Amid the raging controversy over Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama "Padmavati", West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday asserted that her state was ready to welcome the film and its crew.

"Yes we would welcome them. They are welcome here if they can't do it in other states. We can make special arrangements," Banerjee said at an event of a TV channel in New Delhi, in response to a query whether her state would welcome the film's crew for a premiere at a time when many states have banned the movie.

"Bengal will be very happy," she added.

Several organisations across the country have been opposing the release of the movie. The Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor starrer was scheduled to be released on December 1, but it has now been deferred.