Amidst the rising tension on the call for ban of Pakistani actors in India, Karan Johar’s upcoming release Ae Dil Hai Mushkil stands in troubled waters. Days before its release, the Cinema Owners Association has decided not to screen any film starring Pakistani artistes. This applies to single-screen theatres.
Nitin Datar of Cinema Owners Association said after a meeting on Oct 14, “We have decided that we will not screen these films (with Pakistani actors).” The exhibitors association has told all members not to release Ae Dil Hai Mushkil as the sentiment in India is against Pakistani actors.
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil directed by Johar and produced by Dharma Productions stars Pakistani star Fawad Khan in a pivotal role and has been the bone of contention between the Bollywood fraternity that stands divided over the issue as an aftermath of the Uri attacks. Earlier, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena had threatened to block the release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in Maharashtra. Later, the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA) announced a ban on Pakistani actors but had requested MNS for a smooth release of films that have already been finished.
Apart from ADHM, Shah Rukh Khan starrer Raes and Dear Zindagi which has Ali Zafar may also face trouble.
