SC green signals release of 'Padmaavat'

The Supreme Court on Thursday staysed notifications issued by four states - Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat - to ban the release of the film 'Padmaavat'.

In its interim order, the court said all states are constitutionally obliged to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident during the screening of the film after permission has been granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Senior lawyer, Harish Salve, and former attorney general Mukul Rohatgi appeared for Viacom 18, one of the film's producers.

Producers of 'Padmaavat' on Wednesday moved the top court to convince the aforementioned states to withdraw their ban on the release of the film.

In their plea, the producers questioned the right of these four state governments to ban the film when the apex court has already clarified that the film's screening can only be suspended in a particular area if there is a law and order situation developing.

The flick has run into trouble time and again, as members of several Rajput factions have accused director of the film, Sanjay Leela Bhansali of distorting history.

Starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles, the film is based on the 16th century Sufi poet Mohammad Jayasi's poem Padmavat.

The film is all set for January 25 worldwide release in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil. It will be the first Indian film to get a global IMAX 3D release.