MNS workers storm Metro cinema, warn multiplexes of mass bunking by party-affiliated staff if 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' is screened in their premises
Karan Johar
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Notwithstanding Karan Johar's statement about not engaging with Pakistani talent in future, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) intensified its protests against his Diwali release, 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', yesterday by staging a demonstration outside Metro Cinema in South Mumbai. The party's cine wing workers warned the management against screening the film starring Pak actor Fawad Khan.
This came a day after city top cop Dattatray Padsalgikar promised security provisions around theatres on the day of release (October 28). The Azad Maidan police arrested 12 workers as preventive action. "They were produced before court and have been remanded to judicial custody till November 4," Asistant Commissioner of Police Sunil Kuwalekar said.
Cops stationed oustide Metro Cinema yesterday. Pic/Bipin Kokate
The party has warned all multiplexes in the city (PVR, Carnival and INOX) as well as their head offices declaring non-cooperation if the film is screened — it has a total of 400-odd employees working in top plexes. Manoj Chavan, president of the Kamgar Sena, said, "Our members make for at least 75 per cent of the staff strength in those theatres. If the exhibitors decide to screen the film, our members will go on mass leave. Our members are working as operators, ticket sellers, supervisors and in other categories. If the staff remains absent, screening the film and crowd management will be affected. If there is a problem, MNS is capable of taking care of its members."
Cinema chain Carnival Cinemas, which runs Metro, chose not to comment on the incident. Devang Sampat of Cinepolis India and Kamal Gianchandani of PVR Pictures also refused to comment. Chavan claims that mutliplexes will not be able to hire outsiders to run their cinemas. He said, "These are technical jobs and they need specialists for it. So, the question of hiring outsiders does not arise."
A still from 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'
He also insists that there will be no violence. "We will protest in a democratic manner, which is our right." MNS cine wing president Ameya Khopkar also issued a statement yesterday as a counter to KJo's video where he says he will not work with artistes from across the border ever again. Khopkar said, "This is not the time to say sorry. He had a change of heart, but we didn't. We will ensure no multiplex screens 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'. If they show it, then we, in our own style, will break their screens."
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