After years of prohibiting Marathi dubbing of Bollywood films, MNS gives go-ahead to Ajay Devgn's period drama Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; November 22, 2019)

Over past several years, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has staunchly prohibited the dubbing of Hindi films into Marathi, arguing that they will eat into the business of Marathi offerings. However, the party has made an exception for Ajay Devgn's Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior. Since the Om Raut-directed venture trains the spotlight on the 17th century Maratha general Tanaji Malusare, the MNS is keen that it get a wide release. Amey Khopkar, who heads the MNS' film wing, says that the party has decided to make an exception for the war drama.

"We are proud of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's achievements along with his warriors. I hope the film is dubbed in as many as languages as possible so that the world can get to know about their achievements. Dubbing the film in Marathi will increase the audience in the state and across the country."

Trade guru Amod Mehra analyses that the film will enjoy a huge advantage owing to this move. "The practice of not dubbing films in Marathi is the result of an unsaid understanding between the two industries to encourage the growth of regional films. But this is a welcome change. In all likelihood, the film will enjoy additional 500 screens."

Welcoming the decision, Devgn says, "It's a privilege to share the story of a Maratha warrior in his mother tongue. We will dub the film in Marathi soon."

As police close sexual harassment case against Nana Patekar, here is what they told the court about why Tanushree's allegations don't stand
Faizan Khan (MID-DAY; June 14, 2019)

The Oshiwara police on Wednesday filed a closure report in the form of a B summary and submitted it to the Andheri metropolitan magistrate court in the sexual harassment case filed by actor Tanushree Dutta against actor Nana Patekar, choreographer Ganesh Acharya, producer Samee Siddiqui and director Rakesh Sarang. They have listed six counts on the basis of which they filed the B summary, one of which says that police investigations revealed no evidence against Patekar. Dutta and her lawyer lashed out at the cops for only recording statements that supported Patekar.

The closure report was filed eight months after Dutta filed a case against Patekar, Acharya, Siddiqui and Sarang, alleging Patekar misbehaved with her in 2008 on the set of the movie Horn Ok Pleassss, while shooting for a special dance number. Confirming the development, senior police inspector at Oshiwara police station, Shailesh Pasalwad, said "The B Summary report has been filed before the Andheri Magistrate court as we have not found any evidence against the accused."

Another officer said, "Since the matter was 10 years old, we were completely dependent on the statements of witnesses who were present at the time of incident. We recorded 13 statements in the matter, which includes those of cameraman, assistant choreographers, back-up dancers, spot boy and makeup artist. A few witnesses were only aware of the delay during the shoot, but nobody knows if Dutta was sexually harassed."

Following are the six counts under which the report was filed:

Allegations against Patekar
Police investigations revealed that there has been no evidence against Patekar as the dancers, assistant choreographers, junior artists, cameramen who were present at the time of the shoot have not supported Dutta's allegations of sexual harassment.

Allegations against Siddiqui, Sarang
Siddiqui and Sarang had informed Dutta that she would be performing solo and Patekar would make a guest appearance. Police investigations revealed that before the song was shot, Dutta had rehearsed for it at Shariq hall in Andheri west on March 14, 15, 16, 18 and 20, 2008 along with dancer Sanjeev Havaldar, who was filling in for Patekar, which Dutta was fully aware of.

Allegations against Acharya
Dutta had alleged Acharya changed the choreography where Patekar was to touch her. Siddiqui, Sarang and Acharya had allegedly not informed her about the change in the dance sequence. Police report states that assistant choreographer Daisy Shah and Jyoti Kamble have not mentioned any change in choreography in their statements.

Dutta lost crores
Another allegation was that due to the mental stress caused by the incident, Dutta could not resume the shoot and lost crores of rupees. She had also claimed that she complained to CINTAA in March 2009, but they closed the matter without any inquiry. The police investigations revealed that soon after the complaint was made to CINTAA, they called a meeting along with 'AMTPPP officials', in which it was decided that Dutta would be compensated with R5 lakh. In the meeting, Dutta had allegedly had not mentioned about anyone misbehaving with her on the sets.

MNS pressuring cops
In her complaint, Tanushree had alleged that after the incident, the producer, director and choreographer along with MNS (Maharashtra Navnirman Sena) workers had pressured cops at the Goregaon police station to ensure her complaint — which her father had gone there to file — was not registered. It was also said that her father recorded his statement mentioning sexual harassment, but the cops did not record it.

The original case papers procured from Goregaon police station state that Dutta had refused to appear before the cops to record her statement claiming she is busy on a shoot. According to the papers, her father had only mentioned an attack on Dutta's car by a group of people. He had not made any allegations of sexual harassment in the case.

Period on TV
Dutta had told cops that Siddiqui mentioned in a clip shown on a news channel that she must have been on her period on the day of the contentious shoot. The cops received the video from the said channel and upon inquiring with Siddiqui, he said the reporter had asked him if Dutta cancelled the shoot due to fever, physical stress or her period, to which Siddiqui said she could have done that because she was on her period.

What Nana Patekar Told The Cops
"On March 26, 2008 , I reached Filmistan Studio between 10 am and 11 am. I was unable to do the dance steps and Ganesh Acharya's assistant was helping me with it. I was taking 25 to 30 minutes to learn one dance step. On the other side of the stage, around 30 to 35 feet away from me, Tanushree was doing her steps with assistant choreographers. Later, she went to her vanity van once she was done. After lunch, we were all on the sets. I and Tanushree were dancing, and there was some distance between me and her, but she suddenly left from the shoot, I don't know why. She locked herself in her vanity van. Acharya and his assistant were trying to speak to her, but she didn't respond. As she didn't turn up, the shoot was cancelled and I left for home. Later, I was told by director Rakesh Sarang that Tanushree has alleged that I had misbehaved with her, which I had clarified at the time while speaking with the media that she is like my daughter. Two days later, I recorded the same sequel with actress Rakhi Sawant. After this episode, I and Tanushree once came face to face at the International Film Festival in Goa, we both made eye contact and smiled at each other. After that I never met her."

