Irrfan Khan on Padmavati: Government has to decide whose validity matters

Actor Irrfan Khan on Friday addressed the controversy over Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed Padmavati, saying said it is for the government to decide who has the authority to certify a film for release.

Various groups, most of them from the Rajput community, have accused Bhansali of "distorting" historical facts in the film which features Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh. "It is in censor board's (Central Board of Film Certification) hand to give certificate.

"The government will decide... Whose validity (matters)... Whether it is Censor board or other bodies. I am not in that position to decide or say anything," Irrfan told reporters here.

Earlier on Friday, hundreds of people associated with various community organisations took out a morcha in Thane demanding a ban on the film.

Bhansali had earlier said that the film is his tribute to the "sacrifice, valour and honour" of Rani Padmavati. He has also said there is nothing in the film that will hurt anyones sentiments and sensibilities.

The film is set to release on December 1.