Twelve workers of Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena were arrested in Mumbai on Wednesday for protesting at a cinema hall against the release of Karan Johar's upcoming movie Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. They were sent to judicial custody till November 4, ANI reported.
The arrests come a day after Johar released a video statement, vowing to not "engage with talent from the neighbouring country", given the current sentiments in India towards Pakistan. The filmmaker, however, had urged moviegoers to take into account the "blood, sweat and tears" more than 300 Indians had put into making the movie. The Fawad Khan-starrer is slated for release on October 28.
The MNS, however, had rejected Johar's plea and said their stance against the movie's release had not changed. Amey Khopkar, the president of MNS's film wing, the Maharashtra Navnirman Chitrapat Karmachari Sena, told The Indian Express that they were "firm on our stand" and will not allow the release of the film,” said Khopkar.
Johar's statement came days after the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India announced that it had asked its members to not screen movies featuring Pakistani, singers or musicians. The ban is applicable to single-screen theatres in the four states of Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Earlier, the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association had banned Pakistani actors and technicians from working on projects in India. On September 23, the MNS had said given Pakistani actors a 48-hour deadline to leave the country.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!