Tanushree Says
Dutta and her lawyer lashed out at the police for recording only statements which support Patekar. Dutta said in her statement, "Our witnesses have been silenced by intimidation and fake witnesses have been put forth to weaken the case. What was the rush to file a B summary report when all of my witnesses have not even recorded their statements yet? I'm neither shocked nor surprised; being a woman in India, this is something we all have gotten used to. If rape accused Alok Nath got a clean chit and returned to movies, then it was surely not going to be difficult for harassment accused Nana Patekar to get himself or shall we say buy himself a clean chit to continue to bully hapless young women."

"I am tired of fighting alone against oppressors, bullies and a corrupt system. I have better things to do in life with my talent and skills and I need to focus on those, but please don't take this example to mean that you will not be heard when you speak up. Continue to expose these creeps through social media and other platforms so that in the future, people would think twice before troubling an innocent young girl. I still believe that I will get justice and victory will be mine. How, only time will tell," said Dutta.

Her lawyer Nitin Satpute told mid-day, "Police acted negligently to protect Patekar. The statements of many witnesses have not been recorded yet. The statement of witness Shyni Shetty's statement was not recorded completely, moreover, statements of hairdressers Aliza, Wasim and Mir and seven other witnesses were not recorded. Cops have taken statements of those who know nothing. We will appeal before the court to re-investigate the matter."

Earlier, Satpute had claimed to have an audio recording of one of the witnesses where Patekar can be heard pressuring a witness to not speak. However, that recording has not been submitted to the Oshiwara police yet. Responding to the lawyer's statement, Pasalwad said, "They never came to us with any list of witnesses." mid-day had reported on May 15 in 'Witness statements don't support Tanushree's story' about how Oshiwara police had not gotten a single statement corroborating Dutta's allegations. Cops had said they are helpless as witnesses claimed they were unable to recall what happened during the 2008 shoot.

What Is A 'B-Summary'?
A 'B-Summary' report is filed when the police do not find any evidence against the accused to file a charge sheet and seek trial. If the court accepts it, it would mean that they have acknowledged the clean chit given by the police.

The Six Counts
1. Patekar did not sexually harass Dutta, based on statements of dancers, assistant choreographers, junior artists, cameramen
2. Samee Siddiqui and Rakesh Sarang informed Dutta that Patekar would make a guest appearance
3. Acharya did not change the choreography for Patekar to touch Dutta
4. CINTAA acted on her complaint and ensured Rs 5 lakh compensation
5. Goregaon police station was not pressured to drop case against the accused, according to original papers from police station
6. Siddiqui said on TV, reason Dutta cancelled the shoot was because she was on her period

MNS chief asks party workers to support her campaign and help unseat BJP
Chaitanya Marpakwar (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 31, 2019)

Urmila Matondkar, the Congress’ candidate from Mumbai North, has asked Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray to support her election campaign. The Maharashtrian actor is pitted against the BJP’s Gopal Shetty and Mumbai North has a significant number of Marathi voters.

A senior MNS functionary said Urmila and Raj were old acquaintances. “They have known each other for a long time,” he said. “He has already directed all MNS workers to help the Congress-NCP combine. The MNS will not openly back the Congress-NCP, but will help and support their candidates indirectly.”

Raj held a meeting of MNS officebearers where he told them to help the opposition defeat the BJP government. Taking queue from Raj, MNS spokesperson Sandeep Deshpande was seen campaigning with the Congress’ Eknath Gaikwad at Shivaji Park on Saturday. The two spoke to morning walkers and urged them to vote for the Congress.

This is the second time the Congress has fielded a celebrity from Mumbai North. The party gave the ticket to Govinda in 2004, and he won. This year, following former city Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam’s decision to move from Mumbai North to North West, the party was finding it difficult to get a candidate for the seat. With Urmila in the fray now, Congress leaders believe they have a winning chance. “She is a known celebrity and a Maharashtrian too. She will give a tough fight to the BJP. Urmila can be a game-changer for the Congress just like Govinda was in 2004,” a city Congress functionary said.

The Mumbai North constituency has a sizeable population of Marathi, Gujarati and North Indian communities. The Borivali, Dahisar, Magathane, Kandivali East, Charkop and Malad West assembly constituencies are part of it. Except Malad West, from where the Congress’ Aslam Shaikh is an MLA, all other assembly segments are represented by the Shiv Sena and BJP. The Congress has asked Shaikh to help Urmila.

City Congress leader Bhushan Patil, who is coordinating Urmila’s campaign, said she is getting an enthusiastic response on the election trail. “We are just starting the campaign and the atmosphere is already all charged up. We are meeting people from various communities and interacting with voters. People are just waiting to see her. Urmila ji is a strong candidate and we are confident of winning,” Patil said.

“People from all walks of life are reaching out to her. We are focusing on people-to-people contact and not on big rallies. We are confident that the response and the crowds will be converted into votes for the Congress.”


MNS spokesperson Sandip Deshpande campaigns for Congress candidate Eknath Gaikwad at Shivaji Park on Saturday

MUMBAI MIRROR (October 5, 2018)

A defamation case has been filed against Tanushree Dutta for her comments about Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray. The case was filed by the Kaij police in Maharashtra's Beed district on Wednesday evening after MNS district unit president Sumant Dhas lodged a complaint, alleging that Dutta had defamed his party chief.

