Mumbai:
Shah Rukh Khan's new film is scheduled to release on February 12, so the publicity machine for the film should be in overdrive right now. But Mumbai woke up on Wednesday to find posters for My Name Is Khan disappearing from theatres.
And amid fears that the Sena's anger at Shah Rukh Khan over his IPL comments might affect his next film, the star asked them, "What have I said that's so wrong?" He was speaking to the press persons in London. (
Read and Watch: SRK to Sena: Should I retract that I'm an Indian?)
In the evening, a disturbed SRK tweeted, "Differences in ideology should be grounds for debates and discussion. A must for freedom of thought, to see it any other way is so unfortunate."
But theatre-owners are dealing with letters from the Shiv Sena titled, "My Name is Shiv Sainik" that warn them to steer clear for now of SRK's forthcoming film. The Sena is upset that Shah Rukh Khan said, in an interview to NDTV, that Pakistani players were not treated correctly during the auction for the next season of the Indian Premiere League.
As theatre-owners began taking down posters, Chief Minister Ashok Chavan warned of "strict action against anyone who tries to disrupt screening of Shah Rukh Khan's film My Name Is Khan." (
Watch: After Sena threat, tight security at SRK's house)
Manoj Desai, who owns the Gaiety and Galaxy cinemas, says an office-bearer of the Shiv Sena called him to say, "We have a good relationship, Mr Desai, so we wish you should not release My Name Is Khan in your theatre." (
Watch: Cinema owner: Was asked not to screen film)
In the auction for IPL 3, 11 Pakistani players were up for grabs - not a single bid was placed for any of them. In his interview to NDTV's Prannoy Roy in January, Shah Rukh had said, of Pakistani players, ''Do we love them? I think we immensely love them. And why do we suddenly jump up and say this is not good? I think we are being misled by a lot of things people say about us and them. And I truly believe that they should have been chosen.''
In New York to promote his new film, directed by Karan Johar, and co-starring Kajol, Shah Rukh described the Sena attack earlier this week as ''Unfortunate, unhealthy, undemocratic.''
The Sena's response was typically aggressive. "Let him come to Mumbai and make his statement, why is he giving it in New York? Shah Rukh lives in Mumbai, not Pakistan," said Sena leader Sanjay Raut. (
Watch: Saddened by Sena's attack: Shah Rukh to NDTV)
Apart from the political controversy, there's business at stake. Many distributors and cinema-owners say they don't want to risk releasing the film unless they're guaranteed protection. (
SRK vs Thackerays: Bollywood largely silent)
"We have made investments in order to exhibit the film to the patrons as when the distributor decided to release it, but provided there is a safe environment for the consumer to see that film,"' says Deepak Ashar, Director of the INOX chain of cinemas.