The Akshay Kumar, Radhika Apte and Sonam Kapoor starrer 'Padman' is shifted a bit further with a new release date. The film which was set to release on January 25 will now release on February 9. The reason is pretty clear and yes it is to avoid a major box-office clash with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus 'Padmaavat'.

The film was earlier titled 'Padmavati' and was slated to release on December 1. However, following the heated controversy by Rajput community protests and CBFC not issuing the certification delayed the film further. However, by the end of 2017, a committee was formed to review the film that suggested five modifications to be made after which the CBFC granted a U/A certificate to the film.

Akshay Kumar announced the new release date of the film during a press conference that also included the 'Padmaavat' director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. They both showed a lot of grace towards each other. In the context of postponing Padman ahead, Akshay said  "He has gone through a lot. It is essential for them to release the film at this time, their stakes are higher than mine."

This was Akki's stand for the Padmaavat director, calling him "a dear friend." Whereas SLB replied saying,"I will be grateful to him for a lifetime. This is how we stand with each other."

Talking about Padman, this R. Balki directed film is based on the life of Tamil Nadu based social activist Arunachalam Muruganantham who created cost-effective sanitary pads in rural India. Now, Padman will officially release on Feb.9 along with Neeraj Pandey's 'Aiyaary'.