Call it patriotism or fear of veiled threats, but big names in Bollywood have been forced to do a double take. A day after the MNS issued an oblique threat to multiplexes if they went ahead with the release of Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (ADHM) that features Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, an industry team sought, and was promised, police protection. However, both Johar and Mukesh Bhatt (president of the Film & Television Producers Guild of India) also made conciliatory noises to those opposing the inclusion of Pakistani artistes, with Johar even saying he would not engage with actors from across the border in future.

The delegation steered by Bhatt, along with Apoorva Mehta, CEO of Dharma Productions, Vijay Singh of Fox Star Studio, ADHM's distributors, and Siddharth Roy Kapur, the next Guild president, met Mumbai police chief D D Padsalgikar, joint CP (law and order) Deven Bharti and director general of police Satish Mathur at their offices.

“We're very relieved after the meeting. Both the CP and the joint CP have assured us of all the cooperation needed for a smooth release of the film. They are taking necessary precautions to avert any untoward incident,“ Bhatt told TOI at the end of an hourlong meeting. "They have also provided us with several helpline numbers that the filmmakers or cinema owners can reach out to in case of any trouble,“ said Bhatt.

Later in the evening, Karan Johar decided to make a statement via a two-minute video clip. “The reason I remained silent for two weeks was because of the deep sense of hurt I felt that a few people would actually believe I'm being anti-national. For me my country comes first,“ he stressed before broaching his film. “When I shot ADHM from September to December last year, the climate and circumstances were completely different. There were efforts made by our government for peaceful relationships with the neighbouring country. I respected those endeavours then and I respect the sentiment today,“ he said before yielding to the powers that be with his decision to “not engage with talent from the neighbouring country, given the circumstance“.

Reacting to Johar's statement that he was a patriot, senior MNS functionary Shalini Thackeray told mediapersons, “Johar's change of heart has come a bit too late in the day. His statement will not make any difference to the MNS stand on the issue. Our views are clear and unambiguous.“

DCP Ashok Dudhe, spokesperson for the city police, has assured theatres of protection. “We will deploy our personnel and provide security to all the multiplexes and single screen cinema halls. Our job is to maintain law and order.“

In an attempt to reach out to the MNS, Bhatt added, “I understand the sentiments of the MNS because they are one of us but have a different way of expressing anger. Therefore, I appeal to my brothers in the MNS, let us have peace and celebrate Diwali together. By going against fellow Indians, you are only helping terrorists create disharmony and gain victory over us.“

After the recent divide in Bollywood regarding Pakistani artistes in Indian films, there has been growing support for Johar after the association of single-screen cinemas decided to stall the screening of his film citing patriotism and fear of vandalism as reasons.

“The industry needs a big warm group huddle at the moment,“ said filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt who was present at a meeting called by Producers Guild and attended by key players from the industry on Monday evening when they resolved to seek police intervention. “There has been heartening indication from the Centre on their status quo concerning Pakistani talents. It's time police sends out a strong signal and ensures the legitimate rights of the producer. This is a festive season and families want to get entertained. One must not cause trauma and jeopardize hopes and investment of fellow Indians. Or be at war with your own home.“

TIMES VIEW:
The role of the Maharashtra government in this entire episode has been dubious. When people seek to impose their will on others through violence or the threat of violence, it is the duty of the state to protect those being threatened. Sadly, in this case, by remaining silent while such public threats were being handed out, the state government clearly signalled that the thugs could have a field day. That only encourages disrespect for the rule of law without which no modern, democratic system can function.


---------------------------------------

Filmmaker bows to pressure, says will not work with Pak talent in future

MID-DAY (October 19, 2016)

As the fate of Karan Johar’s Diwali release, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, hangs in balance with right wing parties threatening to disrupt its screening, the filmmaker finally broke his silence over the snowballing controversy. In a video released yesterday, KJo clarified that he had remained mum all this while since he was “deeply hurt” over being labelled anti-national for working with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan.

