With state and Centre backing 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', what will MNS do next?

Fawad Khan in a still from ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has assured the film fraternity that the government will ensure a safe release for ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'. Slated for a Diwali launch, the film has been shrouded in uncertainty ever since the MNS threatened to disrupt the release unless Pakistani actor Fawad Khan is dropped from the film.

Rajnath Singh and Mukesh Bhatt

Last afternoon, the union minister met a delegation of film producers, including Mukesh Bhatt, singer-turned-minister Babul Supriyo and Dharma Productions head honcho Apoorva Mehta.

After the meeting, Kulmeet Makkar, CEO of the Film And Television Producers Council, told mid-day, "The home minister was completely positive, and although it is a state matter, he gave us an assurance that he will speak to all state governments and ensure that law and order is maintained and that whatever support is needed by the theatre owners is provided."

"The film is completely legal and there is no ban from the government. It is only certain elements who are trying to create an issue using the excuse of Pakistani artistes. We won't impose anything on our members, but request all theatre owners to screen the film. We will make sure security is provided; we are there to help. The film deserves to run, and no one must come between it and the audiences," he added.

‘Feeling confident'
Mukesh Bhatt, who headed the delegation, said, "When I came to Delhi, I was unsure, but after meeting Rajnath Singh ji, I feel relieved and confident that my government is with me. He has assured that the government will give full support to the film ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' and that he will pass on instructions to chief ministers of all the states to sternly deal with anyone who resorts to violence. He promised us that he won't allow anyone to spoil people's Diwali."

CM Fadnavis is on it
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told mid-day that protecting movie theatres and cinemagoers was the government's priority. "Instructions have been sent to police across the state to ensure prevention of any unlawful activity by some political workers," he said, adding that the film's producer Karan Johar had contacted him before the meeting with Union Minister Singh.

Sources in Mumbai Police said that personnel were asked not to spare anyone who created problems. "We have been keeping a close watch on MNS workers. We have already put a dozen workers behind bars on Wednesday after they threatened the Metro Cinema management. We have clear instructions from the government to get ruthless," said a senior IPS officer.

Inputs by Dharmendra Jore