“We've registered a non cognizable offence against Dutta under Section 500 (defamation) of the Indian Penal Code and are investigating the complaint. We've also asked the complainant to approach court,” said a police officer.

The 34-year-old actress has accused actor Nana Patekar of harassing her on the sets of the film Horn OK Pleassss in 2008. She recently said that Raj Thackeray wanted to succeed the late Bal Thackeray as the Shiv Sena chief, but couldn't. She had also alleged that the MNS was involved in vandalising her vehicle when she opted out of the film. Earlier, she was quoted as saying that she'd been getting threats from the party, and that two persons recently tried to barge into her home.

The MNS youth wing, meanwhile, handed over a letter to the makers of Bigg Boss on Wednesday, following reports of Dutta participating in the ongoing season of the TV reality show. The party workers threatened violence on the set in Lonavala if she was let in.

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; October 1, 2018)

In the last few days, the Tanushree Dutta-Nana Patekar controversy has gripped the nation. After the former reiterated the latter’s alleged ‘sexual misconduct’ in 2008, what followed could well be the start of a #MeToo campaign in Bollywood. But Tanushree says it’s too ‘early to call it one’. “Other girls need to have the courage to share their stories, only then will it become a movement,” she says. The Aashiq Banaya Aapne actress discusses the 10-year ordeal she and her family have been through and why this time, she won’t retreat in silence. Excerpts…

How difficult have these 10 years been for you?
It’s been extremely difficult. Whenever I would remember the incident, I would be enraged. Of course, the intensity of it has reduced over the years and now, I’ve learnt to make peace with it. The anger was not just about the harassment, but also the mob attack and the kind of trouble my family had to go through at that time. And despite all this, Nana Patekar goes to a set behaving as if nothing happened. On top of this, they are standing in front of the media, spinning lies — one after the other. All four of them (Nana Patekar, Ganesh Acharya, Rakesh Sarang and Samee Siddiqui) and the entire Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) gang were against one person, which is me. Back then, the reporting also didn’t happen out of compassion. There was no one raising an issue or speaking out for me. Today, people have understood that this is an issue that needs to be talked about, thanks to the #MeToo movement in the West. There was no awareness about sexual harassment because it was an unspoken issue in our industry. We are conditioned to accept it because in our films, heroes harass heroines who then fall in love with them. We come from that kind of a society that believes thoda chhed diya toh kya ho gaya? Nana is pretending not to understand the concept of harassment.

Do you agree that things are different today?
Absolutely. Previously, it would be all about ‘Tanushree claims’. Today, TV channels and publications are reporting it the way it is. Earlier, it would be reported in a way where Nana’s picture would be a dignified one whereas that of mine would be from a sexy photo shoot. The imagery itself had set me on a path of defeat. The perception was that this girl was not good. I had become a victim of people’s perceptions. It’s not just me, I think all actresses are.

In what ways?
From the time I entered the film industry, the perception was that I was a bold, sexy actress. In India, when someone calls you sexy, they don’t mean it as a compliment; it has derogatory connotations. I was a quiet person and hadn’t seen this perception building around me till the time this incident. It took me a long time to understand how people were playing it out. I would feel bad about the lack of compassion among my colleagues from the industry. Gradually, I realised that people had an opinion about my films, roles, songs, dressing and overall personality. I was always sassy, I had the sex appeal. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to take such things lying down. It has got nothing to do with my character. The worst thing about our country is that we sometimes fail to differentiate between an actor and her on-screen character. From a slut, I became the problem child, tantrum queen, etc. When you defend yourself, you are called muhfat. And when you keep quiet, people base their judgment on what you wear in your films. It’s always been a double-edged sword.

When you spoke about it for the first time, not many stood by you. Today, an army from the industry is behind you. Did you expect that?
There’s a huge change compared to 10 years ago. Firstly, I was young; I was naïve and had been in the industry for only five years. Also, social media wasn’t big and the #MeToo campaign had not happened. We didn’t discuss things like personal boundary or harassment. In fact, our society always normalised the latter. It was only corporate offices that followed an international structure and had a sense of things. Now, there are people like Swara (Bhasker) and Richa (Chadha) who have been vocal about their activism. Farhan Akhtar has always had an opinion and their tweets were heartfelt.

Did you expect the trolling on social media, calling the controversy a publicity stunt?
I didn’t expect anything. I didn’t come to India to raise this issue. I recently moved to New Jersey where I was busy finding a footing. I had three months to spare, so mom asked me to come home. At the airport, the press noticed me and I was fatshamed. But I spoke my heart out. Then, there were other questions — why I was away, did I stop getting movie offers, was I thrown out? One journalist asked me about the #MeToo campaign. I told them about my incident and how I didn’t get justice. Little did I know that it would spiral into something this big but I’m happy it has. Some trolls think I’m suddenly bringing the issue up now but if you check YouTube videos, I have spoken about it each time I’ve been asked about it in the last decade. So, I never thought of the support or the backlash. I’m anyway used to the latter. How long can the same thing hurt you? It can only destroy you once.

You were given several labels when you accused them of sexual misconduct...
(Cuts in) Yes, because that’s what they could do best. I suddenly became an unprofessional tantrum queen but people tend to forget that we associate these terms only with actresses. So many times, actors report late to the sets or don’t even show up. But most women will tell you how we don’t even have the luxury to be five minutes late. We always are extra careful because it’s easy to pull up a woman and throw these words at her. Wasn’t Nana’s behaviour on the set unprofessional? All of them were wasting everyone’s time and then they did what they had to. I kept telling the director and the producer that I was uncomfortable around Nana. Then I went to my vanity van, really upset. When I came back, I got to know they had decided to include an intimate step between him and me. It was ridiculous and I sensed what was going on. Now, destroying my reputation and credibility is only a way to stop me from speaking out against them.

