Pakistani actor Fawad Khan is set to return to Hindi cinema with Abir Gulaal, co-starring Vaani Kapoor, nine years after his last release, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Pakistani artistes were banned in India following the 2016 Uri attacks. In 2023, the Bombay High Court ruled against a petition that aimed to ban Pakistani artistes from working or performing in India. However, the industry and some political bodies are against the comeback of artistes from Pakistan.

Sandeep Deshpande, city chief, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), told us, “Our stand is very clear. We will not entertain any movie that has Pakistani artistes. And if such a film is released, we will agitate the MNS way.”

Ameya Khopkar, a spokesperson for MNS, wrote on X, “Humein aaj hi iss film ke release ki jaankari mili. Lekin hum saaf taur par yeh keh rahe hain ki hum iss film ko Maharashtra mein release nahin hone denge.”

We reached out to producer Vivek B Agrawal and Vaani’s team, but there was no response till the time of going to press.

“We are still facing attacks by Pakistan. This is insensitive on the part of certain people in this industry. If they keep supporting Pakistanis, the federation will work out a system in which they will have to suffer a backlash. We can’t do anything legally, but we are contemplating action against the Indians and artistes who have worked on this film, including the heroine (actor Vaani Kapoor), by issuing a non-cooperation diktat.”

“Fawad Khan se dushmani nahin hai, Pakistani artistes se hai. We strongly oppose this film, and if our artistes work with them, we will stop them. Now that this film has been shot, we will issue a letter to the Indians involved in the project.”

“There are strong objections from my side. There are terrorist activities happening in Jammu and Kashmir. In the past too, Pakistan has caused so much damage to India. The film industry does not see the morally wrong side of this. We should just be honest to our soldiers and say, ‘Your life doesn’t matter’... We are fooling them when we make a film with Fawad Khan.”

Mumbai: A pre-wedding procession mutes celebrations as it passes a mosque, but while the wedding is solemnised, a loudspeaker announcement of a death from the mosque drowns out the ritual. It angers people assembled there, leading to a debate on use of loudspeakers. This is the trailer of Bhonga, which won the 2019 national award for ‘Best Marathi Film.’

Producer Amol Kagane said that he had made the film some time ago, and it was a ‘coincidence’ that it would be released on May 3, when the political debate has heated up over use of loudspeakers in mosques. “My film is about the issue of loudspeakers causing problems, mostly newborns, whose sleep patterns are disrupted due to azaan and the debate in a village following this,” Kagane told ET.

The film has already attracted several comments on social media. Kagne claimed his movie’s aim was to ‘address a social issue, not a religious one’.

“There is no heated atmosphere now; only one community is trying to heat it up. If you see the film, it also talks about impact of loudspeakers in temples and marriage ceremonies. But we have focused more on azaan, as the movie looks at competition between soft-hearted members of the community and radicals,” Kagane claimed.

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.


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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.

It takes a lot to take the Big B by surprise, and if you do manage it, you better 'watch' it.

On Friday, Raj Thackeray, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief, sent across a belated birthday gift to Amitabh Bachchan (the actor celebrated his 74th birthday on Tuesday, October 11), in the form of a sketch, which thrilled the actor to bits. The sketch by Thackeray was delivered at the Bachchan residence Jalsa by his son Amit Thackeray, who came away pleased over the fact that he managed to spend close to two hours with his favourite star.

Imagine Amit's surprise and excitement the next day, when he received a return gift from Bachchan in the form of his famous fluorescent green wrist watch that he has been sporting on and off screen for the last several years.

Bachchan's green watch has become a style statement, with fashion magazines and Bollywood websites unfailingly mentioning it every time he wore it to product launches and Bollywood events. Amit Thackeray's friends say that he hasn't removed the watch from the moment he's received it.

Amey Khopkar, who heads the MNS' film wing, and who had accompanied Amit Thackeray to Jalsa, said, “We spent around two hours with Mr Bachchan, who said that a sketch by Raj Thackeray himself was extremely dear and valuable to him. He showed us his library, and we were surprised to find a number of Raj saheb's sketches and caricatures in his collection,“ Khopar said.

Regarding the return gift, Khopkar said Amit Thackeray was very curious about Bachchan's green watch and in fact, asked him about it. “He (Amit) had read that Mr Bachchan had a huge collection of watches. Mr Bachchan said that he had bought the green watch from London many years ago, but didn't say much about it. All of us were stunned when the watch was delivered to Raj saheb's house Krishna Kunj the very next day as return gift. Mr Bachchan is indeed class apart,“ Khopkar said.

Bachchan's friendship with the Thackeray family goes back to Bal Thackeray, with both men admiring each other's talents. On Friday, Bachchan inquired if Amit was helping his father in politics. “I attend rallies and help out whenever I get a chance, but I'm not into full time politics,“ Amit reportedly told Bachchan.

Bachchan reportedly told Amit that he has been following his father's cartoons from the time they used to appear in Marmik, and Khopkar said Amit himself was a “useful cartoonist“.

