MNS won’t oppose ADHM’s release, Johar to show tribute & donate towards Army Relief Fund
Raj Thackeray & Karan Johar
Filmmaker Karan Johar has finally got respite from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), who had earlier opposed the release of his upcoming film ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ which stars Pakistani actor Fawad Khan.
Following the Uri attacks, members of MNS’ Chitrapat Sena had criticized Johar for casting Pakistani actor in his film. The party workers also staged protests across the state and warned theaters against screening the film.
In a bid to find an amicable solution, director Karan Johar, Mukesh Bhatt and MNS chief Raj Thackeray met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at his residence in Mumbai earlier today.
Following the meeting, Bhatt told the media that ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ will release as scheduled. The movie is slated to release on October 28.
Bhatt, president of Film and Television Producers Guild, also stated that they have decided not to work with Pakistani artists in the future.
“I assured Fadnavis that Film and Television Producers Guild of India has decided not to work with Pakistani artists in the future. Also Karan Johar has said he will run a slate before the movie starts which honours the martyrs, it’s a tribute,” Bhatt told reporters.
Apart from the tribute clip, a part of the box-office collections will be donated to the Army Relief Fund, which will be used to provide relief to the martyr’s families.
Earlier this week, a dozen MNS party workers were arrested by Azad Maidan police station under Sections of the Bombay Police Act for protesting outside Metro theater. They were later given bail, but kept in detention.
On October 20, the fraternity members had also met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to discuss the issues surrounding the film’s release. Following which, Singh had assured the filmmakers of complete support.
In the wake of MNS’ threat, the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) had also called for a ban on ADHM. Single screens and multiplexes under Central Cine Circuit Association (CCC) and the Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandal had decided against screening Johar’s film in the near 200 screens that are affiliated with them.