How has your family reacted to the episode?
Their emotions are getting triggered. I have to counsel them. They aren’t opposing me, but they are breaking down at times. I did take time to detach completely, but I went through the process of healing because I took up this spiritual path. However, my family has not had that and I feel terrible seeing them go through this. They have been in it with me together — they were with me in the car when the goons attacked us. At that point, the only thought I had was whether we would end up at our house or at the hospital. Today, articles and videos are popping up and my parents are reminded of the episode.

What do you expect out of this case?
I want to see if this ends in a similar way like it did the last time. They are trying to do the same things —threatening me with a lawsuit, calling me names and intimidating me. The only difference is that today, people are also living it with me. It’s not about me or anyone else. It can happen to anyone. I had to quit my profession, which I was passionate about and settle somewhere else, because of this man. He should also get an equal punishment. At least for eight years, industry people should stop working with these four men.

Do you want other actresses to come out and share their stories too?
I don’t know. There’s a lot of fear in coming out and speaking about it. Nobody knows it better than me. But now is the miraculous moment when somebody who’s gone through this before is willing to go through it again for you. What’s stopping others from coming forward and sharing their stories? Then, they shouldn’t complain about their voices getting stifled. I hope people get their retribution in some form. Even in the last 10 years, I wasn’t this damsel in perpetual distress. I stayed away from this toxicity because I didn’t get justice and support. With what confidence should I go back to a film set? I can’t trust anyone. What if someone else does it again? People will think Tanushree has an issue with everyone. I was put off by that thought. The faces might change but the situations will remain the same. Today, I don’t have such thoughts.

With the government’s latest directive, cinegoers are hoping that from August 1, they will be allowed to carry food from outside into theatres, and buy eatables like popcorn and samosa at a lesser price from counters inside the premises
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; July 15, 2018)

The Maharashtra Government on Friday stated that moviegoers can’t be stopped from carrying outside food into multiplexes, and that from August 1, it will impose a ban on the dual MRP (maximum retail price) for packaged food and drinks. The move, if imposed, will not only allow moviegoers to carry food bought from outside into theatres, but also considerably reduce the price of eatables sold inside multiplexes.

While Mumbaikars are welcoming the move, the Multiplex Association of India (MAI) is opposed to it. In fact, a case on the matter, in which the MAI is also a party, is already pending before the Bombay High Court, and it’s scheduled to be heard on 25 July.

While the exorbitant prices of food items at multiplexes have always raised concerns, the issue once again grabbed headlines two weeks ago, when a Pune multiplex employee was publically thrashed by the workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Amey Khopkar of MNS Chitrapat Sena told us, “It’s a great move by the state government, but implementation is the key. Multiplexes should be forced to follow the directive. They were previously directed to compulsorily screen Marathi movies in at least one of their screens, but that has not been followed in most places. This directive at least should be implemented and the licences of defaulters should be snatched away.”

WILL THE STATE DIRECTIVE ON CARRYING FOOD INSIDE THEATRES BE IMPLEMENTED?
On the other hand, Deepak Asher, President, MAI, said, “Since the matter is currently sub-judice, and since we have no other formal communication from any regulatory authority, we would not like to comment any further on the matter.”

Nitin Datar, President, The Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India, prefers to wait and watch. “The 1966 rule, which the Maharashtra Government has cited, is silent on carrying food inside and was passed when multiplexes didn’t exist. There is a grey area here, and I’m keen to know what’s there in this order for single screens, because the food at these places is priced moderately. I hope there is nothing in it for us that burdens single screens and forces them to hike ticket costs or the prices of food,” he said.

MUMBAIKARS REJOICE
Despite the air of uncertainty, Mumbaikars seem happy about the move. However, some of them also have concerns that cleanliness of the auditoria might go for a six if people drop food and wafer packets on the floor.

Anjali Damani, a choreographer, said, “I welcome this move, it’s high time something like this came into practice. There have been so many occasions when my husband and I have gone to a multiplex and have spent more on snacks and coffee than the tickets. Reducing the price of the basic items will be a huge relief for people like us. My only worry is that the tickets might get even more expensive now, because that is the easiest means to make up for losses.”

Historian Deepak Rao added, “My son and grandson either eat at home and go for the movie, or eat at a restaurant after the movie, which makes more sense from the spender’s point of view. Buying snacks inside the theatre is a waste of money. They almost loot the public.”

Namrata Kaur, an insurance professional and the mother of a school-goer, was concerned about the quantity of food that people would be allowed to carry inside. “I think this is a good move, but it needs a lot of clarity in terms of the dos and don’ts for the aam junta. For instance, if a family of 10 heads to the movies, how much food will we be allowed to carry? Is there a cap on how much we can carry per head? Also, certain food items have peculiar smells which some people may find repulsive. So, will they specify what food items are allowed? It would be much nicer if the theatre owners just brought down the price of food sold inside plexes, that alone would be a huge relief,” she opined.

Ruchi Saxena, a chef at a five-star, noted that though the exercise is wellintended, it has to be implemented gradually. “I have two kids and whenever we go out for a movie, they demand a tub of popcorn or samosas. Tickets are costly, but the auditoria are clean and there’s only a certain kind of dry food sold at these places. Maybe, the directive can be implemented in two stages — first, reduce the prices and then declare which items patrons can bring along with them,” she explained.

Vishal Doiphode, an advertising professional, had a word of caution. “I was appalled when I read about the Pune incident. It’s great that in two weeks, the government has issued a directive, but will the high-tax paying multiplexes really be penalised if they disallow patrons from carrying their food inside? Only time can tell how effectively this directive is implemented. We shouldn’t get too happy right now,” he summed up.


