Bandobast after Bhai’s plea

After Salman condemns fans bursting crackers in theatres during Antim screening, Gaiety-Galaxy beef up security for thorough checking of patrons

In a country where fans have odd ways of expressing their love for their cine idols, from bathing film posters in milk to performing pujas before a screening, another joins the list. Over the weekend, a video that showed Salman Khan’s enthusiastic fans bursting crackers inside a theatre as Antim: The Final Truth played out on the screen, went viral. The superstar was far from amused — condemning the act, he urged his fans not to carry firecrackers in the movie halls and appealed to cinema owners to bar such hazardous material inside the premises. With the incident coming as a shock to many exhibitors, Manoj Desai, executive director of G7 multiplex has beefed up the security at the Bandra property.

Manoj Desai

“I was shocked when I saw the video. It’s highly risky as the theatre could have caught fire, and many could have died. We have tightened the security at our cinemas so that we don’t have a similar incident,” says Desai, whose Gaiety and Galaxy are popular among the single-screen audience. Overnight, he has expanded his security personnel. “I have increased the security at the main gate. Additionally, I have hired more manpower so that the checking of bags and people happens more thoroughly.” Desai is thrilled that first Sooryavanshi, and now Antim have brought the audience back to theatres. “The shows are running house-full [at 50 per cent seating]. I hope [we’re allowed to operate at] 100 per cent occupancy soon.”  

A screengrab from the video showing fans bursting crackers

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