CBFC refers 'Padmavati' film to Jaipur historians

The release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama 'Padmavati' may still be delayed  due to the ongoing controversy over the depiction of the role of  Rani Padmini in the film. Now, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has sought the opinion of two  historians from Jaipur on the film 'Padmavati' by inviting them to view the film. 

These historians include Professor BL Gupta and Dr. RS Khangarot. Prof. BL Gupta belonged to the Department of History in Rajasthan University, while Dr. RS Khangarot is currently the principal of Agarwal College. According to the sources a four-member panel has been formed by CBFC that will review the film in January.

Prof. Gupta has deep knowledge of history and has written numerous books on medieval India. "I am and was all for artistic freedom but then it should not happen at the cost of history. It should be very clear that we will share the historical facts to the best of knowledge and will not be backing any political party," said Prof. Gupta. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Khangarot said the entire tussle related to the movie is not between the Karni Sena and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, but between Bhansali and history and hence "once we watch the film, it will be clear if history has been tampered with or not".

The age-old custom of Jauhar (mass self immolation) should be shown effectively in the film or else it can have adverse effects on the audience, he said. He further added that it should not be romanticised in the film as well. 

While this film is still caught in the whirlpool of controversies and threats, Bhansali and the lead actors of the film, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh have started prepping up for their upcoming projects.