Sources at the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) are mortified at the suggestion that elements from the outside, including those from the royal family of Rajastha, are being called in to certify Padmavati.

A source refutes this. “Firstly, we haven’t even decided when to view the film; it will all depend on the availability of panellists. It’s not happening before January. Also, there will be no separate screenings for expert opinion we will seek from historians and members of the royal families.”

The CBFC source says that there will be one board screening of Padmavati, where expert opinion on the historical validity and authenticity will be sought. “We’re only seeking expert opinion on the level of suggestions not mandatory on our part to accept. It’s entirely up to the CBFC to decide what finally goes and what’s left behind,” the source says, adding that the board’s ‘ardent wish’ and ‘focused endeavour’ is to let the movie go uncut.

“Unless the film offends any cultural or historical perspective, nothing will be cut from Padmavati. We have received clear instructions from the information and broadcasting ministry to proceed with untied hands and an unprejudiced mindset for the certification,” the source says, adding that the process won’t happen before January 2018.