We won't let Padmavati release in Uttar Pradesh: Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government said on Sunday that it will not let Bollywood movie 'Padmavati' be released in the state unless its "controversial portions" are removed.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said the legendary queen had sacrificed her life instead of surrendering before the Mughals and made a place for herself in the history.

"Islamic invaders created a lot of mayhem in the country. The 'Rani' burnt herself alive in 'Jauhar' for her 'satitva' (pride) and dignity," he said.

"As an Entertainment Tax minister also, I can that we will not let the movie be released in Uttar Pradesh unless its controversial portions are removed," Maurya added.

On Saturday, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje had written to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani, urging her to ensure that 'Padmavati' was not released without necessary changes to the film.

Raje had also said that the Censor Board should consider all possible results before certifying the film.

In the letter to Irani, she had further suggested 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 to it so that it does not hurt the sentiments of any community.

The letter was the first official communication from the Rajasthan CM on the controversy surrounding the epic drama directed by Bhansali and starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in lead roles.

Both Padukone and Bhansali have received threats.

Various Rajput groups have been protesting across the country, including in Rajasthan, against releasing the film, alleging it 'distorts' history and hurts sentiments of people.

Meanwhile, the proposed release date of 'Padmavati' has been deferred.

In a statement to PTI, a spokesperson of Viacom18 Motion Pictures said it had taken the decision 'voluntarily'.

"Viacom18 Motion Pictures, the studio behind 'Padmavati', has voluntarily deferred the release date of the film from December 1st, 2017," it said.

The spokesman said it had the highest regard for the law of the land and statutory bodies such as the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

As a "responsible and law-abiding corporate citizen", it was committed to following the established procedure and convention, it said.

"We have faith that we will soon obtain the requisite clearances to release the film," the statement read.

(With Agency inputs)