Akshay Kumar’s ‘PadMan’ stands strong in the face of competition as speculations are rife that Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s controversial film ‘Padmavat’ will hit the screens on the same day, on January 25. Armed with a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the makers have altered the title to ‘Padmavat’ after being suggested so by the CBFC. ‘PadMan’ versus ‘Padmavat’ will be an interesting clash at the box office, with Akshay Kumar having the past record of ruling the Republic Day week with patriotic films like ‘Baby’ (2015) and ‘Airlift’ (2016). At the same time, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has proved his mettle with hits like ‘Bajirao Mastani’ and ‘Goliyon Ki Rasleela: Ram Leela’.
‘Padmavat’ is made on a huge budget of Rs 180-190 crore while ‘PadMan’ is made on an estimated budget of Rs 45 crore, marking Twinkle Khanna’s debut as a solo producer. The release date of ‘Padmavat’, whose title was changed from ‘Padmavati’ following protests, threats and subsequent controversies, shifted its release date from the earlier November-December 2017 to January 25, clashing with ‘PadMan’.
