Pune: Despite protests by Karni Sena and various other socio-political groups against the release of Hindi movie Padmaavat, multiplexes and single screen cinema halls in the city have decided to screen the movie a day before its official release.
Meanwhile, after Supreme Court (SC) gave a nod to release the movie across the nation, fresh protests by Karni Sena were reported in parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Pune ahead of its release.
Interestingly, the Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh governments in a petition to SC have asked for a review of the decision and requested to ban the film considering the law and order situation. City-based multiplexes and single screen owners have expressed confidence that they will get adequate protection from the police for smooth running of the movie.
Sadanand Mohol, President, Pune Exhibitors’ Association, while speaking to Sakal Times, said, “We will screen the film as there is no other film releasing this week and so we have to screen it. We are hoping that we will get enough security from the police so that the law and order issues do not arise.”
Adding to this, Deepak Kudale, Maharashtra Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association, said, “Almost all single screens in the State will screen the film. There is nothing wrong with the content of the film. This is a simple case of miscommunication which has gone out-of-hand. We are hopeful that the screening will go smoothly.”
Neerav Panchamia, VP, Operations, E-Square said, “There is no reason why we shouldn’t screen the film. The SC hasn’t banned the film so why should we ban it? In fact, we are gearing up for the release of the film.”
While Panchamia hopes that as promised, the police will give enough protection to the theatre owners; Kudale and Mohole said that each single screen owner is individually going to meet officers from their nearest police station for providing adequate protection. “Once the court has given an order, it’s now the responsibility of the State to ensure that the screenings go smoothly,” said Panchamia. Kudale added, “We are individually meeting the police so that they can provide us with enough protection. Compared to multiplexes which already have their own security system, we are completely dependent on the local police.” But will the protests affect the business? “If the film is good, it will do business no matter what. People will come to watch it only if the film is good,” said Mohol. Kudale said that may be, initially, the film may lose business but as things will settle down, business will pick up.
