'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' in trouble? Theatres ban films with Pakistani actors

'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' in trouble? Theatres won't screen films with Pakistani actors

Karan Johar and Fawad Khan

Days before the release of Karan Johar's film 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' that stars Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, a theatre owners' body has decided to not screen films with Pakistani actors.

"We have decided that we will not screen these films (with Pak actors)," Nitin Datar, President of Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India said after a meeting this afternoon.

"It was decided that keeping in mind the patriotic feelings and national interest, we have requested all member exhibitors to refrain from screening movies which have involvement of any Pakistani artiste, technician, director or music director," Nitin Datar said.

"We are also in the process of requesting other associations connected with the film industry to support the sentiments in the best interest of our nation," he added.

Also read: Oops! An astrologer had warned Karan Johar of trouble for 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'

He said that while the decision to not screen certain films would cause monetary losses for the theatre owners, there might have been greater damage if their screens were vandalised.

"The association is not going to screen any movie and the decision implies from today until things don't get normal. States included under the association are Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa," Datar added.

Also read: Drop Fawad Khan from 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil': MNS issues ultimatum to Karan Johar

In the wake of Uri attack last month, Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan and other Pakistani actors were targeted by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which had issued an ultimatum to them to leave India within 48 hours or be forced out.

The party has also threatened to stall the releases of 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' and 'Raees'.

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.

It, however, had said that 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', 'Raees' and other films starring Pakistani actors, which have completed production, would not be affected.

Also read: Fawad Khan breaks silence over Indo-Pak political tension affecting Bollywood

'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' also stars Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The film is slated to clash at the box office with Ajay Devgn's 'Shivaay' this Diwali on October 28.

Recently, reports suggested that Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has been replaced in Shah Rukh Khan's 'Raees' in the wake of the Indo-Pak tension. (Read full story)

(With inputs from agencies)