'Padmaavat' filmmakers move SC over ban by states

Promoters of the Bollywood film Padmaavat, (previously named Padmavati) have knocked the doors of the Supreme Court challenging ban on the movie in at least four states.

The producers mentioned the matter before a bench of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra on Wednesday who then posted the matter for hearing the next day.

The SC in November had rejected several petitions seeking a ban on the Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie that has been facing issues with its content since it commenced filming.

The yet-to-be released movie has already survived several calls for ban, as well as suggestions to cut five scenes and a change in the name of the movie by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

The film which was slated for a December release but was pushed to January 23, now battles a ban from its release in at least four states — Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

"Based on 16th-century Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi's epic poem Padmaavat, the movie faced resistance from its early stages due to a misinformation campaign and rumour-mongering. Despite these challenges, the film that showcases the valour of Rani Padmavati, Maharawal Ratan Singh and the famed Rajput ethos of honour, bravery and sacrifice, has managed to overcome all odds; aided by the support of well-wishers from across the film fraternity," Sanjay Leela Bhansali's production and Viacom 18 said in a joint statement.