Indian distributors reluctant to buy rights for 'Padmavat'

Even after Indian Supreme Courts orders to release Padmavat nationwide, distributors following the threats by Rajput outfits, are reluctant to buy the distribution rights for Sanjay Leela Bhansaali's film. 

It is unusual for distributors to refuse rights for a big banner movie but due to the controversy surrounding "Padmavat", distributes and cinema-hall owners are reluctant to buy its rights. 

Initially, the distributors in Rajhastan were willing to pay Rs 5 crore for the distribution rights but after the nation-wide protests by Rajput outfits against the film, they have  preferred to stay away from the film.

"Who will pay to get the distribution rights for the film which is surrounded by apprehensions and fears? Be it audience or cinema hall owners - everyone is intimidated. It is not viable to pay a price of say Rs 5 crore at this stage, as Rajasthan is the epicentre of the entire controversy. 

We also honour the sentiments of Rajput community thus have opted out of this film," Indian media quoted  a distributor involved in the film distribution of big-budget films as saying.

"Had there been no controversy relating to "Padmaavat", it would have earned at least Rs 12 crore from Rajasthan, which is fifth largest film territory in terms of film business in India," said a film trade analyst.

Film traders in India were hoping for an amicable solution between the Rajput outfits but despite Supreme Court's instructions for screening and continued hostility toward the film, distributors have stepped back from buying the film rights.