Bhopal, Feb 8 (IANS): The suspense over the release of "Padmaavat" continued in Indore and Bhopal as the stance of the Shri Rajput Karni Sena is not clear to the cinema hall owners. However, many cinema halls were ready for the release.

The Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film, which was released worldwide on January 25, was slated to hit the screens in the two cities on Thursday. It was not released in the state earlier due to Karni Sena's protest against the film.

The cinema hall owners were ready to release the film on Thursday after an assurance from the police about security, but they were waiting for the approval from the Karni Sena.

On Wednesday night, the film was screened in Indore for the representatives of the Karni Sena. Raghu Parmar of the Karni Sena said they will decide about the film's release only after meeting all the 24 organisations of the Rajput community.

Five cinema halls were ready for the film's release in Bhopal and they are expecting an evening show on Thursday. The owners were waiting for a nod from the Karni Sena for the film's release in Indore.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Bhopal, Dharmendra Chaudhary told the media here that cinema hall owners should not be scared as the police will provide proper security.

Harinarayanachari Mishra, DIG (Indore), also said that they are providing ample security to the cinema hall owners.