THE GOVERNMENT DIRECTIVE
Ravindra Chavan, the Junior Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, said that according to the Maharashtra Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1966, cinemas cannot prohibit consumers from carrying food and action will be taken against those who do not allow it. The ban on dual pricing, a practice of charging different prices for the same product in different places, will be brought into force from August 1. In response, the Multiplex Association of India has stated in its official letter that none of the multiplex cinema theatres operated by any of their members had received any order, notification or communication with respect to the directive from the Government of Maharashtra or any other regulatory authority. This was their stance till the time we went to press.

After the assault of a multiplex manager in Pune over the price of popcorn, cinemas say that hooliganism over such petty issues is quite common, but go unreported because they don’t want bad publicity
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; July 2, 2018)

Last week, a group of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers thrashed the manager of a PVR multiplex in Pune over the price of food items sold there. A video of the incident soon went viral on social media. While several incidents of hooliganism and vandalism in cinema halls, by groups protesting the release of films, have been reported from across the country, assaulting of cinema hall staff over food prices is a rarity. However, a few exhibitors insist that now, they have to deal with hooligans not only when a film offends a group, but also for ‘cold popcorn’, ‘tasteless coffee’, ‘high rate of food items’, and ‘unnecessary frisking’. They say that even stopping drunk moviegoers can prove dangerous for the safety of their staff and patrons.

Meanwhile, PVR has filed an FIR against the attackers. In an official statement, Gautam Dutta, CEO, PVR Cinemas, says, “Safety and security of our employees and of our patrons is of utmost importance to us and we take all adequate measures to secure our employees and patrons. Handling unlawful action, violence and maintaining law and order in the city is the responsibility of the state government and the state police. We have full confidence in them, we are working with them closely so that appropriate steps can be taken in this matter at the soonest.”

‘SUCH INCIDENTS CAN HAPPEN HERE, TOO’
Manoj Desai, executive director of G7 and Maratha Mandir, says, “Every cinema hall or chain charges a price they think is apt for tickets and food. We don’t charge over Rs 30 for food and Rs 100 for tickets. We cater to the masses. As for the episode in Pune, let me tell you that such incidents can happen in Mumbai. So many times, political party workers try to get their point across. The person talking to them has to be tactful and polite. I don’t see any other way out.”

Yogesh Raizada, Corporate Head, Wave Cinemas, agrees, “We are in the hospitality industry and this is a given in our industry. We train our staff to be polite, but firm. However, we can’t stop such incidents completely and will have to deal with this hooliganism. No one in the industry can name even one cinema hall where the exhibitor or the staff members haven’t faced hooligans. But we don’t complain because it’s bad publicity for us.”

‘WORKERS AT CINEMAS FEEL THREATENED’
Nitin Datar, President, Cinema Owners and Exhibitors association of India says, “What happened in Pune was a shameful act. No one should take law into their hands, no matter what. People can always complain to the authorities, but as we can see, the situation is becoming deplorable, especially in cinema halls. Whether it’s about the prices of tickets or eatables, or the decision to run a film which has been cleared for release, people working at cinemas are bound to feel mentally and physically threatened because of protestors.”

Datar points out that the matter relating to revision in food prices is in court. The other problem is whether a patron can bring his or her own food inside the halls or not. “Even that matter is before the court. As far as I understand, no place except Delhi has a law prohibiting food from being taken inside the hall. Multiplexes have argued that if this can be allowed in one state, it should be in other states, too. Personally, I feel that they should allow children, sick people or the elderly to take their food, water and medicines inside the hall.”

He adds, “Multiplexes feel that they pay higher overheads and rents and eventually, the burden is passed on to the consumer. There is no law that restricts a person or an organisation from charging a fee they think is feasible for their products and/or services. Many years ago, the government of Maharashtra had passed a Government Resolution (GR), capping the rates of tickets, but cinema owners moved court against it and got it negated. So, it’s up to the public as to where they want to watch a film and whether they are willing to pay a price.”

Meanwhile, the Retail Association of India has also condemned the Pune attack. “Maharashtra is a state that recognises and respects the contribution of retail to the economy. It is the first state to initiate a policy especially for retail, that has helped increase the ease of doing business and employment in the sector. RAI condemns acts of violence against retail employees in Pune, who work hard to serve customers. Such acts are against the law, disrupt business and endanger the lives of retail employees. We trust the government to serve justice,” a statement issued by the association reads.

‘NOT A FAIR PRACTICE’
Arun Surve from MNS, whose member Kishor Shinde attacked the employee at PVR, Pune, says, “We have conducted similar protests in Mumbai also. If a bottle of water costs Rs 15, why should anyone pay Rs 100 for it inside a multiplex? I understand that there will be a price difference, but the margins that there are currently between the prices are too steep which we think is not a fair practice. In April, even the Bombay High Court had said that multiplexes are charging high prices. I want to understand what these taxes are that only multiplexes pay, for which they extort money from patrons. There is no law that can stop anyone from taking their ghar ka paani and khaana inside a cinema hall, but they don’t let us do that. When employees at these cinema halls are spoken to politely, they refuse to act on what we’re saying. As workers from a party, we’re not goons but as public representatives, we’re trying to underline the sentiments of the aam aadmi.”

