Mumbai:
Multiplexes in Mumbai will turn into virtual fortresses ahead of the release of Shah Rukh Khan's film My Name is Khan.
Highest security ever for any film will be provided to the theatres screening the film.
The Mumbai Police has issued the following guidelines to constables on duty at all the 63 theatres screening the film:
- No bags allowed in cinema halls
- Frisking and identity checks before entering theatres
- Entry only through valid ID cards and tickets
- Policemen deployed inside and outside theatres
- Deployment outside single screen cinemas: One police sub-inspector, one constable, two women police constables and five plainclothes policemen
- Deployment will increase with the number of screens
It has also cancelled all leave for its men so that five companies of the State Reserve Police Force can guard the theatres in the city that will screen the film from attacks by the Shiv Sena. Shah Rukh Khan's security has also been increased.
The stand-off between the Shiv Sena and Shah Rukh Khan seemed to have faded away. But with just two days to go for the release of the film, the Sena has renewed its threat - that it will fight the release of My Name is Khan, scheduled to hit cinemas on Friday.
Sena leader Manohar Joshi told NDTV on Tuesday "We do not need to tellShiv Sainiks what to do. They go by themselves." When NDTV's reporterpointed out that the government has said it will not allow any attacksagainst cinemas or disruptions to screenings, Joshi responded, "Thewrestling match has begun and you're asking me what will happen? Let'ssee what the police will do now."
Thirty Shiv Sainiks werearrested on Tuesday for protesting outside cinema halls in Bhandup andMulund. Also, Shah Rukh Khan's security has been increased.
Thefilm's director, Karan Johar, met the Mumbai Police Commissioner onTuesday morning to discuss security concerns based on the Shiv Sena'sopposition to the film. Representatives of the film's distributor, FOXSearchlight, are also at the meeting along with the owners of someMumbai multiplexes.
After the meeting, Johar said that theMumbai police had reassured him that cinemas will get security forscreenings of My Name is Khan.
"Frisking and checking will bedone for everyone entering the film's screenings. I don't want to givedetails of police deployment or strategy in the regard," JointCommissioner of Police Himanshu Roy said while addressing a pressconference in Mumbai after meeting Karan Johar.
The Shiv Senahas warned cinema owners not to screen the film. The Sena is upset withSRK for stating that Pakistani cricketers should be allowed to play inthe next season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite the Sena'sthreats, Shah Rukh Khan has refused to apologize for his statement."What should I retract? That I am an Indian?" he asked.
(Read and watch: I am a bloody good Indian: SRK)
Inan exclusive interview to NDTV, Khan had also said that he has notsought time with either Bal or Uddhav Thackeray of the Shiv Sena todiscuss his statement.
(Read and watch: There is nothing to apologise for: SRK)UddhavThackeray has said that while he has not ordered the Sena to disruptscreenings of My Name is Khan, he cannot stop party workers from"taking spontaneous action".
Through the controversy, mostBollywood stars have remained silent on the issue. Salman Khan, whoserift with SRK has been acknowledged by both stars, spoke in favour ofSRK. Abhishek Bachchan also tweeted on the issue though his father,Amitabh Bachchan, blogged lavish praise on Bal Thackeray last week whenthe Sena-SRK war was at its peak.
(Read and watch: As Sena targets SRK, Big B praises Thackeray)SRKsays that doesn't bother him. I never stood up for anybody, he said toNDTV, adding that "nobody in Bollywood is a coward" and that everyonein Bollywood "is vulnerable.
(Watch: Will My Name Is Khan open on Friday in Mumbai?)