New Delhi:
Ajay Devgn and Karan Johar are gearing up for a clash as their upcoming movies 'Shivaay' and 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' both are set to be released on the same day this Diwali.The competion has become more interesting as Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) came to a definite conclusion on Friday that they will not be screening Fawad Khan starrer 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' in four states that was slated for a Diwali release.
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil's profit will be affected after being banned in four states as another big budget film 'Shivaay' is releasing on the same day.
"We have decided that we will not screen these films," said Nitin Datar, Chief, COEAI. The single screen owners in 4 states (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and parts of Karnataka) have taken a call to put Karan Johar's forthcoming film on hold.
Also Read: Cinema owners' association boycotts Fawad Khan starrer 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' in four states
Addressing the media, COEAI's president Nitin Datar said that the decision was not taken under any political pressure,but rather, keeping public sentiment in mind. "Today, the meeting of Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India took place and it was decided that keeping in mind the patriotic feelings and the national interest of our country, we request all our members and exhibitors to refrain from screening movies which have involvement of any Pakistani artist, technicians, directors,music directors etc," Datar said.
"We are also in the process of requesting other associations connected with the film industry to support the sentiments in the best interest of our nation."
He said that while the decision to not screen certain films would cause monetary losses for the theatre owners,there might have been greater damage if their screens were vandalised.
"The association is not going to screen any movie and the decision implies from today until things don't get normal.States included under the association are Gujarat,Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa," Datar added.
In the wake of Uri attack last month, Fawad, Mahira Khanand other Pakistani actors were targeted by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which had issued an ultimatum to them to leave India within 48 hours or be forced out. The party has also threatened to stall the releases of "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" and "Raees", starring Mahira in the lead role.
