Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh’s film officially titled Padmaavat

Mumbai: Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming film starring Deepika Padukone (as Rani Padmavati), Shahid Kapoor (as Maharawal Ratan Singh) and Ranveer Singh (as Alauddin Khilji) has been officially retitled Padmaavat. The official Twitter handle of the film has been changed to @filmpadmaavat. Bhansali's film (initially titled Padmavati ) was slated to hit the silverscreen on December 1 last year. 

But the producers of the mega-budget film decided to postpone its release after several Rajput organisations landed on the streets across the nation to protest against the film. Moreover, the film hadn’t received a certificate for screening from the Central Board of Film Certification.

The long-drawn battle between the makers of the film and the CBFC ended on December 28 last year after the CBFC decided to give U/A certificate to the period drama.

There were reports suggesting that the CBFC had recommended 300 cuts but the makers refuted rumours by calling them baseless.

Now, the makers of the controversial film have issued a statement to clarify their position and announce the release date.

Brushing aside reports that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had suggested ‘300 cuts’, the producers Wednesday said only five "modifications" were recommended by the censor board which they have accepted and implemented.

"We appreciate the balanced and considered approach that CBFC has taken to address this situation. They had suggested five modifications," Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd said in a statement issued here on January 10.

The modifications suggested by the CBFC comprised changing the disclaimer, assigning title Padmaavat and amending Ghoomar song.

"Change the disclaimer to one that clearly does not claim historical accuracy. The title is to be changed from Padmavati to Padmaavat as the filmmakers have attributed their creative source as the fictional poem Padmaavat and not history.

"Modifications to the song Ghoomar to make the depiction befitting to the character being portrayed. Modifications to the incorrect/misleading reference to historical places. Addition of a disclaimer which clearly makes the point that the film in no manner subscribes to the practice of Sati or seeks to glorify it," the statement said.

It said the Bhansali Productions and Viacom18 Motion Pictures, as producers, have accepted and have made all the above changes.

“We believe that these changes are in line with the filmic depiction of the story we wanted to tell. We firmly deny all speculation on extensive cuts to the film and want to reiterate that only the above changes and disclaimers (as) per guidance of the CBFC have been made. We have full faith in the CBFC and in the transparent, fair and inclusive process that has been followed," it said.

The film which is now slated to release on January 25 also stars Aditi Rao Hydari, Jim Sarbh, Anupriya Goenka and Raza Murad in pivotal roles.

The CBFC has given the nod for the release but the state government of Rajasthan has decided to ban Padmaavat. The Rajput Karni Sena protesting against the film threatened that it will impose a "public curfew" in theatres if the controversial movie is released.

The group reiterated its demand for a "complete ban" on the film. Its leader Lokendra Singh Kalvi alleged that history was being tinkered with and there was no room for a compromise with the filmmakers on the issue.

(With PTI inputs)