He also mentioned that he has resolved to not work with any artiste from across the border in future, considering the heightened Indo-Pak hostility post the September 18 Uri attacks and subsequent demand by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS)’s film affairs wing to ban Pak artistes in Indian transcript of his video: “There has been some talk about why I have remained silent for the past two weeks. Today, I would like to clarify why I have remained silent. It is because of the deep sense of hurt and pain I felt [about the fact] that a few people could actually believe that I am being anti-national. I need to say this with strength that, for me, my country comes first and nothing else matters to me but my country. The best way to express patriotism is to spread love and that is all I am trying to do with my work and my cinema. When I shot Ae Dil Hai Mushkil from September to December last year, the [political] climate was completely different. There were efforts made by our government for peaceful relationships with the neighbouring country, and I respected those endeavours and efforts then. And I respect the sentiment today, because I feel the same. Going forward, I would like to say that, of course, I wouldn’t engage with the talent from the neighbouring country, given the [current] circumstances. But, with that same energy, I besiege you to know one thing, that over 300 Indians in my crew have put their blood, sweat and tears into my film. And I don’t think it is fair on them to face any kind of turbulence on account of other fellow Indians. I respect the Indian Army, I salute them for everything they do to protect us. And I condemn any form of terrorism that would affect my people in my country and me. I just hope all of you understand the circumstances and the situation we are in and respect the fact that we love and respect our country over and above everything else."

Still won’t allow release: MNS

Karan Johar's appeal to allow Ae Dil Hai Mushkil to release and the police commissioner’s assurance to provide adequate security at theatres screening the film have hardly cut any ice with the MNS. Ameya Khopkar, president of the party’s film affairs wing, says, “I have watched Karan’s video and it’s funny to hear him say that he wouldn’t employ talent from the neighbouring country in future. Is there a dearth of Indian talent in the first place? We stand firm in our decision to not allow the film’s release. If they [cops] provide security at theatres, we are ready to combat that. We will use all our strength to make sure the film doesn’t get screened. Nothing can deter us.”

I strongly feel 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' should be postponed, says COEAI president

The Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI), too, is unwavering in its decision to not screen Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Last week, over 400 members of the association in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, and parts of Karnataka had decided against screening the film, fearing damage to their respective properties.

COEAI president Nitin Datar, after watching Karan Johar's video, told us that the filmmaker must discuss the issue with the association and settle for another release date.

"We could come to a consensus if a dialogue happens. If Pakistan and India can talk, why can't he talk to us? The patriotic vibe is gathering momentum; more people will join us. I strongly feel the film should be postponed. He should stop insisting on a Diwali release," says Datar.

When told that it will ultimately result in losses for an Indian, Datar retorted, "We can't be selfish when it comes to the country. What is Rs 100 crore in front of the cause we are standing up for? Didn't Zee lose money when they discontinued Zindagi channel after buying lifetime rights of Pakistani shows? Even exhibitors run the risk of losing big money. But, what needs to be done, must be done."

Mumbai Police to provide security for a hassle-free release of 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'

Anurag Kamble (MID-DAY; October 19, 2016)

As MNS continues to oppose the release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, a group of producers met Mumbai police commissioner Datta Padsalgikar yesterday morning, seeking a hassle-free release for the film on October 28. Insiders tell us the top cop asked the producers' guild to breathe easy, with an assurance that "hooliganism won't be tolerated".

DCP Ashok Dudhe, spokesperson of Mumbai police, said, "The CP has assured members [of producers' guild] to provide adequate security to theatres screening the film as and when required."

All police stations have been asked to keep a close eye on MNS members as the release date nears, said a senior cop, adding, "We have 10 more days in hand to make proper security arrangements. If necessary, we will serve notices to party members."

Joint commissioner (law and order) Deven Bharti was also present during the meeting with Mukesh Bhatt, Siddharth Roy Kapur and other producers.