With inputs from Niharika Lal

Akhtar said Johar had signed on Khan at a time when India-Pakistan relations were better. “People were encouraging exchange, our Prime Minister travelled there.
Pooja Pillai (THE INDIAN EXPRESS; October 27, 2016)

Questioning Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s role in mediating talks between Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray and film producer Karan Johar — during which the latter gave in to the MNS demand not to cast Pakistani artistes in future and to pay Rs 5 crore as ‘prayashchit’ (penance) to the Army welfare fund — actor-director Farhan Akhtar said on Wednesday that it has set a “terrible precedent”. “The only word, I think, that comes to mind is unfortunate, because it has set a terrible precedent,” he said.

Referring to the threats issued by the MNS over Johar’s decision to cast Pakistan actor Fawad Khan in his film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Akhtar said, “It’s not even the government telling you what you should be doing and not doing. So who are you listening to? You are listening to the people who are threatening you with violence. Now, when you have the threat of violence, it’s not only about you. You have kids at home, you have a family. Why do you want to subject them to that? At the end of the day, it’s really unfortunate that this is the state of affairs.”

Manishaa R (DNA; October 26, 2016)

The single screen exhibitors of COEAI (Cinematograph Owners And Exhibitors Association of India) have decided to uphold their decision not to screen all films starring Pak artistes in the forthcoming months, starting with Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Raees and Dear Zindagi. The final decision was taken in an executive meeting held on Monday afternoon, after which it was conveyed to members, "The directive to our members is for all films starring Pak artistes hereafter till the situation is restored to normalcy. In fact our members did not even release 1:13:7 - Ek Tera Saath which was released last week, since it had Pakistani singer, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan rendering a number," revealed Sharad Doshi, the secretary of the COEAI.

According to Doshi and President, Nitin Datar, a majority of single screens have already booked Shivaay in all the four shows, with exhibitors in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka, also opting for regional films. "However they have all opened the advance booking for Shivaay, which has met with a very encouraging response," Datar revealed.

There was apprehension among certain exhibitors that Ajay Devgn and Jayantilal Gada of PEN, which had the distribution rights of Shivaay, would revise their terms and probably expect better terms from single screen exhibitors in the wake of the current development. However Doshi said that the exhibitors did not have to face any such problems, "They have confirmed to their earlier understanding and not asked for one penny more from the exhibitors. Apart from that, Mr Devgan has also agreed to contribute his share from the first show to the fund all over, the proceeds of which will go to the widows of army men,"

According to Datar, their decision had nothing to do with the MNS withdrawing from the scene. "We had always maintained that we had taken the decision out of respect for the army men who lost their lives in the Uri attacks."

However he added that it did not guarantee other unsocial elements jumping into the fray, "The whole issue has been already politicized and as of now, it is the Congress government which has called for protests in certain areas of the central suburbs, against the release of the film. Anti-social elements do not hesitate to take the opportunity and go on a rampage," he said.

MNS's Shalini Thackeray says the censure on Pakistani artistes continues, a go-ahead has only been given only for three movies
Manishaa R (DNA; October 25, 2016)

The Film Producers Guild has issued a statement that MNS (Maharashtra Navnirman Sena) has agreed not to oppose films starring Pakistani artistes that are complete or under production.

Only three escapees
However, MNS Chief Shalini Thackeray, has clarified that the agreement applies to only three movies. "They had discussed and specified three movies and it applies to them including Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Raees and a movie called Dear Zindagi and nothing beyond this," she said. Furthermore, she said that the decision was taken keeping in mind that the three films were complete and that the shooting had ended.

The ban is forever
She added that the Film Producers Guild had agreed to an all-time ban on all Pakistani artistes, "We made it clear that we wanted a permanent ban on Pakistani artistes, technicians and singers. We will ensure that no filmmaker works with Pak artistes in the future, even if the relations between the two countries improve. It is not timely or periodic, it will be forever and we will ensure that it is complied with," she said.

Why the change of heart?
When asked about what led to the change in the MNS stance, she said, "There was no change of heart. We started with this issue a month back and called for a ban on Pakistani artistes. The industry refused to take our call after which we took a stand that we would also protest against the release of films starring them. When we realised that the issue of ban on Pakistani artistes was being sorted out with the involvement of the Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, we decided to take this decision. Nobody can say that we did it without taking the Government into confidence," she added.

Blaming the producers
When told that the Government had not stopped issuing visas to Pakistani artistes, she said, "The Government should do that but the artistes can secure visas only if they have a valid contract with producers here. It is only then that they get the required visas. There should definitely be stringent laws on the same."

Manishaa R (DNA; October 21, 2016)

It looks like Karan Johar’s dilemma surrounding the release of his film, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, may be coming to an end. In a new development, the President of the Film Producers Guild Mukesh Bhatt and its Vice-President, Siddharth Roy Kapur, along with the CEO of Dharma Productions, Apoorva Mehta, flew down to Delhi and had a meeting with Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

Mukesh is glad that the Ministry has decided to give full police protection to get the film released, “As the President of the Guild, I felt it was my responsibility that nothing came in the way of the release of Karan’s film, since he has been a prominent member of our association. I felt that it was best to go straight where the buck stopped and approach the Home Minister. He has not only assured full protection, but also spoken to the Chief Ministers of all states to ensure that there is no law-and-order problem during the screening of the film. I am confident that barring one or two theatres, even the single screen theatres will now change their stance and release the film. Diwali is the time for all exhibitors to reap rich benefits,” he exulted.

Meanwhile, filmmaker Shyam Benegal, the head of CBFC revamp panel appointed by the Government, is disturbed by the way Karan has been taken to task by the MNS, “Why is he being targeted and why is his loyalty towards the nation being questioned? What is the problem? An artiste in his film happens to be a Pakistani, but that was a time when India and Pakistan were on the best of terms. Now, that the relations have deteriorated, how is it fair of him being asked not to release the film or to prevent him from doing so,” Benegal said.

