India's censor board suggests cuts, name change of controversial film for release

NEW DELHI, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- India's Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has asked the makers of controversial bollywood Hindi film Padmavati to undertake 26 cuts besides a name change for the release of film, officials said Saturday.

The film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali has been at the center of a huge controversy with a fringe group in India's western state of Rajasthan claiming to represent Rajput caste locally called Karni Sena accusing distortion of history in the movie.

"If the makers agree with the CBFC's recommendations, then it will get a U/A certification, which means parental guidance for children below the age of 12 years is required for their viewing," a board official said. "The censor board has suggested that the name of film be changed from Padmavati to Padmavat."

According to the officials the decision was taken to keep in view the filmmakers and society.

The film was reviewed by a special panel constituted by censor board.

Karni protesters resorted to vandalism and even threatened to cut nose of a top Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone playing the role of Padmavati days ahead of film's release on Dec. 1.

The release was deferred over the threats and protests.

Padmavati is based on the legend of Rani Padmini of Chittor and Rajput groups said the film wrongly showcases a romantic relationship between the queen and Muslim emperor Alauddin Khilji.

Padukone is playing the role of queen Padmavati.

Bhansali has repeatedly denied the allegations and recently released a video clarifying that his film does not distort history.

The film ran into trouble ever since its shooting. Its sets were vandalised twice and Bhansali was also attacked during one such shoot. Enditem