Salman gives 'Raavan' a miss

Mumbai, June 30 (IANS) Salman Khan gave 'Raavan' a miss, even as the crew members of his film 'Ready' in Sri Lanka took off to see the latest Mani Ratnam movie.

Salman was also asked to accompany the excited group of actors and technicians.

'Initially, Salman did show interest in the film. But when it was time to accompany the rest of the unit, Salman opted out because of the controversial nature of the subject and also the fact that he has earned the wrath of the Tamilians by endorsing and visiting Sri Lanka twice in a month,' says a source.

More importantly, Raavan is worshipped by certain sections of the Sri Lankan people and the film raised a controversy when released in the country.

Understandably, Salman was advised against accompanying his friends for the movie.

Mahesh Manjrekar, who is shooting with Salman in Sri Lanka, confirms the fact that the actor did not accompany him and others who went to see the movie Saturday after pack-up.

'I went with my friends and it went very peacefully. I had also heard that the Sri Lankans were offended by the way Raavan was depicted. But there were 500 people in the theatre and they watched in rapt attention,' he said.