Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus 'Padmaavat' that opened to mixed reviews is going quite strong at the box office. Since its release in India on January 25, the film has already minted over Rs 200 crore at the box office.
According to Viacom18 Motion Pictures, which produced the movie with Bhansali Productions, 'Padmaavat' had a cumulative collection of Rs 212.5 crore till February 4. The period drama had marched past the Rs 100 crore figure in its opening weekend.
The story of the film starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor revolves around Rani Padmavati, the wife of Maharawal Ratan Singh, who is known for her beauty and valour in 13th century India. She captures the fancy of the reigning Sultan of Delhi, the tyrant Alauddin Khilji, who becomes obsessed with her and goes to great lengths to fulfil his greed.
The film, which is based on 16th century poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi's poem 'Padmavat', was caught in a row after protests from Shri Rajput Karni Sena which contended that it distorts historical facts and dents the pride of the Rajput community.
'Padmaavat' has received mixed reviews, with some appreciating the movie for its visual brilliance and impeccable performances. However, some people have slammed it for glorifying the practice of Jauhar (self-immolation) and for showcasing Alauddin Khilji as demon-like.
Meanwhile, Malaysian censor board has banned 'Padmaavat' in the Muslim majority country as it thought it might offend followers of Islam. Mohd Zamberi Abdul Aziz, chairman of Malaysia's National Film Censorship Board (LPF), said that the story with a Muslim antagonist might hurt the sentiments of the people in the southeast Asian country.
