Mushkil for ‘Ae Dil...’, no show in 4 states

Jaswinder Singh Baidwan

Akhran da mureed
Staff member
An association of single-screen cinemas today refused to screen movies starring Pakistan artistes in four states — Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa — dealing a blow to Karan Johar’s upcoming Diwali release “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” that features Fawad Khan.
The decision taken by the Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) at its meeting here mainly covers single-screen theatres and comes amid tension between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of Uri attack last month.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma play lead roles in the film. Association president Nitin Datar said the decision was not taken due to any political pressure.
“We have decided that keeping in mind the patriotic feelings and the national interest, all our members and exhibitors will refrain from screening movies that have involvement of any Pakistan artiste, technicians, directors, music directors etc,” Datar added.
The release of “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” faced trouble last month when Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena issued an ultimatum to Pakistan actors to leave India and sought a ban on them.
The party had threatened to stall the releases of “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” and “Raees”, starring another Pakistan actor Mahira in the lead role.
Subsequently, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) passed a motion to ban artistes from across the border from working in the industry till Indo-Pak relations are normalised.
The body, however, has criticised COEAI’s decision, saying the films which have already completed production should not be targeted.
Censor Board chairman Pahlaj Nihalani said the decision is wrong as the film mostly features Indian actors.
 
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