NEW DELHI: Despite the decision by the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India(COEAI) that of not releasing movies featuring Pakistani actors or technicians, makers of ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ are gearing up for the release of the film. COEAI on Friday announced that they will not screen any film featuring Pakistani artists or technicians, thus putting a question mark on the release of director Karan Johar’s film, which features Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in a key role. In a statement, Nitin Datar, president of the COEAI, said on Friday, “Keeping in mind the patriotic feeling and the national interest in mind, we request all our member exhibitors to refrain from screening movies which have involvement of any Pakistani artists, technicians, directors, music directors, etc. Till the relation between India and Pakistan becomes normal, no films with Pakistani actors can be released.” “It has already been put in place in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and parts of Karnataka. The decision will be conveyed to other states as well,” he added. The decision by the COAEI came after the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s (MNS) threats to stall the release of, Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Aishwarya Rai starrer ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’, in four states, including Maharashtra and Gujarat. Notwithstanding the decision by the COEAI the makers of the film are gearing up to release the film. Reacting to the COEA decision, the makers of the flick issued a statement asserting that the film that has been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and will release on October 28 as announced earlier. Apoorva Mehta, CEO, Dharma Productions said, “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ has been cleared by the CBFC and we are gearing up for its release on October 28. Diwali is all about love and Ae Dil is all about spreading love.” Responding to the COEAI decision, Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox Star Studios, said, “Karan Johar’s films present love in its most pure yet unique and modern way and this Diwali he is celebrating love, friendship and heartbreak. There can be no better way than celebrating Diwali with Ae Dil, a quintessential family entertainer.” The movie is all set to clash with Ajay Devgan’s ‘Shivaay’, which will also release on the same day. (AGENCIES)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
