Cops set up helpline for movie theatres as MNS threat looms

Mumbai, Oct 20: MNS's attempts to mount pressure against the release of Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil are being countered, thanks to a special helpline set up following a meeting between film producers and top cops in the city on Tuesday.

At the meeting with director-general Satish Mathur, Mumbai police chief DD Padsalgikar and joint commissioner Deven Bharti, film-makers had sought protection against threats of vandalism by Raj Thackeray's party , which has warned movie halls not to screen the Johar film featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan.

The helpline was created to tackle the situation. It directly connects with the crime branch and has been shared with all single screens and multiplexes.

As a result, when Thackera y's supporters trooped into Metro Cinema to holler slogans and hand out a letter against the release of the film, the police promptly swung into action. The action was backed up by some tough-talking by the chief minister. Replying to a question on MNS's attempts to block the release of the film,Devendra Fadnavis said, " Anyone found taking the law into their hands will be dealt with firmly ." He pointed out that police had taken strict action and arrested 12 of the MNS members who walked into Metro cinema. He said they have been sent to judicial custody till November.

On Tuesday evening, Johar had attempted to reach out to the protestors by putting out a video statement in which he spoke of the cordial times between the two nations when the film was shot and made a promise not to engage with Pakistani "talents" in the future while reiterating his love for the country . It led to a rush of reactions on social media, some sympathising with him for having to buckle under pressure and some questioning his intent, even as MNS stubbornly stuck to their stand.

Authorities at the Multiplex Association of India refused to comment on Wednesday's events, but Mukesh Bhatt, president of the Film & Television Producers Guild of India, expressed anguish that their efforts to make peace with the MNS seem to have cut no ice.

Director Shyam Benegal wondered why people need to constantly prove their patriotism."I feel sad that he (Johar) had to make a statement like that... When you are born here, live here or make a livelihood here, you are going to live all your life in your country.You are an important and successful member of society ."