The censor board, as the CBFC is commonly known, cleared the film last month with several modifications.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film "
Padmaavat", that has provoked anger among Rajput groups, cannot be banned by states, the Supreme Court said today. The producers of the film, which is to be released on January 25, had moved court against the ban by four states - Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
The period film has been at the
centre of protests since shooting began, with Rajput groups alleging that it distorted history and tarnished the image of the legendary Queen Padmini of Chittor by suggesting a romance between her and Alauddin Khilji, the Delhi Sultan said to be obsessed with her. Queen Padmini, who was said to have immolated herself to escape falling into the clutches of the invading forces of Alauddin Khilji, is looked upon as an icon by the Rajput community.
Here are the LIVE updates on the historic drama "Padmaavat" :
Respect Order On "Padmaavat", Will Study It: Rajasthan
The Rajasthan government today said it would study the Supreme Court's order staying the ban on the release of controversial film 'Padmaavat' and then only a "decision on revision can be taken".
Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria said he would study the apex court order and talk to the law department and legal experts. "We respect the Supreme Court's decision," he said. Law Minister Rajendra Rathore said his department would "study the court order and then only a decision on revision can be taken".
Madhur Bhandarkar Congratulates Team "Padmaavat"
"I welcome the Honourable Supreme Court's decision of withdrawing the ban on 'Padmaavat'... Congrats to the entire team," Madhur Bhandarkar tweeted.
"Best News Of The Day": Ayushmann Khurrana On Supreme Court Order
"Best news of the day which restores faith in our democracy: Supreme Court suspends ban imposed by four states on 'Padmaavat', restrains other states from issuing similar orders," actor Ayushmann Khurrana wrote on Twitter.
Bollywood Welcomes Supreme Court's Order On "Padmaavat"
Bollywood celebrities say their faith in Indian judiciary has been restored after the Supreme Court today allowed the country-wide release of controversial movie "Padmaavat" on January 25.
Fraternity members such as actors Ayushmann Khurrana and Rahul Dev, director Madhur Bhandarkar and author Chetan Bhagat took to social media to thank the court for its timely intervention.
Karni Sena leader Lokendra Singh has asked social organisations across the country to make sure that the movie is not shown in cinema halls.
"I appeal to social organisations in the entire country: Padmavati nahi chalni chahiye. Film hall par janata curfew laga de (The movie should not run. Public should enforce a curfew at cinema halls), Mr Singh declared soon after the Supreme Court ticked off four state governments ruled by the BJP for refusing to screen the film.
Rajput leader Suraj Pal Amu, who had reportedly offered a Rs 10-crore bounty for beheading "Padmavaat" actor Deepika Padukone and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, today said he will continue to protest the film in a peaceful manner, PTI reported.
After the Supreme Court revoked the ban on movie in several states, he said, "I will continue to protest in a peaceful manner. I do not mind if I am hanged for it."
Following the Supreme Court's verdict on historic drama "Padmaavat", there were reports of Karni Sena workers allegedly vandalising a cinema hall in Bihar's Muzaffarpur, according to news agency ANI.
Anil Vij, Haryana Health Minister has said, "Supreme Court gave the decision without listening to our side. Supreme Court is the supreme so will abide by the decision. We will also examine the decision and see if there is a scope of appealing against it."
Former Attorney General Soli Sorabjee has welcome the Supreme Court decision. He says," You cannot stop the release of the film and if anyone does not agree to the order they can go and appeal in High Court. I am in total agreement with the Supreme Court's decision. Intolerant people have been defeated today."
Kapil Sibal has said, "It's vindication to artists' rights & freedom of speech. Supreme Court must be congratulated for upholding not just freedom of speech but artists' rights to present story in manner he/she wishes. Hope states honor verdict & don't create hurdles in its implementation."
Chief of Shri Rajput Karni Sena, Lokendra Singh Kalvi has requested the people not allow the screening of the movie to take place. He also said that he will be holding an emergency meeting regarding this tomorrow in Mumbai.
Actor Ayushman Khurrana has also lauded Supreme Court's decision to stay ban on the Bollywood period drama.
Reacting to the top court's verdict, Gajendra Chauhan said, "We should all respect Supreme Court's decision. We welcome this decision. In this fight between law and emotions,law does not see any emotions. I request the Rajput community and Karni sena to watch the film and protest if the film hurts your emotions."
Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria has said, "We respect the Supreme Court's decision and will abide by it. My department & I will look for a legal provision, if one is possible, after reading Supreme Court's decision and then we will move forward."
Former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor who had earlier drawn flak for his comments on "Padmaavat" has tweeted saying,"Congratulations to the Supreme Court for saying it is the duty of states to maintain law and order, rather than banning movies."
Controversial Haryana BJP leader Suraj Pal Amu, who had quit as party's chief media coordinator in November and who had offered Rs. 10 crores to anyone who beheads Deepika Padukone for her role in "Padmaavat" says, "Today Supreme Court has hurt the feelings of the people of this country. I respect Supreme Court, but does Supreme Court not care about our feelings? If this film releases, the country will break."
Senior advocates Harish Salve and Mukul Rohatgi who are representing Viacom 18 and other producers of the movie, told the bench that states have no power to issue such notifications banning exhibition of a film when the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has given a certificate of release.
''Padmaavat'' must be screened everywhere starting Jan 25, says Supreme Court. Court restrains other states from issuing bans on screening of the film.