Padmavati makers postpone movie's release as protests intensify in India

The release of the controversial Sanjay Leela Bhansali has been "voluntarily" deferred, according to India media. 

The epic saga starring Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh has been embroiled in many controversies as protesters claim it "distorts history" and "demeans" the Queen Padmini. However, the movie's cast has repeatedly denied the claims. 

A spokesperson of the film's producer and distributor Viacom18 Motion Pictures said on Sunday, said that the movie will not release on its scheduled date,  December 1, and a new release date will be announced once the "requisite clearances" are in place.

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In a statement, Viacom 18 spokesperson said, "Viacom18 Motion Pictures, the studio behind 'Padmavati' has voluntarily deferred the release date of the film from December 1st 2017. 

The film is an eloquent portrayal of a tale that will fill every Indian with pride and showcase our country's story-telling prowess across the globe," spokesperson said, adding "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 added.  

On November 15, dozens of activists of far-right Shri Rajput Karni Sena stormed through a cinema hall in Kota to protest the screening of a teaser of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next movie 'Padmavati', which the group claims distort historical facts.

The protesters vandalised booking counters, glass windows and gates, and office furniture of the theatre, informs an Indian newspaper.

Reportedly the protesters have pelted stones at the theatre. The activists dispersed after the police used light force against them. As many as eight people have been detained following the violence and proceedings were on against 30-40 other people, a police official said.