Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's 'Tiger Zinda Hai' has received flak from Raj Thackeray led MNS over the allocation of screens in Mumbai
After 'Padmavati', Salman Khan starrer 'Tiger Zinda Hai' is the second film to get tangled in a political web. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, led by Raj Thackeray have raised objection over the screen allocation of the film, which leaves no very less screens for the Marathi films 'Gachchi' and 'Deva'.
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According to a report in Times Of India , Ameya Khopkar, member of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and president of the Maharashtra Navnirman Chitrapat Karmachari Sena (MNCKS) has threatened the makers of 'Tiger Zinda Hai' of dire consequences. Speaking at a press conference where he was present along with the team of the Marathi film 'Deva', Khopkar told reporters that while MNS was not interested in damaging property or crossing legal limitations, they won't shy away from doing so if their demands are not met. "We have a very basic demand that certain screens be allotted to the Marathi films releasing on Dec 22 during the primetime slot. YRF has blocked most of the screens for Tiger Zinda Hai and that's completely unfair for the Marathi films- Deva and Gachchi- releasing on the same day. The Maharashtra government has set certain guidelines for Marathi cinema screenings and everyone has to follow them. If not, I warn YRF to be ready of consequences. After all, their shoots happen in Maharashtra too," said Khopkar.
Actor Ankush Chaudhari, who plays the lead in 'Deva', was also present at the conference. He said, "We want people to watch our film as well as Tiger Zinda Hai. I too am a Salman Khan fan and I don't think any film should suffer. But in the current scenario, Deva is not getting screens and that's why we approached the MNS which has been crusading for Marathi cinema over the years."
It is important to note that Deva was originally scheduled for a December 1 release but was postponed due to the new CBFC guidelines that required a film to be submitted for certification at least 60 days before its release. However, Dec 22 was announced as the release date for Tiger Zinda Hai well in advance. On this, Khopkar said, "We are not at all saying that Tiger Zinda Hai should not release. And if this problem is discussed and solved mutually, we will be more than happy. We have sent a letter to YRF Pictures and have heard that they are discussing the matter. However, there has been no communication with us yet."
Asked what their plan of action will be if the Salman Khan film's makers refuse to budge, Khopkar replied, "Deva will release on Dec 22 for sure. Whether to make this a peaceful discussion or compel us to resort to other means is up to YRF to decide." It is being reported that Vinod Tawde, the cultural affairs minister for Maharashtra government has called for a press conference to discuss this development on Wednesday afternoon.
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