Padmavat to release on Jan 25, Raj govt says won't allow it

NEW DELHI: Deepika Padukone-starrer Padmavat is set to hit the screens on January 25 after months of uncertainty and violent protests that led to the controversial film's name being changed from ‘Padmavati'.

Sources in Viacom18, the producers of the film, confirmed the film's new release date. A January 25 release means Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film will clash with Akshay Kumar-starrer Padman at the box office during the Republic Day weekend.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria said that the state govt would not allow the release of Padmavat in the state.

On December 30, Censor Board chief Prasoon Joshi had announced that the film, based on a 16th-century poem on legendary queen Padmini, would be given a U/A certificate and suggested that the makers change the film's title to 'Padmavat'. A U/A certificate means all age groups can view the film.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had also suggested certain modifications in the disclaimer of the film, making it clear that it did not glorify the practice of "Sati", and relevant changes in the song, "Ghoomar", to befit the character portrayed in it.

The CBFC had clarified that the U/A certificate would be issued to the film once the modifications were carried out and the final material was submitted.

The film was to release on December 1 but was stalled after various Rajput groups, primarily the Karni Sena, alleged that it distorted history, a claim repeatedly denied by Bhansali. As protests spread and the cast received violent threats, the film's makers deferred its release.