MUMBAI: A Cinema Owners’ body today refused to screen movies starring Pakistani artistes in the four states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa, dealing a blow to Karan Johar’s upcoming Diwali blockbuster “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” that features Fawad Khan.
The decision taken by the Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) at its meeting here mainly covers single screen theatres and comes amid tension between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of Uri attack last month. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma play lead roles in the film.
Datar said the decision was not taken due to any political pressure and that the Association was keeping “patriotic feelings” of people in mind.
“The COEAI has decided that keeping in mind the patriotic feelings and the national interest of our country all our members and exhibitors will refrain from screening movies which have involvement of any Pakistani artiste, technicians, directors, music directors etc,” the Association president Nitin Datar told reporters.
“Under our association we have several members including single screen theatres and few multiplexes. Our members are based in Maharashtra, Gujarat and parts of Goa and Karnataka,” he said, adding, “the decision stands until things (Indo-Pak relations) get normal.” (AGENCIES)
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