CBFC 'disappointed' over screening of 'Padmavati' before certificate

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on Saturday said filmmakers of the epic drama film 'Padmavati' have "disappointed" them by screening the film for the media and getting it reviewed on national channels before receiving certification.

CBFC's Chairman Prasoon Joshi told ANI, "Disappointing that the film 'Padmavati' is being screened for the media and getting reviewed on national channels without CBFC having seen or certified the film."

"This compromises the role of systems and balances that are a part of a functioning industry. It's myopic to treat the certification process haphazardly to suit convenience. On the one hand, holding the CBFC responsible and pressurising to accelerate the process, and on the other hand, attempting to subvert the very process, sets an opportunistic precedent," he added.

Stating that the film's application came this week for review, Joshi said, "The makers know and should admit that the paper work is not complete - the very disclaimer whether the film is a work of fiction or a historical was left blank and not stated, and on simply and legitimately being asked to provide important documents, target the CBFC for looking the other way and delay."

Explaining the responsibilities of the CBFC, Joshi said it is a responsible body and has the best interests of the industry and society. Let not convenient, casual methods be brought into the practice.

The movie is based on the legend of Rani Padmini, a Hindu Rajput queen, mentioned in Padmavat, an Avadhi poem written by Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi in 1540.

The film, which features Deepika Padukone in the title role as Rani Padmavati, alongside Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Sultan Alauddin Khilji, is scheduled for release on December 1.