He adds that it would have been a different ball-game if KJo’s was a political film. “The actor is not a politician either, he is merely an actor. Since when has he (Fawad Khan) become an enemy?” he said. “The Government should have clarified its stand on the matter earlier. It should have come out with a statement, so that people would know where they stood. After all, we are in a democracy and we have a popularly elected Government. Their decision matters and not the decision of a single political organisation,” he added. Justifying the single screen owners’ decision to abstain from the release of the film he said, “They are wary of mob sentiment and don’t want any damage to their theatres, so it is understandable.”

The AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL controversy reminds one of the MY NAME IS KHAN controversy that erupted in 2010. Then SRK had expressed his displeasure over the fact that Pakistani cricketers were not bought by the teams of the Indian Premiere League (IPL). An angry Shiv Sena decided to block the release of the film.

The protesters stalled the film on the first day (February 12, 2010) and from Day 2, things normalized. As u can see in the article titled 'Cops in front row, Sena in back seat' (The Times of India, February 13, 2010), only 35 out of 63 screens showed the film in Mumbai on Day 1...and most of them opened post noon. I remember Inox Nakshatra didn't show the film on Day 1 at all. (The shows got affected in Pune as well...check out the other picture, also from The Times of India dated February 13, 2010)...but let's not get into it as apparently, MNS's strength is primarily in Mumbai I am told)


I expect and also hope (in the worst case) that something similar will happen with AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL. If only 60-65% of the screens in Mumbai are able to show the film and that too post noon, it can be a loss to the makers. Yes, Mumbai is small when compared to the entire country and it's pre-Diwali period - business anyways will be less...but it will be a victory, albeit a small one, for MNS and a loss for Dharma, a small one again. And if we talk about other cities of Maharashtra where the film can be affected, the loss can add up a bit. Is this fair and can it be avoided completely? Can it be ensured that not a single show gets affected? I have no clear answers and I hope the govt does all it can to ensure not a single show gets affected, not a single theatre is attacked and not a single staffer or moviegoer is injured in the madness. My best wishes to the government and to Ae Dil Hai Mushkil makers as well.

MNS workers storm Metro cinema, warn multiplexes of mass bunking by party-affiliated staff if 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' is screened in their premises
Tom Allnutt (MID-DAY; October 20, 2016)

Notwithstanding Karan Johar's statement about not engaging with Pakistani talent in future, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) intensified its protests against his Diwali release, 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', yesterday by staging a demonstration outside Metro Cinema in South Mumbai. The party's cine wing workers warned the management against screening the film starring Pak actor Fawad Khan.

This came a day after city top cop Dattatray Padsalgikar promised security provisions around theatres on the day of release (October 28). The Azad Maidan police arrested 12 workers as preventive action. "They were produced before court and have been remanded to judicial custody till November 4," Asistant Commissioner of Police Sunil Kuwalekar said.

The party has warned all multiplexes in the city (PVR, Carnival and INOX) as well as their head offices declaring non-cooperation if the film is screened — it has a total of 400-odd employees working in top plexes. Manoj Chavan, president of the Kamgar Sena, said, "Our members make for at least 75 per cent of the staff strength in those theatres. If the exhibitors decide to screen the film, our members will go on mass leave. Our members are working as operators, ticket sellers, supervisors and in other categories. If the staff remains absent, screening the film and crowd management will be affected. If there is a problem, MNS is capable of taking care of its members."

Cinema chain Carnival Cinemas, which runs Metro, chose not to comment on the incident. Devang Sampat of Cinepolis India and Kamal Gianchandani of PVR Pictures also refused to comment. Chavan claims that mutliplexes will not be able to hire outsiders to run their cinemas. He said, "These are technical jobs and they need specialists for it. So, the question of hiring outsiders does not arise."

He also insists that there will be no violence. "We will protest in a democratic manner, which is our right." MNS cine wing president Ameya Khopkar also issued a statement yesterday as a counter to KJo's video where he says he will not work with artistes from across the border ever again. Khopkar said, "This is not the time to say sorry. He had a change of heart, but we didn't. We will ensure no multiplex screens 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'. If they show it, then we, in our own style, will break their screens."

Shyam Benegal takes up for Karan Johar, says government must protect vulnerable film frat
MUMBAI MIRROR (October 20, 2016)

Cops Promise Protection To Filmmakers
Mohua Das & Mateen Hafeez (THE TIMES OF INDIA; October 19, 2016)

Twitter users were in for a surprise and also shock when Anurag Kashyap wrote a series of tweets showing his support for Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’s peaceful release. He also criticized the government for not taking any action against troublemakers who have promised to stall the release of Karan Johar’s Diwali release. After the Uri attacks last month on September 18 in which 19 of our soldiers died, the hate for Pakistan has increased manifold. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, that features Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, was heavily criticized. Taking advantage of the situation, Ameya Khopkar, who heads the cine wing of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), publicly declared that his men won’t allow the release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. He asked KJo to replace Fawad.

In the past, theatres have been attacked by these opportunistic elements with sufficient manpower. Most single screens don’t want a repeat of such attacks. Hence, that’s the reason probably why Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) decided not to release films featuring Pakistani actors in their region (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa). This is an unfortunate move; if implemented, the collections of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil can suffer a great deal.

What’s surprising is that the government is totally silent on this entire issue. Till date, there has been no attempt made by the Government of Maharashtra to curb down Ameya Khopkar and to assure Karan and co-producers Fox Star Studios that Ae Dil Hai Mushkil will release without any issue. Has that happened till date? And is there any guarantee that it will happen in future? Ameya is issuing threats and this is an illegal offence. The government can immediately arrest him and do a crackdown on the activities of such troublemakers. There’s absolutely no fear of law among these goondas. If the government takes strictest action against such goons, they would think twice before targeting any film on Indian soil. Sadly, that hasn’t happened. Even the previous government did nothing to assure filmmakers of the safety of their films.

