'Padmavat': Film is controversial, will discuss what to do, says Himachal Pradesh CM

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jai Ram Thakur does not seem inclined to give the green signal for the release of the film "Padmavat" in the state.

Asked about the film's release, Jai Ram Thakur said that while he respected art, he did not want people's sentiments to get hurt.

"I don't want to say much. We will discuss what to do. The film, indeed, is a controversial one. I respect art but when it comes to people's sentiments getting hurt, it must be thought about and discussed," the Himachal Pradesh chief minister said.

Yesterday (January 8), Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje announced that the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed period drama will not be released in the state keeping in view the sentiments of the people.

"Padmavat", which was was recently given a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification after months of controversy, is up for release on January 25.

After stiff opposition from Rajput fringe groups and the BJP, the film's title was changed from "Padmavati" to "Padmavat" by the censor board.'

The film was earlier scheduled to release on December 1, 2017 but was postponed after objections took a political turn and after the censor board said the filmmakers had not provided all the information they had been asked for.