'Padmavat' release won't be stopped in Goa, Manohar Parrikar says will handle law and order problem

Manohar Parrikar said the state government does not have any problem in screening the film in Goa.

PANAJI: Unlike Rajasthan, controversial film 'Padmavat' will be released in Goa if it gets a go-ahead from the Censor Board. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday said that the state government does not have any problem in screening the film in Goa.

He also added that the administration will look into it if there is a law and order problem. "If they have a censor certificate we do not have any objection. If there is a law and order issue, we will look at it then," Parrikar said.

However, he added that there is no information yet on the release of the movie. "As of now, we have not got any intimation about the film being released. If there is a censor certificate, we are not stopping it from release. "If they come with a censor certificate with some modification, I do not see a big reason why we should interfere with it," Parrikar said.

Earlier, the Goa Police had raised apprehensions over the movie being released in the holiday season since a significant chunk of the uniformed personnel are busy discharging law and order duties. He added that since the peak season was over, they will be able to handle the security.

The women`s wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party had objected to the screening of the film in Goa citing law and order problems and wrong portrayal of queen Padmavati in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali film.

After much controversy and delay, the Central Board of Film Certification finally certified `Padmavat`, clearing the path for its release in cinema halls scheduled for January 25, however, an official confirmation by the makers is awaited.

Rajasthan government has denied permission for the movie to be released in the state. Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje had said that "Padmavat will not be released in the state, keeping in view the sentiments of the people. Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria has been instructed for the same."