Thane: Theatre screening 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' vandalised in Kalyan

A still from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

Despite filmmaker Karan Johar's ‘settlement' with the saffron brigade to ensure the smooth release of his latest, the mushkils for this politically charged film are far from over. A week after Ae Dil Hai Mushkil's release, a theatre in Kalyan was vandalised as activists, allegedly belonging to Sambhaji Brigade, ransacked a ticket window and damaged property to reanimate the ghost of the Pakistani actor controversy. The Mahatma Phule police have registered a case against the vandals and further investigations are underway. According to the police, the incident took place on Thursday at around 2 pm, when some 12 people made their way into Sarvoday Mall in Kalyan west, started vandalising the booking counter and went on to ink the poster.

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The attack yesterday, however, was foreshadowed four days ago, when the Sambhaji brigade volunteers had protested outside the mall to not release the movie. To that end, police bandobast was provided for security, but as soon as it was removed, the attack took place. "We protested four days ago and told them not to release the movie, but they went ahead with it anyway so we did what we said. Also, it's not a protest, but rather a tribute to the soldiers who died during the war, as a Pakistani actor is working in it," said Amit Kerkar, Kalyan president of Sambhaji Brigade.

Police says
The Mahatma Phule police have registered a case, but is yet to arrest the accused. "We have registered a case against 12 people for rioting and mischief, and causing damage. Few days ago, they carried out a silent protest and left. On Thursday, they committed the vandalism. We are further investigating the matter," said an officer.