Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus ‘Padmaavat’ has got a release date, but still, the film is facing a lot of trouble. And it is evidently visible. Reportedly the film will now be screened in the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, as per the Supreme Court order, as they had suspended the ban in these states, for opposing for screening the film. The makers just want to release the film now.
A trade analyst said, “The final call will be taken by individual exhibitors as to whether they want to screen the film in their theatre.” As the Karni Sena are still opposing the release of the film for the disrespectful portrayal of their community and history in the film.
Another analyst said, “A movie which was originally built around a very strong female character is now built around a poem, so it’s not just a name change, taking off the ‘i’ has taken away quite a bit of the spirit of the movie.”
He also said, “They have to be careful, they can’t come out too aggressive, the only benefit in this entire crisis is they don’t have to worry about making people aware of the movie. The question is how do you now get people to come to the theatres.”
The maker of the film even came out with new posters of the film and the team also shared them on social media. They even denied any dream scene between Khilji and Rani Padmini. They could also no longer cash in on the anchor song, ‘Ghoomar’. A source close to the film said, “There is nothing to say. We will just release the film."
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film has Tamil and Telugu versions as well releasing to reach out to a wider audience in India besides 3D.
Another trade analyst said, “Even non-traditional markets like Spain, Norway, and South Africa have expressed interest in the film. Plus, these international territories will actually get to see the original, uncensored version.”
He also said, “While there are many people who want to go and witness the grandeur of a Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie that is best experienced in a theatre, there are security issues. But the audience also realizes a movie of this stature is best watched on the big screen. That advantage it will always have, like a ‘Bajirao Mastani’. If it lasts three weekends, it could be the biggest film of the year. It’s very important to get this film right because of a lot of hopes and money ride on it.”
