The film was reviewed by a special panel constituted by the CBFC which included historians, after the makers of the film stated that it was partially based on historical facts.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film ‘Padmavati‘, which has been at the center of a huge controversy, will get a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification, popularly called the censor board. The board has suggested 26 cuts to the film and a change in the title to ‘Padmavat‘ – and will issue the certificate once the modifications are made.

Ranveer-Padmavati-Look

Ranveer-Padmavati-Look

“The film was approached with balanced view keeping in mind both the filmmakers and society. Considering complexities and concerns around the film the requirement for a special panel was felt by CBFC to add perspective to the final decision,” an official of the censor board said.

“Special panel consisted of Arvind Singh from Udaipur, Dr Chandramani Singh and Professor KK Singh of Jaipur University. Panel member had insights and also some reservations regarding claimed historical events and socio-cultural aspects which were duly discussed at length,” the board official added. ‘Padmavati‘, the 190-crore film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, has drawn angry protestsin Rajasthan where fringe groups like the Karni Sena say the movie “distorts history”. Though they have not seen the movie, leaders of the Karni Sena and several politicians say the 13th-century queen, Padmini, has been disrespected by Mr Bhansali suggesting in his movie that she was romantically involved with Muslim invader Alauddin Khilji.

Mr Bhansali has denied any allusion to a love story, but several states including Rajasthan have banned the movie, declaring they will not permit it to screen even if it is cleared by the censor board. ‘Padmavati‘ has been produced by Viacom-18; the film’s release was originally planned for December 1, but has been pushed back.

A U/A certificate would mean the film can be viewed by all age groups. A final decision, however, will be taken by the censor board after another round of meeting next month, sources said. A statement by the Central Board of film Certification said the Sanjay Leela Bhansali film will carry disclaimers, “pertinently adding one regarding not glorifying the practice of Sati and also relevant modifications in the song Ghoomar to befit the character portrayed.”