While Amit was not available for comment, one of his close friends told Mirror that he was an avid watch collector himself, and has been showing the Big B watch to all his friends. On his part, Amitabh Bachchan is known to gift watches to people he admires. A few years ago, he had gifted Ranbir Kapoor a Richard Mille, and watch connoisseurs say the cheapest RM costs a few lakhs.

Box office may soon see a 'hit', albeit differently. In a turn of events, the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI), which covers several single screen theatres in the country, declared after its meeting on Friday that films featuring Pakistani artistes and technicians will not release in single screens, starting with Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (ADHM), followed by Dear Zindagi and Raees, among others. Parts of Karnataka and the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa will witness the immediate implications of this decision on Diwali.

Karan's festive release, featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Anushka Sharma and Fawad Khan, has just been passed by the CBFC with only three cuts and a U/A certificate. But looks like patrons might not find it in most of the single screens.

The multiplexes haven't made up their mind yet, and none was forthcoming to speak on the issue, officially. However, a source from a Mumbai multiplex chain, on the condition of anonymity, told BT, “It's a Karan Johar film, so it has an urban appeal and is predominantly meant for the multiplex audience. The single screens have Shivaay. All multiplexes hold meetings on Tuesdays, to discuss the forthcoming Friday's release, so a decision will be taken only three days prior to release. I don't see why multiplexes will not screen this film. No one would like to lose out on business, especially during Diwali. Political parties creating a ruckus is not new, we will need the police to cooperate.“

An industry insider added, “Given the sentiments of our countrymen, we can decide on what can be done in the future, but we cannot expect filmmakers to replace talent with less than 20 days left for release. The film was not made after the Uri attacks. And, if the Censor Board has cleared it, how can it not release on October 28? The government of India has not objected to it and there's no question of a ban. Why won't someone check the credibility of the body (COEAI), which has decided to not screen the film in single screens? Everyone is trying to gain publicity over this controversy.“

It's to be seen eventually how many single screens leave out Karan's film over the big Diwali weekend. The decision made by the COEAI has, in the meantime, divided the industry's opinion. We sought a few:

MAHESH BHATT, FILMMAKER:
The mother of all questions is: Is India going to be run by the rule of law, or by the mood swings and whims of a handful of people? The producers' body and theatre owners' association need to show compassion and behave justly with Karan Johar. This is wilful blindness. How can we not see that these movies were shot when the relationship of the Prime Minister of India and his Pakistani counterpart were at its very best?

RAJESH THADANI, DISTRIBUTOR:
I think only the business in these four states will get affected. The number of screens supporting the decision hasn't come out yet. There is always a possibility of a settlement where no one suffers.

MNS LEADER AMEYA KHOPKAR:
My stand is final. I will not allow the film to release under any circumstances. I understand the argument of making Indian filmmakers and artistes suffer, but this is not the first time I have raised a red flag on this issue. I have been fighting for the cause for 11 years now. I have written letters to several producers on numerous occasions. Is there a dearth of talent in India? Casting Pakistani artistes is a mere ploy to garner more publicity, as these filmmakers know that we will protest against the decision. If they have waited for so long to release the film, they can push the date further and replace Fawad with an Indian actor. I don't see it as a major issue, as he hardly has a 10-minute role in the film.

SUNIL BANSAL, DISTRIBU TOR-EXHIBITOR:
The association should have a liberal attitude and not penalise films that are ready for release. After all, our fellow Indian's money is at stake. Movies that are ready for release and those that have been shot should not be harmed. If they want to ban actors, they should take this stand for films that are yet to begin.

BALKRISHNA SHROFF, DIRECTOR, SHRINGAR FILMS PVT LTD
The Government of India has not banned any Pakistani artiste from working in India. The CBFC, which is also a government body, has not taken any such stand either. This uproar is more about public sentiments. I received 47 calls yesterday from single-screen owners, saying they want to release the film. I feel just because the issue revolves around Bollywood, it has garnered a lot of attention.

HARSH JAIN, DISTRIBUTOR-EXHIBITOR, MUMBAI:
This theatre owners' association primarily covers single screens in Mumbai, Nashik and Pune. They don't have any legal right to ban any film. At most, they can ask their members to not release a film as a precautionary measure. No sensible exhibitor will ban any film, it will only hit his revenue. I'm completely against this ban. I believe art and politics should not be mixed. Even if you want to ban any actor, the release of films already-completed should not be jeopardised. Lastly, the Government says that they don't have any problem with any Pakistani artiste coming and working in India. Political parties have their own agendas, nothing more.

VANDAN SHAH, OWNER OF RUPAM CINEMA, AHMEDABAD:
“We have only heard that COEAI is planning to ban the release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in single screen theatres, but we haven't received any word, officially. We are holding a meeting on Monday and the matter will become clearer after that. As of now, we are not making any announcement.“

SA RA GOVINDU, PRESIDENT, KARNATAKA FILM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
We agree with the ban, and will give full support to ensure that it is implemented in Karnataka. We Indians must stand united on this.

