Despite SC order, no distributor for Padmaavat in Raj

Despite the Supreme Court decision to lift state ban on the movie Padmaavat and allow the release of the film across India, film exhibitors in the state remain apprehensive about the release as there are no distributors.

"We have no distributor yet. The film has not been sold to anyone. All the rights lie with Bhansali alone. I don't think the film will be released until the controversy is resolved within the state," said Sunil Bansal, a film distributor.

Further, state officials from INOX informed DNA that they are in touch with the local police and are evaluating the law and order situation before finalising on anything.

"The distributor hasn't been finalised yet. We generally don't flout orders. So, we will go ahead with whatever the authorities decide. We are awaiting a police orders. Nothing can anyway be done until a distributor comes in," the official said.

Film exhibitors, who were relying on Padman as an alternative, were dismayed late on Friday evening, after actor Akshay Kumar informed the media that the film's release has been deferred.

However, local theatres, including Raj Mandir, which is also a tourist destination, backed out from airing Padmaavat, regardless of whether Padman is released or not.