If it gets nod, 3D version of ‘Padmavati’ slated too

The information technology committee chair, BJP leader Anurag Thakur, questioned Bhansali over films regularly attracting controversy, resulting in divisiveness and loss of revenue to the entertainment industry. The director was also asked how a print of the film had reached the UK and the consequences of a possible leak on the internet. Some members made the point that recent events were impacting freedom of expression, while others said filmmakers should not ignore popular sensitivities.
CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi appeared before the petition’s committee that also took up the film for discussion and its chair CP Joshi, also a BJP leader, is understood to have noted that Bhansali had failed to take cognisance of the faith and reverence that Padmavati invoked.The large number of women who throng to the site where the queen is supposed to have committed ‘jauhar’ is testimony to their belief, he said. The censor board has, in the past, taken help from specialists in fields like medicine and defence while clearing movies based on such themes. “We are planning to take the assistance of experts in certifying this movie,” a source said.
Now, the CBFC has up to two months to decide on the movie after going through a multi-level process. The censor board is handling the issue with utmost care as it feels the situation is “unprecedented” as no unseen movie has ever got such a reaction in India. The movie will release in 3D also, once—and if—the controversy ends. TOI has learned that the producers have sent the movie’s 3D version documentation to the censor board. “The process for clearing the 3D version of a movie is completely different from clearing a 2D movie due to the visual impact some scenes may have on children,” the source said. The CBFC will simultaneously undertake the clearing process for the 2D and 3D versions.
Joshi, sources said, told the petitions panel that he had not watched the film and the CBFC had only cleared the film’s trailer and a promotional video. Responding to questions on how the makers of Padmavati sent the film for certification to the UK, Joshi clarified that the two were independent processes.
Bhansali was quizzed by the House panel on how he had announced December 1 as the intended release date of ‘Padmavati’ when an official application was only made on November 11. The panel, sources said, also asked the director whether he had selectively screened the film to the media with the intent of influencing the censor board.