'MNIK' released in Orissa amidst stray protests

Bhubaneswar, Feb 12 (IANS) Shah Rukh Khan-starrer 'My Name Is Khan' released all over Orissa Friday amidst stray protests by the Bajrang Dal. A large number of movie buffs were seen queuing up for tickets despite the protests.

The Bajrang Dal protested the release of the movie in Berhampur town, where activists tore posters, burnt effigies of Shah Rukh and shouted slogans against him.

The morning show of the movie has been stopped in Ashoka, Gautam and Sakti talkies in Berhampur, 170 km from state capital Bhubaneswar.

In Sambalpur, the screening of the movie was not allowed by protesters in the Ashoka Talkies. Hundreds of Bajrang Dal activists thronged in front of the movie hall shouting slogans against the Bollywood star for his alleged 'comment' regarding Pakistani cricketers.

'Even cricketers like Sachin are not saying Pakistani players should play or not. But Shah Rukh Khan is batting for Pakistani players and acting like an agent of Pakistan,' said Sudhir Ranjan Bahidar, a Bajrang Dal activist.

The movie was released in 29 halls across the state, including three in Bhubaneswar, with extra police force present.

One platoon of police has been deployed in each of the three cinema halls that were screening the movie in Bhubaneswar. All moviegoers were being thoroughly searched by the policemen before entry.

Some Bajrang Dal activists were held here when they were on their way to a movie hall to protest the screening, police said.

'About a dozen Bajrang Dal activists were held when they were going to protest against the screening of the movie,' Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police Himanshu Lal said.

Despite protests, the film halls in the capital city were running full houses. Hundreds of movie buffs were seen standing in queues for hours to get their tickets.

'I am a huge fan of Shah Rukh. I am not scared of the protests as police were there,' said Liza Das.

Subhash Chouhan, national co-convenor of the Bajrang Dal, said: 'We are protesting against the mindset of Shah Rukh, who is patronising the cause of Pakistani players for the Indian Premier League.'