The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has directed the makers of Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Pathaan to implement “changes” in the movie, including its songs, chairperson Prasoon Joshi said on Thursday, citing “culture and faith”.

The CBFC has asked production banner Yash Raj Films to submit a revised version of the spy action thriller in accordance with board guidelines, Joshi said in a statement. He did not detail the changes suggested to the makers.

Pathaan found itself battling controversy and calls for a ban after the release of its song Besharam Rang, featuring Shah Rukh and Deepika Padukone, on December 12. A sequence in the song showing Deepika in a saffron bikini led to countrywide protests against the hurting of “Hindu sentiments”.

“The film recently reached the CBFC examination committee for certification. The film went through the due and thorough examining process as per the CBFC guidelines. The committee has guided the makers to implement the advised changes in the film, including the songs, and submit the revised version prior to theatrical release,” Joshi said in a statement to PTI.

The aim of the CBFC, Joshi said, was to strike a balance between the creativity of the makers and the sentiments of the audience, and accordingly find a solution.

“I must reiterate that our culture and faith are glorious, intricate and nuanced. And we have to be careful that it does not get defined by trivia which takes the focus away from the real and the true,” Joshi added.

“And like I have said earlier as well, that the trust between creators and audience is most important to protect and the creators should keep working towards it.”

The certificate for a film, according to procedure, is issued after any required modifications are carried out and the final material is submitted. Those who expressed their displeasure over Besharam Rang and demanded changes include Madhya Pradesh home minister Narottam Mishra and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

The Madhya Pradesh Ulema Board also sought a ban on the film for “misrepresenting Islam”.

A complaint has been filed before a court in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district, seeking the registration of an FIR against Shah Rukh, Deepika and others for “hurting religious sentiments” of Hindus through the depiction of the song.

The makers of the film last week released another song, Jhoome Jo Pathaan. Pathaan is scheduled to hit the theatres on January 25.