Alleged Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists on Sunday stopped the screening of Aamir Khan latest starrer PK in Deepak Talkies (Lower Parel, Mumbai)
The activists did not damage the theatre, but the theatre owners decided to shut down not only the 12.30 pm show but also the subsequent show scheduled for 4 pm.
Vinay Choksi, who books Deepak Talkies for distributors, said, “I have heard that Milap theatre too is facing a problem. It’s sad but true. We have resumed the film but on a slow note.”
An official from Deepak (name withheld on request) was more frank and forthcoming. The official said, “We have discontinued PK. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
A similar protest happened at Cinemax (Ghatkopar) on Monday.
Protests have also been held by allegedly Bajrang Dal in Bhopal and Ahmedabad and some screenings were halted.
Some other Hindu outfits have also demanded a ban on the film.
While the film takes on every prominent religion in India, some people believe that taking on a Hindu godman (played by Saurabh Shukla) in the film is a direct insult to the community.
Will this vandalism put a roadblock on Aamir’s aspiration to hit the Rs 300 crore club? Trade analyst Komal Nahata says, “Not at all. Such vandalism cannot rupture 5000 screens but only increase the public curiosity. PK will touch Rs 300 crore.”
Last heard, security has been stepped up at all the single screens and multiplexes as well, throughout the country.
