Grand release for "Padmaavat" today, Box-office numbers of Padmaavat will be earth-shattering: Deepika

New Delhi/Mumbai: Amid massive protests and mired in controversies over call for the ban of the movie " Padmaavat", which is claimed to distort history, the Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie finally received the green signal from Supreme Court for its release in theatres on Thursday. However, the film will not be screened in Rajasthan, Goa, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Violence and vandalism were also in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

The film was earlier slated to make its grand release on December 1. It was cleared by the censor board with a few changes, but later banned by some state governments, including Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The apex court later lifted the ban indicating freedom of expression and paved the way for its release today.

Actress Deepika Padukone said that despite the political furore over the film, she is confident that its box office collection will be "earth-shattering".

The Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial has been constantly targeted by politicians and Shri Rajput Karni Sena but after all the brouhaha, "Padmaavat" managed to get the green signal from the Supreme court.

When asked Deepika what message or response she had for the people who were constantly opposing the release, she said: "I think there is time for everything and the film has spoken for itself as most have given their reactions to our film (through screenings and press shows) and it's been absolutely phenomenal."

"I feel, in a way, the best response that we can give to anyone is through the work that we do. We are very excited about the release and we are extremely overwhelmed.

"I am very emotional at this point. I am not someone who has ever been excited so much about box-office numbers but I have to say that this time I am. I think it's going to be earth-shattering," said Deepika on the sidelines of the HT Most Stylish Awards 2018 on Wednesday.

She said: "The release of 'Padmaavat' is a big day for all of us."

"I think now it's really time for us to celebrate and see the film do wonders at the box-office."

"Padmaavat" is based on the epic poem by Malik Muhammad Jayasi. The film narrates the story of Padmavati, a Rajput queen who committed "jauhar" to protect herself from Sultan Alauddin Khilji.

In "Padmaavat", Deepika stars as Rani Padmavati, alongside Shahid Kapoor as Maharaja Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Khilji. Aditi Rao Hydari, Jim Sarbh, Raza Murad and Anupriya Goenka feature in supporting roles.