What’s next for Padmaavat?

As D- day approaches and Padmaavat gears up to release on January 25 all over India, there’s hyperactivity in the offices of producers Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Sanjay Leela Bhansali Productions.

While the team is unable to articulate their apprehensions about the expected backlash, there are certain dos and don’ts the cast of Padmaavat have been asked to follow. Well, they’re mostly just the don’ts.

All of the cast and crew have been asked to refrain from media interactions. And while restraints can be easily put on most, it’s not easy to stop Ranveer Singh, whose flamboyant self- declarations are a problem to deal with.

Says a source from the team, “Ranveer loves to talk. But right now, he needs to keep quiet. We’ve asked him to stay away from public events.”

Which leads to the second restraint order: “Ranveer and Deepika Padukone have been requested not to make appearances together for a bit. The rumour that the two share a romantic dream sequence in the film can only be erased from the public mind if they stay separately in the public glare,” the source adds.

Thirdly — and most importantly — we have it from reliable sources that the Padmaavat producers will practice the idea of pacification for the next few days.

“Several key politicians and leaders of disgruntled organisations will be invited to view Padmaavat, and give their valued opinions,” says the source.

“Once the film opens, all the speculations and apprehensions will be laid to rest. Until then, you won’t hear Bhansali or any of his cast members talk,” the source explains, adding that the director is “done” with historical topics for now.

“Sanjay will now focus on directing a love story about two young, innocent individuals, who know nothing about sex,” says the source.

— SKJ