JAYESH BONDRE, OWNER, NANDI FILM THEATRE, GOA:
Karan Johar is a big name in the movie industry, and his film not being screened is going to be a big loss for us. However, I think the issue will be resolved by next week. We acquire our movies through satellite distribution based in Mumbai. If they don't screen movies, it won't be possible for us to do so either.“

HERE'S WHAT FILMMAKERS, DISTRIBUTORS AND EXHIBITORS HAVE TO SAY

NITIN DATAR, PRESIDENT, COEAI:
It was a unanimous decision made by the association after looking at the public sentiments and the current tension between India and Pakistan. We had to call for a meeting urgently and take a decision. All single screens that are part of the association have agreed, but I can't say how many will execute it. After the IMPPA ban, a lot of filmmakers had said that artistes and filmmakers should not be punished as the filmmakers will bear the loss. But as far as I understand, no filmmaker bears a loss, because he/she sells numerous kinds of rights which fetch them a decent sum. Box-office collection is not the only way to recover costs. On the other hand, if we release Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and our theatres are attacked, no one will help us recover our losses - ticket sales are all that we make our money from. The multiplex owners haven't made up their mind yet, but we have.


ASHOKE PANDIT, VICE PRESIDENT, IMPPA:
We didn't want to stall the release of Karan's film or impact its release in any manner. But our ban was to stop filmmakers from involving Pakistani talent in future. We made ample effort to talk to MNS and convince them to not stop the film, but not once did Karan talk to us or support us in any manner. He is paying the price for his silence. He didn't condemn the Pakistani artistes when they didn't comment on the Uri attacks, he should have. It will make a huge dent in his business if the single screens stick to their decision. It's a cluster that he cannot ignore.


MUKESH BHATT, FILMMAKER & THE PRESIDENT OF THE FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCERS GUILD OF INDIA:
All kinds of people exist in this industry, and everyone has a different opinion. The industry is paying the price for no fault of theirs. Not releasing a film made by an Indian filmmaker is only harming an Indian. I raise a fundamental question: Does Karan Johar not have the right to earn his livelihood? And since when did associations start banning films that government bodies like the CBFC have not objected to?


VIPUL SHAH, FILMMAKER:
These films started when Indo-Pak peace process was underway. I agree that we should be careful if we are starting a film with a Pakistani artiste, but how is it reasonable to stall a film produced by an Indian, who has invested crores of rupees on something that began when the peace process was on? If anyone starts a film today with a Pakistani artiste, the position can be different. The association should not punish Indian filmmakers like this.

OUR VIEW
It is up to the government to take a decision on whether they want to issue work permits to Pakistani actors in the future. And if you must put a ban on these actors working in India, then shouldn't it apply to films that are planned post the rule comes into effect? How does it help targeting films that have already been shot with Pakistani actors? MNS leader Amey Khopkar has said that he does not see replacing an actor who has a fleeting role in the film, a 'major issue'. That's exactly the point...by stalling the release of a film because of a brief presence of a Pakistani actor, aren't we impacting the work and careers of a multitude of Indians, who have laboured over this film for months, maybe even years? How fair is that?

With inputs from Rachana Dubey Sharma, Hiren Kotwani, Renuka Vyavahare, Neha Maheswri Bhagat, Sunayana Suresh, Mihir Bhanage, Dean Lobo, Anagha pathak, Vinita Chaturvedi, Rishabh Deb, Kimberly Colaco & Abhimanyu Mishra  

Shah Rukh Khan's Raees costar, Mahira Khan, was set to give Salman Khan's Bajrangi Bhaijaan competition with her Pakistani film, Bin Roye, this Friday. But the actress from across the border has been stonewalled by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and will have to wait till next Eid to be unveiled in the state. Her upcoming film will not open in Maharashtra.

Confirming this, Ameya Khopkar, President of the Maharashtra Navnirman Chitrapat Karmachari Sena, the film wing of the MNS, told Mirror, “We opposed the release of the film in Maharashtra since it is a Pakistani film. They have agreed to our demand and it is a victory for us. We don't want a Pakistani film here when they are attacking us.“ B4U which is releasing the film in India, in a letter to Khopkar, stated that “as discussed and agreed by you, we hereby confirm that we shall not exhibit the film titled Bin Roye in Maharashtra state only and you have no objection to release the said film anywhere else in India“.

Duraid Qureshi, CEO of Hum Network and husband of the film's producer Momina Qureshi, was taken aback by the news. “It's a love story and has been cleared by the Indian censor board,“ he exclaimed. When told that it had nothing to do with the censors and everything to do with politics which was opposed to a cultural exchange between the two countries he retorted, “But the cultural exchange is already there? Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is singing in India, Bajrangi Bhaijaan will release here and Shah Rukh Khan is doing a film with Mahira. I don't understand this kind of politics.“

Nadeem Mandviwalla, a leading producer, distributor and exhibitor in Pakistan, reacted saying, “I feel that the process which we have fought for allowing Indian films in Pakistan legitimately is now being jeopardised by Indian states themselves. The repercussions of such acts can be detrimental for both film industries. It's a sad day today as the state of Maharashtra has given reason to start the debate once again which lasted for more than 40 years, from 1965 to 2006.“