The release of Shah Rukh Khan starrer My Name Is Khan in Mumbai theatres tomorrow was clouded in uncertainty amid reluctance by some multiplexes even as Chief Minister Ashok Chavan today guaranteed security to counter Shiv Sena threats to disrupt the film.
The release of Shah Rukh Khan starrer My Name Is Khan in Mumbai theatres tomorrow has been clouded in uncertainty amid reluctance by some multiplexes even as Chief Minister Ashok Chavan today guaranteed security to counter Shiv Sena threats to disrupt the film. (Photo: AFP)
As the tense stand-off between Shah Rukh and the Shiv Sena cast its shadow on MINK, the high profile Director of the film Karan Johar insisted it will be released as scheduled in Mumbai and elsewhere. (Photo: AFP)
"Release of MNIK not postponed in Mumbai. Please don't believe rumours," Johar tweeted. (Photo: AFP)
Half the 63 theatres due to screen the film are in glitzy malls and multiplexes. (Photo: AFP)
COO Fun Cinemas Vishal Kapoor said the situation was not conducive for the screening of the film, even as 300 more Shiv Sena activists were rounded up taking the number of arrested Sena men to 1,600. Kapoor indicated the film will not be screened in his halls till the matter is resolved between Shah Rukh and the Shiv Sena. (Photo: AFP)
Chavan told reporters that authorities will guarantee security but can't force the multiplexes to screen the film. (Photo: AFP)
"The government is not here to promote the film. It is concerned about the law and order. It has fulfilled its responsibility of providing security," he said. (Photo: AFP)
In a veiled attack against Shiv Sena, Chavan said, "If people are threatened this way it is not good for the state." (Photo: AFP)
Mumbai Police Commissioner D Sivanandan said "foolproof security" would be provided and more forces will be given if there is a request. Theatre owners also reviewed the situation. (Photo: AFP)
The Sena has threatened not to allow the screening of the film until Shah Rukh apologises for his remarks lamenting the exclusion of Pakistani cricket players in IPL. (Photo: AFP)
44-year-old Shah Rukh while tweeting refused to be cowed down by Sena threats saying he has "courage of conviction" by his side. Praying for peace, he asserted: "My integrity is non-negotiable ...my being indian unquestionable..." (Photo: AP)
The protests erupted on Tuesday, soon after Johar called on Sivanandan along with exhibitors seeking security for the release of the film. (Photo: AFP)
Sena workers tore down posters, damaged screens and pelted theatres with stones smashing glass panels, inviting a swift police crackdown. (Photo:AFP)
"Wait and see what happens on 12th despite huge security," Shiv Sena MP and spokesman Sanjay Raut has warned amid continuing protests. (Photo: AFP)
Around 2000 Shiv Sainiks have been arrested as part of the precautionary and punitive police action ordered by the state government. (Photo: AFP)
The Mumbai police has issued several guidelines to the theatre owners to ensure a smooth release. (Photo: AFP)
Theatre owners have been also asked to keep the front three rows vacant after Sena activists ripped off screens in some theatres where the film is scheduled to be released, according to Joint Police Commissioner (Law and order) Himanshu Roy. (Photo: AFP)
CCTVs with night vision device have been installed in several halls to keep an eye on the trouble makers, he said, adding the viewers will be thoroughly frisked. (Photo: AFP)
Maharashtra Government said that all security arrangements are in place and it is the discretion of the theatre owners to release Shah Rukh Khan starrer My Name is Khan. (Photo: AFP)
"We are firm on our stand about the release of the movie. The theater owners should have faced the situation boldly," Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan told reporters. (Photo: AFP)
On reports that some multiplex owners have decided not to screen the movie, Chavan said no one had approached the government. (Photo: AP)
"We have not been intimated by any theater owner about not releasing the movie. It may be their decision not to screen the movie," Chavan said. (Photo: AP)
Asked if the decision of not showing the movie was a failure on the government's part, Chavan replied in negative. (Photo: AP)
"It is not government's failure. We have done our job. However, the Government does not function in isolation and I had asked everyone to join hands to fight forces," he said. (Photo: AP)
Disagreeing that theater owners' decision could be termed as victory for Sena, Chavan said, "No one is going to score any point. In fact, I have been personally taken lot of flak on the issue." (Photo: AP)
On reports in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' that Shah Rukh was stopped by Congress from meeting Sena chief Bal Thackeray to settle the issue, Chavan said it not true. (Photo: AFP)
"Why would we stop Shah Rukh from meeting someone. It is his personal matter," he said. (Photo: AFP)
The Chief Minister also said SRK-Sena row was not a prestige issue for the government and political parties should also think on how long will they stretch the controversy. (Photo: AP)
Chavan said, "There are some important internal security challenges before the state. But it is very unfortunate that the police force has been diverted to deal with such issues." (Photo: AP)
