Viacom18 Motion Pictures, the producers of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period drama Padmavati , has deferred the December 1 release of the movie.

The Deepika Padukone-starrer has been mired in controversies ever since it was announced, with several political and Rajput groups alleging that the movie’s makers had distorted historical facts.

In a statement, Viacom18 said it has voluntarily decided to defer the film’s release and that a revised date would be announced in due course.

“We are a responsible, law-abiding corporate citizen and have the highest respect and regard for the law of the land and all our institutions and statutory bodies, including the Central Board of Film Certification. We always have and are committed to continue following the established procedure and convention. We have faith that we will soon obtain the requisite clearances to release the film. We will announce the revised release date of the film in due course,” the statement said.

Viacom has previously produced films like the Kangana Ranaut-starrer Queen, the Akshay Kumar-starrer Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, and the Farhan Akhtar-starrer Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.

Padmavati features Padukone as the legendary Rajput queen Rani Padmavati; Shahid Kapoor as her husband Rawal Ratan Singh; and Ranveer Singh as Delhi Sultanate ruler Alauddin Khilji.

Film fracas While some local leaders claiming to represent the Rajput community have issued death threats to the actors and the movie’s producers, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje had also raised concerns over the film.

She had written to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani suggesting that a committee of historians, film experts and members from the Rajput community be formed to look into the film’s subject, and necessary changes be made so that it does not hurt the sentiments of any community.

Earlier this month, global studio Paramount Pictures had come on board to distribute the film in the international market. The film is reportedly being made with an estimated budget of ₹170-180 crore. Plans are afoot to dub it in Telugu and Tamil.

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