Gurmeet Ram Rahim sentencing has Bollywood biggies in a quandary

As the court pronounced its judgement on Friday convicting Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, his followers went on a rampage in major parts of north India disrupting normal life. 

As violence and arson spread across Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi, Bollywood too bore its brunt.

Director Meghna Gulzar, who was shooting in Patiala with Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal for Raazi, immediately called for pack-up when the news of violence broke, forcing the unit to stay in their hotel as many parts of Punjab were placed under curfew following the riots.

Meanwhile, Deccan Chronicle has reported that Monday’s sentencing could adversely affect this week's big releases, Baadshaho and Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, if there are incidences of violence, which will harm the business of these films in the northern market, forcing the makers to consider delaying their release.

"These are both very dissimilar releases, and a lot is expected from them. Shubh Mangal Saavdhan could be Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar's follow up hit after Bareilly Ki Barfi and Toilet: Ek Prem Katha respectively. As for Baadshaho, it marks the return of director Milan Luthria, and leading man Ajay Devgn, after their successful collaboration in Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai," an industry insider told Deccan Chronicle. 

"Both films are potential hits, and the producers don't want to jeopardise their box-office prospects. Punjab and Haryana are major distribution sectors for Bollywood. Look at the fate of the releases this week under normal circumstances. Imagine what would happen if they were released when the violence and unrest were on," the insider added.

The makers have decided to adopt "wait and watch" policy before making any official announcement.