No ‘26 cuts’, only 5 modifications for 'Padmavati', clarifies Prasoon Joshi

Earlier today, it was officially announced that CBFC’s Examining Committee has cleared Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 'Padmavati' (or perhaps 'Padmavat', now) with a U/A certificate, with a few modifications. However, that was soon followed by reports that the board has also asked for 26 cuts in the film. We asked CBFC Chairman Prasoon Joshi to set the record straight. Here’s what he has to say:
Q. Has the CBFC asked for 26 cuts in the film? The note put out by the CBFC made no mention of cuts, but reports through the day have repeatedly quoted this number.
A. Incorrect. There are no cuts suggested in this film by the CBFC - only 5 modifications. First, to change the disclaimer to one that clearly does not claim historical accuracy. Second, the title is to be changed from 'Padmavati' to 'Padmavat' - as the filmmakers have attributed their creative source as the fictional poem Padmavat, and not history. Third, there will be modifications in the song 'Ghoomar', to make the depiction befitting to the character being portrayed. Fourth, modification to the incorrect/misleading reference to historical places. And the fifth is the addition of a disclaimer which clearly makes the point that the film in no manner subscribes to the practice of Sati or seeks to glorify it.

Q. Have these changes been agreed to by the filmmakers – since we haven’t heard from them yet?
A. These are completely in agreement with the filmmakers - the producers and the director of the film.
Q. When was the film seen by the CBFC?
A. The viewing took place late on December 28. I was present for it, along with the Examining Committee members and the special panel. A long discussion ensued, after which we met the filmmakers as well.
Q. Much has been said and written about the panel. Why did you need a special panel to view the film? Aren’t you setting a precedent?
A. Considering the complexities and concerns around the film, the CBFC felt that a special panel was required to add perspective to the final decision of the board. Also, BhansaIi Productions, in a written communication to the CBFC, had themselves requested for a special panel of historians/academicians and members of the Rajput community to view the film.
And no, we are not setting a new precedent; this has been done before. For 'Aarkashan', a panel representing a concerned group was created, and also in the case of 'Jodhaa Akbar', historical experts were called in.
Prasoon Joshi sets the record straight on CBFC's modifications for 'Padmavati'
Q. What were the credentials of the panel?
A. The special panel consisted of Arvind Singh Mewar from Udaipur, Dr Chandramani Singh and Prof KK Singh of the Jaipur University. The members of the panel had insights and also some reservations regarding the claimed historical events and socio-cultural aspects in the film, which were duly discussed at length.
This was an unprecedented and tough situation. I am glad that following a balanced approach we resolved the task at hand in a pragmatic and positive manner.