Shiv Sena angry with SRK - Post All Articles HERE - Page 67

However, several single screens have decided against the release till the issue is resolved between the Sena and the actor.

Yesterday, multiplex owners had said that they were yet undecided on the release and were reviewing the security situation constantly.

"Release at this juncture is risky. Our patrons would not like to come to watch a film where police-Shiv Sena stand off was likely," a Fun Cinema official had said.

Over 1800 Sena activists, including functionaries, have been arrested in the last three days to thwart protests by the Sena, which is demanding Shah Rukh apologise for his remarks favouring Pakistani players in IPL-3.

These new media activists re-tweeted in solidarity, "to evry m'baikar: go watch mnik in theatres, it's a small, but important way of taking a stand (sic)". "Cultural terrorism. Fight back", says another.

Just when Mumbai has had enough of debate-defying Uddhav and his men on evening news – the next assembly elections four years from now – with the timely release of MNIK, Mumbaikars have the chance to vote with a movie ticket. "Am clear about one… will not bow down to dictatorship & goondaism...will go watch MNIK. to heck with politics" one tweet said. "What could be torture," another tweets, thanks to Shiv Sena is "now courage". "After all this tamasha I am so sick n tired of shivsena n just wnt to tell them 2 get a life! we r gonna watch Mnik no matter wot..*shrug*"

Despite projected losses of Rs 45 crore or more, with the whole world telling Mumbai "to go watch MNIK as a form of protest – can there be better marketing for the movie?!"

Another voice: "Let MNIK release... and we all should watch the movie…but I like the marketing trick played by shahrukh". And this one, "2 live wid spineless Cong-NCPgov, along wid hooligans sena, mns & then being forced to support money making racket called MNIK".

Only if one was following the Khan on Twitter, then in Berlin for the movie's premiere, they might have appreciated the continual outpouring of angst and his attempts at not being misunderstood. Here's one, "do i say things which r wrong. my wife tells me so. do i not make myself clear. some friends feel so. am i political or politically incorrect?"

Now, if real-time is going to be the next word-of-mouth publicity as far as movie reviews go – remember Avatar? – the controversy has managed to make that aspect of MNIK secondary.

"We feel it is risky to release the film. Patrons would not like to come in an atmosphere where there is a possibility of a Shiv Sena-police face-off," he said.

Multiplex owners like Fun cinemas, Big Cinemas, INOX and PVR said they are reviewing the security. However, single-screen theatres are not taking any chances and have decided against releasing the movie.

Kiran Shantaram, owner of Plaza cinema close to Sena Bhawan in Dadar, said he had decided not to release the film in his theatre.

"Even though the government has promised security, what is the guarantee that there will not be any trouble. Mischief-makers can sneak into the theatre as audience. What if our patrons are harmed in any manner," he said adding that he will show the film only after a settlement is reached.

Manoj Desai owner of Gaiety, Galaxy and Maratha Mandir single-screen theatres has also decided against releasing the film. "Shiv Sainiks tore the screen at Maratha Mandir even before the release of the film. Why should I take chances."

A "sad" Khan reacted to the tumult in Mumbai, where theatres have been turned into fortresses and 1,600 Shiv Sena activists were arrested to ensure a peaceful release on February 12, saying that he prays for peace.

"Ironic & sad. a film made for world peace has led to so much angst in my own house, my city, my country. let not anyone be hurt is all i pray(sic)," tweeted the actor who is currently in Berlin for the movie's premiere. "nationality: indian. born in : delhi. owe everything to: mumbai. loves: my country india, my family & freedom. desire: entertain all (sic)," added Khan.

The film faced a threat from Shiv Sena after the party took objection to Khan's comments supporting the inclusion of Pakistani players in IPL.

The 44-year-old actor who had refused to apologise or retract his comments, stuck to his stance saying, "writing not to justify but to spell out clearly who I am and my beliefs. Seems otherwise I am misunderstood."

The film has been dogged by controversy since the beginning, be it Khan's US airport detention or the Shiv Sena threat. The film sees Khan play a man suffering from Asperger Syndrome, who is mistaken for a terrorist post 9/11 and undertakes a long journey across the US to prove his innocence to the love of his life, played by Kajol.