JOIN USUnion Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday promised support to the makers of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and security for exhibitors screening the film.
The Karan Johar movie, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in prominent roles, has run into trouble following a call for banning Pakistani artistes in Indian movies.
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is scheduled to hit theatres on Friday.
Film and Television Producers Guild of India president Mukesh Bhatt, Apoorva Mehta from Dharma Productions and Union Minister and singer Babul Supriyo, among others, met Singh following threats by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
The Raj Thackeray led outfit threatened against the film’s release as it features Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. Johar did not attend the meeting as he was busy with the film’s post-production work in Mumbai.
Singh promised the delegation that he would talk to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the chief ministers of other states to provide adequate security for cinema halls.
Bhatt said they decided to meet Singh as there was a sense of fear that the issue would spiral out of control. “We requested the home minister to give us an assurance along with the chief minister of the state that law and order will be intact and our movie will release,” Bhatt told reporters.
“The home minister said that he will talk to the chief ministers of the states so that law and order remains in place. Full security will be given to all exhibitors,” Bhatt said.
‘No worries’
“So, no matter how hard the MNS tries, I know the government is with me. Families need not fear anymore. Theatre exhibitors, too, need not worry. The government has promised us 100% support,” he added.
Supriyo targeted the MNS, saying it is a “party of goons” and they should not be allowed to take law and order into their hands.