Mumbai, May 26
“Fanaa” and “The Da Vinci Code”, two controversial films, were released in theatres across the country today, amidst protests in Gujarat and other places.In Gujarat, the Aamir-Kajol starrer “Fanaa” will not be screened because theatre owners feared vandalism following protests by BJP activists over Khan’s recent statement on rehabilitation of those affected by the Sardar Sarovar dam.
The other film, “The Da Vinci Code”, which has attracted its own share of controversy, with the Catholic organisations taking exception to its portrayal of Jesus as a married man, was banned by the Goa, Nagaland and Punjab governments.
Yesterday, Aamir Khan had refused to apologise as demanded by the BJP for his remarks on Narmada issue as well as Vadodra demolitions, saying there was no question of going back on his stand.
In Mumbai, elaborate security arrangements have been made at theatres screening both the films, Joint Police Commissioner (Law and Order) Arup Patnaik, said.
“Fanaa” has been released with 650 prints all over India, the highest so far in the country, and bookings are full over the weekend.
The release of the other controversial film “The Da Vinci Code,” based on Dan Brown’s bestseller, is also being awaited eagerly though it had drawn angry protests from the Catholic organisations.
Although some groups had planned protests against the film, after police notices to the groups, the protests were put off. PTI
JABALPUR: Screening of Aamir Khan-starrer “Fanaa” was suspended at a theatre here today following protests by BJP workers, the police said. The saffron workers, extending support to their Gujarat counterparts, staged a protest in front of ‘Prabhu Vandana’, leading to the suspension of the film’s screening after the first show, Superintendent of Police D Shriniwas Rao said.
BJP workers, including activists of its youth wing, staged the “symbolic” protest and raised slogans against the actor for his stand on the Narmada dam issue, he said, adding the film, however, was expected to be screened tomorrow.
