My Name is Khan had a glittering premiere in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday night but the big test is the film's release in Mumbai on Friday where the police are gearing up for any  possible trouble the Shiv Sena might attempt. (Read & Watch: My Name Is Khan's première in Abu Dhabi)

After Shah Rukh Khan's face off with the Thakerays, advance bookings restarted on Wedesday, after they were stopped for a while by theatre owners. (Read: Nervous cinemas start selling tickets for SRK's film) 

Over 1500 Shiv Sainiks have been arrested so far and all cops have a list of security measures to be taken at all theatres screening the film.

The Shiv Sena, which has threatened to attack cinemas showing the film unless Shah Rukh apologizes for his comments on Pakistani cricketers, continues to be belligerent. Shah Rukh has angered Sainiks, standing by his statements on his return to Mumbai. (Read and watch: SRK's interview to NDTV)

The Sena is also clearly boosted by Sharad Pawar's meeting with Bal Thackeray, where he sought the Sena Chief's approval for Pakistanis and Australians playing the IPL - just two days after Rahul Gandhi's drubbing response to the Sena. (Read & Watch: Pawar meets Thackeray for cricket, snubs Congress)

The party sees the tussle as a prestige issue, and has challenged the Government to withdraw all security to its leaders. "I asked my security to be withdrawn last night itself," said Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday.

"We don't see this as a challenge. It is a law and order problem we will deal with it accordingly." Chief Minister Ashok Chavan retorted.

The Sena's diktat apart, Mumbai seems ready to welcome the film. "I'll surely go to watch MNIK because I don't think SRK has done anything that should make people stay away from the movie," said a fan. "We live in a democracy. Nobody should obstruct people from going for a movie," said another.