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The quasi-historical movie, entitled Padmavati, has ignited anger among right-wing Hindu groups owing to its rumored depiction of a romantic dream sequence involving a mythical Hindu queen and an invading Muslim sultan. The filmmakers have repeatedly denied the movie includes such a scene.
Security for Padukone, one of India's biggest movie stars, was increased earlier in November, Mumbai's joint commissioner of police Deven Bharti told CNN. It came as a member of little known right wing Hindu group, Kari Sena, publicly threatened to cut off Padukone's nose.
After months of intimidation and protests, the producers of the movie, Viacom18 Motion Pictures, issued a statement Sunday announcing its December 1 release date had been "voluntarily deferred," sparking concerns over issues relating to freedom of speech in the world's largest democracy.
Literal interpretation
Padukone plays Queen Padmavati, a legendary Hindu queen who set herself on fire to prevent herself from falling into the hands of invading Muslim conqueror, Alauddin Khilji, played in the movie by Ranveer Singh.
The story of the Queen comes from a 16th-century poem. While the text references the real figure of Alauddin Khilji, a former Sultan who ruled from Delhi, academics do not regard the text as a definitive record of events.
"You have a mythical legendary story which is supposed to speak to (the) mystic," said Sunil Kumar, a professor of medieval history at Delhi University.
The story is about seeking God, added Kumar, Padmavati stands for perfection and the other characters represent good and evil.
Not everyone sees it that way. In January, members of hardline group Karni Sena stormed the movie's set during shooting and assaulted the director and crew.
The movie's director Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for creating visually decadent and expensive films. His work has been widely recognized in India and was also nominated for a BAFTA.