While Padmavati was denied a certificate after it failed to meet the CBFC’s 68-day clearance requirement, here’s what’s happening to the other big films releasing in the next three months.
Over the last week, there has been chaos in B-Town with respect to the postponement of Padmavati and the release of the subsequent Hindi films. The confusion was compounded because the film was sent back by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) without a certificate.
Right from the onset, the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial, which revolves around the valour of Chittor’s Rani Padmini, Maharawal Ratan Singh and their war with Alauddin Khilji, has been mired in controversies. After the opposition and backlash from a few fringe communities, the makers voluntarily deferred the release, from its original date — December 1. When the film was screened for some journalists, CBFC Chief, Prasoon Joshi, lost his cool.
The CBFC also brought out their rule book and underlined the clause that said Padmavati was not granted a certificate from the Board because it failed to meet the Board’s requirement that films needed to be submitted 68-days in advance if they wanted a certificate on time. But a source tells us, “The way everyone is understanding the context is wrong. It is not as if everyone has to make sure their films are ready 68 days before the release. The rule just states that the CBFC can take up to 68 days to clear a film. They can clear it within a week, too, the maximum limit is 68 days.”
We contacted a few producers/studios and asked them the status of the censor certificate for their films.
OVER TO THE MAKERS
Tiger Zinda Hai
Once Padmavati was pushed and this 68-day rule came into play, many thought even the Salman Khan-Katrina Kaif-starrer would move. But an insider reveals that won’t be the case. Says a source, “It doesn’t hold true for other films like Firangi and Fukrey Returns, which are releasing now. Tiger Zinda Hai will also hit the screens as scheduled, on December 22. Now, the CBFC, too, has relaxed the rule.” We contacted Yash Raj Films, but they didn’t want to comment on the topic.
PadMan
PadMan was initially supposed to release on April 13, but now, it will hit the screens on January 26, 2018. Our source reveals, “PadMan is ready. They just finished a song with Akshay and Sonam. That will be incorporated in the film and that’s about it. Songs anyway are never an issue with the CBFC. Otherwise, the film is ready and they should be well in time for the censor certification process.”
Aiyaary
There’s been a lot of to and fro with the release date of Sidharth Malhotra-Manoj Bajpayee’s next, Aiyaary. The film now releases along with PadMan on January 26. Our source tells us. “Neeraj Pandey’s film is ready and they plan to unveil the first theatrical promo shortly. They have shot the whole film and it is currently being edited. They are quite comfortable with the certification rule.” We reached out to Neeraj who chose not to respond.
Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety
This Luv Ranjan film will be one of the first movies to hit the theatres in 2018. Last we heard, the team was filming the final song. They have completed it. The film’s spokesperson tells us, “Our film is almost ready, we will soon be applying for censor certificate.” Luv told us the film will be sent to the CBFC in about a week or so from now, for certification.
Pari
Anushka Sharma’s Pari releases on February 9, which means it still has time for its 68-day limit to be over. But producer Arjun N Kapoor explains, “We have finished the film. It’s being edited right now and we will be completely ready with our film in a few days. There should be no problem with the certification of Pari.”
Parmanu
Another KriArj co-production, that stars John Abraham and Diana Penty, Parmanu was supposed to release in December but will now come only in February next year. Arjun tells us, “This film is in post-production. One song needs to be shot, which we are shooting in about two weeks from now. In any case, the song will not disturb the screenplay, since it’s primarily a plug-in. The release is almost 90 days away, so we have enough time for us to apply, even with a 68-day notice. We are extremely comfortable, going ahead with the requirements of the CBFC.”
Hichki
Rani Mukerji’s comeback film will also hit the screens, along with John’s Parmanu. Post-production is underway. Says a source, “There won’t be delay in Rani’s Hichki. There’s a lot of time for YRF to send the film to the CBFC. It will release as per the plan.” YRF maintained their ‘no comment’ stand on the issue.
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