It was set to be the first major box-office clash of the year on January 25, but in the interest of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial drama "Padmaavat" -- set to hit the screens after a lengthy row -- actor Akshay Kumar on Friday announced that he is shifting the release of his "Pad Man" to February 9.
"Bhansali sir asked me if I can move my film... See, we are one family and I can understand he has gone through a lot, he has put a lot of money, the studio people have put a lot of money. I would want 'Padmaavat' to release solo and would like to wish him luck," Akshay told media persons here.
He addressed a joint press conference with Bhansali at his residence.
Bhansali, who has co-produced "Padmaavat" with Viacom18 Motion Pictures, said he was grateful to Akshay for the gesture.
"I requested Akshay if he can shift the film because he is such a big star and our troubles might have increased if we would have released the film together.
"He knows all our troubles, so he didn't even take two minutes and said, 'Whatever you want, however you want, I am with you'," Bhansali said, adding that he will be grateful to Akshay for a "lifetime".
Asked why "Pad Man" had to shift and not "Padmaavat", Akshay said: "They have a reason to release it this time. It is very essential for them to release it as quickly as possible.
"The point is not about fighting or clashing... But at the moment, the stake of their film is much more higher than mine."
Akshay's "Pad Man" -- which marks his wife Twinke Khanna's maiden production venture -- tells the story of a real-life superhero who invented a low-cost sanitary pad manufacturing machine to bring a menstrual hygiene revolution for women.
Its unique story, inspiring message and Akshay's portrayal -- once again -- as a common man's hero, has kept the anticipation level high for the R. Balki directorial, which also features Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte.
Earlier, "Pad Man" was slated to clash with "Aiyaary". But after the makers of "Padmaavat" secured a U/A certificate from the censor board after incorporating five modifications, and locked the release date as January 25 -- tapping into the long Republic Day weekend -- the makers of "Aiyaary" shifted the film's release date to February 9.
Now, the clash is back to square one, with even "Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety" crowding the February 9 date.
It has been a long journey for "Padmaavat", which stars Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor.
From being assaulted on the film's set in Jaipur to his set being vandalised in Kolhapur to getting threats from detractors -- Bhansali has been facing the ire of organisations that are up in arms against the period drama since its inception -- from when it was titled "Padmavati".
Months after facing opposition, the makers, Bhansali Productions and Viacom18 Motion Pictures, clarified that the film is based on 16th century Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi's epic poem "Padmavat", and does not distort historical facts -- as was being alleged by some Rajput outfits.
"It is an ode to the famed valour, legacy and courage of Rajputs," the makers have maintained.
However, its detractors, with Shree Rajput Karni Sena at the forefront, have been persistent in their protests against the movie and in their demand for stopping its release.
But the makers heaved a sigh of relief when the Supreme Court on Thursday paved the way for an all-India release for the movie, saying it was incumbent upon the state governments to ensure maintenance of law and order.
CAST OF 'PADMAAVAT' THANKS AKSHAY KUMAR
The lead actors of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's much-awaited "Padmaavat" thanked Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar for shifting his film "Pad Man" to February 9, leaving a solo week for "Padmaavat".
Actress Deepika Padukone who is playing the title role in the film, expressing her gratitude to Akshay, wrote, "Only from the heart can you touch the sky - Rumi. On behalf of team 'Padmaavat', a big, big thank you to the team 'Pad Man' for your support and generosity!"
Shahid Kapoor, who also plays a key role, tweeted, "Thank you, Akshay Kumar, for being ever so gracious. Can't wait to see 'Pad Man'. Much love and luck."
Ranveer Singh tweeted, "Big man with a big heart! Akshay Kumar, grateful to you sir, much love and respect."
The film features Deepika as Rani Padmavati along with Shahid Kapoor playing Maharawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Sultan Alauddin Khilji.
On Friday evening, alongside the director Bhansali, Akshay announced the reschedule release date of his film. Respecting his gesture, Bhansali said, "I will be grateful to Akshay for a lifetime."
"Padmavaat" is releasing on January 25.
