Mukesh Bhatt, ADHM producers meet Joint Commissioner of Police

A still from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

Mumbai: The controversy surrounding the release of Fawad Khan starrer Ae Dil Hai Mushkil has somewhat reached a clear conclusion. President of The Film & Television Producers Guild of India Ltd (Guild) and filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt met Mumbai Police commissioner Dattatray Padsalgikar on Tuesday and made it clear that the film will release as scheduled.

In a statement released after the meeting, Mumbai Police said that proper security will be provided for the smooth release of the film.

The controversy around the film started after Uri Attacks, when Raj Thackeray led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) gave an ultimatum to all Pakistani artistes to leave India in 48 hours.

They also asked the filmmakers to remove Pak artistes from their films. Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which features Fawad Khan in a cameo, got into trouble along with SRK's Raees which features another Pak artist Mahira Khan.

While MNS refused to back down and stood their ground by protesting against the release ofADHM, the government has stepped in and assured security.

A few days back Cinema Owners and Exhibition Association Of India consisting of single screen owners asked its members to refrain from screening movies involving Pakistani artists and technicians. After the meeting, Nitin Datar, President of the association, added "We were already contemplating not screening films with Pakistani artists and now we have taken this decision."

Now, Mukesh Bhatt has come out in support of the film representing the entire Producer's Guild and has said that security will be provided for the smooth release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

"The Guild in no uncertain terms confirms the film industry stands in unison with the Government's recent steps to counter terrorism. It will naturally abide by any decision taken by the Central Government with regard to future policy on issuance of work visa to foreign artistes."

"However, we would urge the central and state governments to appreciate that the film producers, who have already shot their films or are in the process of completing their unfinished films, should not end up paying heavy price for no fault of theirs due to engaging the services of talent from across the border.

"These artistes were employed through proper legal channels prior to the recent escalation of hostilities," Mukesh Bhatt, had in a statement earlier.

The Guild also urged the government to ensure smooth release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil which has already been certified by the Censor Board.