs pic.twitter.com/rORePkheBC
— Republic (@republic) November 17, 2017
Quote
Makers say Padmavati will release as planned
Despite all factors against it, the makers of Padmavati are confident of its timely release on December 1. "Rumours of postponement of Padmavati are baseless," tweeted Ajit Andhare, CEO of Viacom18 Motion Pictures, which has co-produced the film and will distribute it across India.