And that’s the reason perhaps why Anurag chose to directly question the Prime Minister. By asking him whether he apologized for going to Pakistan last year, he’s making a sarcastic taunt on all those who have questioned Karan for taking up Fawad and why he has remained silent. Karan Johar shot for this film at the same time that Mr Modi went to Pakistan to celebrate the birthday of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. It’s not like KJo casted Fawad specifically after Uri Attacks. Also, the haters of Karan are totally silent on the trade that has been going uninterrupted since a long time between the  2 countries, even after the Uri Attack and the surgical strikes

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Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has been in the forefront of trying to thwart Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and questions are raised why he is not attacking them and instead, is questioning the PM. It is because, as said above, it’s the government’s silence that has given MNS the power to make such threatening comments.

Unfortunately, the way Anurag executed his whole idea was not justified. Just like how most people are not able to understand his films, similarly most people haven’t understood the subtle hints that he has made in his series of tweets. It is shocking to see how people have reacted to his tweets and how they have interpreted it. But then, Anurag also should have been a bit responsible in writing down his feelings. He should have realized that he is questioning those who are extremely rigid and who sadly are lot in number. Even if they understood what he’s trying to convey, they will chose to attack him and that’s what has happened.

10 days are left for Ae Dil Hai Mushkil to release. At a press conference by Mumbai Police today, it was assured that cinema theatres showing the film will be granted protection. Again, there has been no explanation as to why MNS is not being gagged. Here’s hoping Ae Dil Hai Mushkil manages to get a peaceful release. God forbid if it doesn’t, then Anurag’s words will sting those who have been opposing him.

MNS issues ultimatum to Karan Johar, denies speculation that it has extorted money in the guise of protesting against Pakistani actors
Hemal Ashar (MID-DAY; October 13, 2016)

“Delete Fawad from the movie,” says MNS general secretary Shalini Thackeray about the film ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’, which is slated for a Diwali release just a couple of weeks later. After pushing Pakistani artistes to leave the country, the party has now trained its guns on Bollywood movies starring Pak actors. And the next target? Pak cricket commentators.

While it got its blockbuster moment during the ‘no Pak artistes in Bollywood’ movement, it hopes to see to it that Pakistani actors don’t get any hits in Bollywood. Here are excerpts from an interview with MNS general secretary, Shalini Thackeray:

For how long do you think Pak artistes should be banned?
For how long will terror against India continue to emanate from Pakistan? Political and diplomatic isolation move slowly, and we believe culturally isolating Pak is the fastest way to send the message that India is in no mood to take this any longer.

You are against movies with Pakistani actors, like Karan Johar’s ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ with Fawad Khan.
Karan Johar has to replace Fawad Khan or delete him from the movie altogether. It is not too late; I am a producer too, I know this is possible.

There are rumours that stakeholders in the movie may give MNS money to allow the release. A figure of Rs 10 crore is being touted.
This is all rubbish. We have not had any meetings with Karan Johar or anybody, nor has any money being given. People will also boycott such movies, and donate to the families of defence personnel instead.

Pak commentators come here too...
We will talk to the BCCI too, soon.

Pak has stated they will also boycott our movies and stars in response.
(Laughs) They hardly ever showed our movies anyway. There is a huge piracy racket there for Bollywood movies and that money is channelled into terror. Pak artistes who work here pay taxes to their government. What will that money be used for? In a way, we fund the terror against us.

There are some, like Salman Khan, who say Pak artistes are not terrorists.
We have never stated that Pak actors are terrorists. Yet, can Salman Khan give us a guarantee that they are not informers? I have seen the Pak artistes tweeting about attacks in Paris, Syria, Beirut and yet there was not one word of sympathy for the Indian jawans or the country that has given them love, fame and money.

Dharma refutes rumours that the Pakistani actor will be replaced in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil; Excel mum on Mahira in SRK starrer Raees
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; October 11, 2016)

In the wake of the escalating tension within Bollywood on the fate of films starring Pakistani actors, including Karan Johar’s Fawad Khan starrer Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, and Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees featuring Mahira Khan, several rumours and reports have alleged a series of developments in the casting.

However, murmurs of Fawad being replaced by actor Saif Ali Khan in the romantic-drama through “face replacement technology” have been negated by spokesperson from Dharma Productions. “The news is utter bullshit. Nothing of that sort is happening. The film is prepping up for release the way it currently is.”

Meanwhile the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) delegation led by its president T P
Agarwal, who had met the Maharastra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leaders seeking their co-operation to release the said films (Oct 7), have asked for another appointment with MNS. The party leaders have however refused to budge from their stand.

Talking to hitlist, MNS Chitrapat Sena leader Ameya Khopkar, said, “There is no scope for discussion about releasing any film featuring Pakistan artistes. The Uri attack happened last month but we have been telling filmmakers to avoid working with Pakistani artistes for over 10 years now. They should have thought about the repercussions earlier. I don’t care.”

Speculations have been rife that the producers of Raees have decided to replace Mahira in the film. While speaking on condition of anonymity, the production team of Raees has denied any such move. There has been no official response though, besides the director Rahul Dholakia’s cryptic tweet yesterday: “Cooker ki saat seeti baj chuki hai, aag dena bandh kar (not a line from Raees, I have better dialogues).”

Despite repeated attempts by hitlist, Dholakia, co-producer Ritesh Sidhwani and others at Excel Entertainment remained unavailable for comments. A source close to Excel informed that the team had been asked to avoid connecting with the media on the topic, “else their payments will be stopped!”