Padmavati row: Karni Sena threatens to attack theatres after conditional CBFC clearance for film

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) may have ensured a title change and cuts for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial film Padmavati, but it won't change the Rajput Karni Sena's stance.

Immediately after news of the U/A certification awarded to Bhansali's film, ANI news agency reported Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi of the group saying it would vandalize every cinema hall that screens the film starring Shahid Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh.

Earlier today, the CBFC cleared the film based on the legend of queen Padmini pending 26 cuts and a changed title. The film will now be called Padmavat, a reference to the epic poem by 15th century poet Malik Muhammed Jayasi, the origin of the legend.

The clearance came after a special advisory committee consisting of former royal family members and historians was appointed by the CBFC and offered a consultation after viewing the film. Padmavati has been under attack since news of its making first emerged early this year.

The Karni Sena, unknown till recently, has been at the forefront of the attack and even issued threats of physical harm to director Bhansali and members of the film's cast, particularly lead actress Deepika Padukone.

According to ANI, Gogamedi said, "Our people will be outside cinema halls and each hall which shows the film will be vandalized. Members of the committee formed to review the film have opposed it but censor board is taking this decision due to underworld pressure." 

The certification process for the film is yet incomplete. The production house has to return to the board with the changes made, or appeal to the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal.