CBFC invites Mewar's erstwhile royal family to certify Padmavati

In a surprising turn of events, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), popularly known as the censor board, has invited the erstwhile royal family of Mewar to help it certify Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus Padmavati.

The film's release has faced numerous obstacles with strong protests from some fringe groups claiming it has hurt the sentiments of Rajputs.

As reported by the newspaper Hindustan Times, Prasoon Joshi, CBFC chairperson, consulted MK Vishvaraj Singh of the former royal family of Mewar.

Vishvaraj Singh said he will accept or reject the board chairperson's offer after some clarifications.

Vishvaraj Singh said he had written to Joshi on 11 November and 1 December raising objections on the film, but never received a reply. 

He added that there has to be a clarification on the film’s genre. “It has been reported to be a fantasy at some place and historical at others. We need clarity under what genre the film is seeking certification. The reported involvement of historians in the process of certification so far establishes that the film is of historical relevance,” he said.

But even before watching the film, Vishvaraj Singh believes Bhansali has been culturally insensitive towards the history of Mewar. “The film has used the name of my family’s respected ancestors and events that have taken place in history," he claimed. "It is not just the story but the depiction of characters that is of great importance. The song and promos released make it apparent that all claims of the filmmaker of giving due regard to cultural sensitivities ring hollow.”

Padmavati row: Bhansali's magnum opus may not be released before April 2018

The IANS news agency had reported on Thursday that the CBFC is likely to appoint a panel of historians to scrutinize the film for authenticity.

Sources told the agency that the makers of Padmavati had ‘unnecessarily complicated its case’ by the disclaimer which said the film is partially based on historical facts.

Padmavati, starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor, is based on queen Padmini's decision to sacrifice her life instead of being taken captive by Alauddin Khilji, the sultan of Delhi who is believed to have been enamoured of her beauty.