KJo's film to have a safe release, Govt assures support

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has extended centre's support to the makers of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and has assured security to exhibitors amid threats by MNS to stall the release of Karan Johar's new directorial venture.

Film and Television Producers Guild of India president Mukesh Bhatt and Dharma Production's Apoorva Mehta led a film fraternity delegation and met Singh to discuss the smooth release of the film.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Bhatt said they decided to meet the Home Minister as there is a sense of 'fear' about the law and order situation, especially in Mumbai.

"We requested him to give us assurance along with the chief minister of the state that law and order will be intact and our movie ADHM, which is releasing on October 28, should not face any difficulty," Bhatt said.

"They have assured us whatever support we want he will provide to us. He said that he will talk to chief ministers of the states so that the law and order remains in place and violence does not take place near theatres. Full security will be given to all exhibitors. The way we celebrate Diwali, (We want) everyone to get entertained and celebrate it with happiness," Bhatt added.

Johar skipped the meeting as he is busy with the post-production of the film in Mumbai.

The movie, which stars Fawad Khan, ran into trouble after the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) said they won't let any movie featuring Pakistani artistes release in India.

Seeking to calm tempers over opposition to the release of his directorial venture, Johar had made a fervent appeal against stalling the release, saying he will not engage with talent from Pakistan in future.

MNS continued their protests as the party rejected Johar's statement that he will not 'engage with talent' from Pakistan in future. 

Bhatt said that he is not worried about MNS threats after the Home Minister's assurance and he is confident that Ae Dil Hai Mushkil will have a smooth release. 

"After Home Minister's assurance, I have gained confidence that I'm safe. So, no matter how badly MNS tries, I know the government is with me. Families too should not fear anymore. Theater exhibitors need not worry as well. Government has assured 100 per cent support to us," he said.

When asked what he thought of Pakistan's decision to ban Indian TV and radio content, Bhatt said, "How does it matter to us? We know how to entertain. Politics is something we don't know. For 25 years, films have not released in Pakistan. Our movie is a global release and we are happy with that."