The makers of Padmaavat were granted a huge relief today after the Supreme Court finally cleared all the barriers for the film.
The apex court cleared that no states have the right to ban the film after it has received CBFC certification. 'Padmavati' will now release on 25th January as Padmaavat.
Earlier scheduled to release in December 2017, the controversy around Padmavati, now Padmaavat, led to the film being resent to the CBFC for certification and approval. Following the controversy, the State Governments of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat had openly declared that the film would not be allowed to release in the respective states.
We respect the Supreme Court's decision, will abide by it. My department & I will look for a legal provision, if one is possible, after reading SC's decision and then we will move forward: Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/W7eW0AMdQQ
— ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2018
Karni Sena, the Rajasthan based outfit that had previously manhandled Sanjay Leela Bhansali and vandalized the sets of the film too had vowed to destroy any cinema halls that showed the film.
Also Read : Sanjay Leela Bhansali has a message for all the Padmavati haters
According to Karni Sena, Sanjay Leela Bansali had distorted historical facts, although many historians and scholars believe the story of Rani Padmini to be entirely fictionalized, based on Malik Muhammad Jayasi's epic poem. Yet, the Karni Sena has remained adamant and have vehemently opposed the film across the nation.
After the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) finally granted their approval for the movie, with a U/A certificate, the film was still banned by the aforementioned State Governments.
Director Sanjay Leela Bansali and Producer Ajit Andhare had to request the Supreme Court to intervene with regards to the release of the film in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh.
Along with many other cuts, the CBFC had directed Sanjay Leela Bhansali to change the title of the film from Padmavati to Padmaavat.
CJI Dipak Misra appeared sympathetic to the plight of the filmmakers, and questioned, "When bandit queen can be released, why not this movie?"
So finally, Padmaavat will release on the 25th of January after witnessing one of the most violent, and controversial oppositions towards it in the history of Bollywood.
This is how Twitter reacted to the news of the Supreme Court's decision.
Courage can be contagious. When a few brave judges take a stand, the spines of other judges are also stiffened.... https://t.co/LVFpCAplXd
— Sanjiv Bhatt (IPS) (@sanjivbhatt) January 18, 2018
Thank U #SupremeCourt for lifting the ban on the release of the film #Padmavat. A great day for the freedom of expression of a #Filmmaker. pic.twitter.com/s7neFbuty7
— Ashoke Pandit (@ashokepandit) January 18, 2018
It’s safe to say that any news that has “Supreme court” in it.. is great news these days. Yaasss! #Padmaavat #BanTheBan
— Kritika Kamra (@Kritika_Kamra) January 18, 2018
Welcome the Hon Supreme Court’s decision to lift the ban on the screening of #Padmaavat that was imposed by state governments. Hope it implies that adequate security shall be provided at all the cinemas that screen the film.
— Akshaye Rathi (@akshayerathi) January 18, 2018
5 rapes of minors in 3 days & crime perpetuators r still free!Reminds of #Nirbhaya
— Rahul Dev Official (@RahulDevRising) January 18, 2018
While the BJP governed Haryana CM is busy banning #Padmaavat /vati thank God for the #SupremeCourt!
ADGP Says "Rapes Part Of Society"#Khattar must punish Policemen ruining state #KhattarStepDown
So glad that Team #Padmaavat has moved the Supreme Court to question the ban by the 6 State Governments. Justice Dipak Mishra has agreed to listen to the plea.
— Faridoon Shahryar (@iFaridoon) January 18, 2018
The ban should not only be lifted.The state Govts MUST provide proper security arrangement to Cinema Halls!!!
Jus In: Supreme Court lifts ban by Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat, grants green signal to release of the film #Padmaavat.
— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) January 18, 2018
Says states are obliged to maintain law and order during the screening of a movie, when CBFC has granted a censor certificate
Personally, I am eagerly waiting to watch the movie. Are you?