FILM WILL NOT BE SCREENED IN FOUR STATES: MULTIPLEX BODY
MUMBAI: As violent protests against the release of Padmaavat burgeoned, the Multiplex Association of India on Wednesday said its members would not screen the period drama in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa.
The decision of the association, which represents about 75% of the multiplex owners in the country, came as Rajput outfits and other fringe elements vandalised malls, burned vehicles, and issued open threats to theatre owners and public in their bid to stall its release, claiming distortion of history. The film is slated for release on Thursday.
“We have decided not to play the film in four states — Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP and Goa — as the local management has told us that the law and order situation is not conducive,” Deepak Asher, president of the association, said.
“For us, safety of patrons is important. Depending on the scenario, we will see if the atmosphere is safe, then we will play it (in these four states). Things could change (but) at the moment we are looking at safety of people,” he added.
Even in the states where the film will be released, private security guards will be deployed outside cinema halls besides police, he said. The association members account for 1,800-2,000 screens across the country.
The Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed Padmaavat is based on the saga of a 13th century battle between Maharaja Ratan Singh of Mewar and Sultan Alauddin Khilji. A top official in Mumbai said police will provide adequate security to theatres.
“We are releasing the film almost everywhere, except few places where there is disturbance. We have 488 screens across India. In a few places the film won’t be shown due to possible threat (of violence),” said Rajender Singh, chief programming officer, Inox.