Mumbai theaters won’t show My Name is Khan | India.com
Shahrukh Khan’s film ‘My Name is Khan’ will not be shown at all multiplexes due to violent protests from the Bal Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. As many as four major multiplex chains Big Cinemas, Fun Cinemas, Gaiety Galaxy and Maratha Mandir have decided not to release the film on Friday owing to security issues.
“The security provided is adequate but at the same time the atmosphere which has been created is not good. Entertainment cannot happen in this tense environment,” said Fun Cinema CEO Vishal Kapoor. Although Kapoor did not pin the blame on Shahrukh for the controversy. I don’t blame Shah Rukh for this. Everybody has got the right to speak for themselves," he said.
The Shiv Sena decided to ban ‘My Name is Khan’ throughout Maharashtra after Shahrukh spoke in favour if Pakistani cricketers who were allegedly snubbed at the IPL auctions. As a result of the delay in release, the film is expected to incur huge losses, considering Bollywood films make a lot of money in the financial capital, which has a lot of multiplexes and even single screens.
Shahrukh is understandably furious over the controversy, he expressed displeasure on his Twitter account on Thursday evening, and stood by his ground. He was shocked that a film which was made to promote peace has met with friction in his own homeland. ‘nationality: indian. born in : delhi. owe everything to: mumbai. loves: my country india, my family & freedom. desire: entertain all. hate: anyone or anything that threatens my country. wish : world peace, education for all, goodness & no poverty.’ he Tweeted.
'i have never hurt anybody’s sentiments..religious,nationalist or personal wittingly. i am pro relationships but not at cost of my nation. writing not to justify but to spell out clearly who i am & my beliefs. seems otherwise i am misunderstood. should i write in block letters? dont want mayhem anger and violence cos of our beautiful film…which talks about repairing a bruised & divided world. feel awful that balasahib & udhav have misconstrued my words. the reactions of the sena workers seems to make me believe that. i may not have the same ideologies as the sena but on the question of me being a patriot, i dont think there should be any confusion.
‘nobody wants the mumbaikers or their property hurt & destroyed. least of all me. this also is the last time i clarify or say anything on this topic. this is not a justification, its just reiterating the facts. i want to enjoy my film everywhere. i want to enjoy it within myself. and to sickos who think this is for publicity..2 words SHUT UP !! if my partners lose so be it. if i lose so be it.my stardom is transient.my integrity in non negotiable…my being indian unquestionable. my name is shah rukh khan… and i think it is more than just a name. my mother & father had told me so & my son & daughter believe it so. p.s…to all channels translating this…please get it right without adding the dramatic music. drama leave it to the films.’
A few days ago a few Shiv Sena activists had held a demonstration outside Shahrukh Khan’s home to protest against the actor’s compassion for the Pakistani cricketers. Some of the men had brought along a mock travel ticket from Mumbai to Pakistan for Shahrukh and demanded the ban of all of his films. The Sena members had even advised Shahrukh to make Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab the captain of his team, the Kolkata Knight Riders, apart from hiring Afzal Guru, who is under a death sentence for the attack on Parliament. Bal Thackeray had also called Aamir and Shahrukh Khan ‘2 idiots’.
