Disappointing that 'Padmavati' was screened without CBFC certification: Prasoon Joshi

BHOPAL: Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Prasoon Joshi Saturday criticised makers of Padmavati for screening the film for select TV channels even before it was certified by the board.    
Joshi said the select screening compromised the role of systems and balances that are part of a functioning industry. “It’s myopic to treat the certification process haphazardly to suit convenience,” he said.

"Disappointing that the film 'Padmavati' is being screened for the media and getting reviewed on national channels without CBFC having seen or certified the film. This compromises the role of systems and balances that are part of a functioning industry," Joshi said in the statement.

“On one hand, holding the CBFC responsible and pressurising to accelerate the process, and on the other hand, attempt to subvert the very process, sets an opportunistic precedent,” he added.

The Censor board on Friday rejected the film application due to incomplete paperwork. “The very disclaimer whether the film is work of fiction or a historical was left blank and not stated,” Joshi said.
The alleged distortion of historical facts in the movie has invited a lot of criticism from all across the country.

While the Rajputs are holding protests and have blocked the entry to Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajasthan, demanding a complete ban on the film, BJP MLAs in the neighbouring Madhya Pradesh have also joined the row.

The ruling legislators in the state have sought a ban on the screening of the film and have asked the state chief minister to look into the matter.

“There were over 50 legislators who expressed their concern over the issue and sought suitable action in the matter,” said MLA Satyapal Singh Sikarwar, the legislator from Sumaoli seat of Morena district.
On the other hand, another organisation of the Rajput community took the protest to Kolkata streets and burned pictures of director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, demanding “objectionable” scenes of the film be deleted before release.

SP activist booked for putting bounty on Padukone
Samajwadi Party activist and leader of a Thakur outfit, Thakur Abhishek Som, has been booked for announcing a bounty of D5 crore for beheading Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Deepika Padukone. A manhunt has been launched for Som who is on the run.