No cuts suggested, only five modifications: Prasoon Joshi

On Saturday, after nearly a month of controversy, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cleared the film Padmavati with a U/A certificate. In an interview to TOI, chairperson Prasoon Joshi said he was pleased that the “unprecedented and tough” situation had been resolved. Excerpts:

There have been reports that the film has been passed, but with numerous cuts. What is your response?
Incorrect. There are no cuts suggested in this film by the censor board, only five modifications. These are as follows — to change the disclaimer clearly to one that does not claim historical accuracy, the title to be changed from “Padmavati”; the discussed change is to ‘Padmavat’ as the filmmakers have attributed their material/creative source as the fictional poem Padmavat, and not history. Third is for making modifications in the song ‘Ghoomar’ to make the depiction befitting of the character being portrayed; also to be modified are incorrect or misleading references to historical places and, last, add a disclaimer which clearly makes the point that the film in no manner subscribes to the practice of Sati or seeks to glorify it.

How have the filmmakers responded to these suggested changes?

These are completely in agreement with the producers Viacom and director/producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Since CBFC already has an examining committee and a revising committee, what was the need for constituting a special panel?
Considering the complexities and concerns around the film, the requirement for a special panel was felt by CBFC to add perspective to the final decision of the CBFC official committee. Also, importantly, the filmmakers, Bhansali Productions, in a written communication to CBFC had themselves requested for a special panel of historians/academicians and members of the Rajput community to view the film.

Won’t this special panel be seen as setting of a new precedent by CBFC?
Having a specialist panel at CBFC has been done before. I can cite two examples: in the case of ‘Aarakshan’ where an eminent panel representing a concerned group was created, and also in case of ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, when historical experts were called in.

Who were the people in the special panel?
The panel consisted of Arvind Singh from Udaipur, Dr Chandramani Singh and Prof K K Singh of Jaipur University. They had insights and also some reservations regarding the claimed historical events and socio-cultural aspects, which were discussed at length.

Your comments on tackling this case…
This was an unprecedented and tough situation. I am glad that following a balanced approach we resolved the task at hand in a pragmatic and positive manner.