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Fenil’s Bollywood Talk # 87
Feb 11th
THE KING ARRIVES TOMORROW!
In less than 24 hours, My Name Is Khan (MNIK), one of the biggest and most awaited Hindi film of 2010 will be running in theatres. The feeling is euphoric as almost all moviegoers are anticipating the release of this flick ever since it was announced way back in 2008. Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol and directed by Karan Johar, MNIK is to be released worldwide by Fox Star Studios.
The film’s promotion, I feel, hasn’t been upto the mark. Music hasn’t managed to excite that much like previous KJo flicks. However, the film has created considerable hype and tremendous curiosity. Everybody is yearning to know what SRK-Kajol-Johar combo has come up with this time. So inspite of its non-entertaining theme, the film is expected to take an earth-shattering opening, on the lines of 3 Idiots.
However, on the flipside, there are some doubts surrounding MNIK too. The film is helmed by Karan Johar whose last production Kurbaan, based on terrorism, was not well handled and had a long list of flaws. There is fear among some sections of audience that KJo might once again create a mockery of sensitive issues that MNIK deals with.
But on the other hand, the privileged few who got a golden chance to attend the exclusive screening of MNIK last weekend can’t stop raving about the film and SRK’s performance. Thus, the positive word of mouth has spread even a week before the film’s release. Hence, the film should turn out to be a commercial success.
The biggest block now is the Shiv Sena which are hell bent on stopping this film’s release in Mumbai and Maharashtra. Last weekend, the issue had died down and it seemed the film would get a peaceful release. But shockingly, the Sena’s goons attacked few theatres of Mumbai where MNIK’s advance booking had commenced on Tuesday. Immediately, the rest of theatres stopped selling MNIK show tickets. Police Commissioner D Sivanandan has assured of complete protection to all theatres screening this film. But with exhibitors scared, the film’s release in Mumbai and Maharashtra might be delayed which will be detrimental to its box office collections. Still 24 hours are left and hopefully, the issue will be resolved. My only advice to the theatre owners-the more you’ll feel scared of such cheap political parties, the more they’ll be encouraged to resort to such gimmicks in future!
AND LET ME YOUR VIEWS ON MY NAME IS KHAN AND ITS CONTROVERSY!
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TICKET RATES INCREASED FOR MNIK AS WELL?
1 ½ month back, moviegoers were in for a shock when almost all theatres increased their ticket rates for 3 Idiots. The rates came down in the 2nd or 3rd week of the film. But now many theatres have upped the prices once again, this time for MNIK. Again, knowing that people are very keen to watch MNIK, the rates have inflated. Starcity at Mumbai usually charges 60 and 80 bucks for morning shows. But for 10am show of MNIK, the rates are doubled-120 and 150 bucks! Other theatres have followed suit! I am not sure if the same strategy is applied in other regions as well. But if it is the case or even if it’s not, please do let me know!
The rates will come down to normal 14 days later. But it seems theatre owners are going to adopt this idea for almost all biggies that are releasing in 2010 like Kites, Raajneeti, Tees Maar Khan etc! Start saving!
CM threatens to snap Uddhav’s Z-plus security
Feb 10th
ADVANCE WARNING: Sainiks tore posters and vandalised the booking counter at Mehul cinema in Mulund on Tuesday
Sena Renews Warning To Disrupt SRK Film, Attacks 2 Theatres
Prafulla Marpakwar | TNN (THE TIMES OF INDIA; February 10, 2010)
Mumbai: With the Shiv Sena on Tuesday resuming its attacks against the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer My Name Is Khan, embattled chief minister Ashok Chavan warned that if the party did not allow the smooth screening of the film he would ask the lawenforcing agencies to immediately withdraw the Z-plus security cover of Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray. Incidentally, the CM’s threat comes a day after the government withdrew the security cover of nearly half a dozen Shiv Sena legislators.
On Tuesday, Sainiks went on the rampage, attacking several halls where advance bookings for the film were on, even ripping the screens at two theatres—Huma Adlabs at Kanjurmarg and Metro Cinema in south Mumbai. Following the attacks, producer Karan Johar, along with distributors, met Mumbai police commissioner D Sivanandan to seek security for screening the movie. Chavan met multiplex owners and distributors later in the evening on the issue. He told them that his government was committed to ensuring the safe release of the film.
“My government will not allow anyone to take the law into their hands. If the Sena is indulging in violence and halting the film’s release, we will have no option but to withdraw the special security cover provided to Uddhav Thackeray,’’ Chavan said.
Uddhav, along with his father Bal Thackeray, has the highest security cover in Maharashtra with over 100 constables in each shift and 15-16 constables to guard him. Chavan is probably the first Maharashtra CM to threaten Uddhav with withdrawal of security cover.
Sources said Shah Rukh Khan had taken up the issue of security for his film with Rahul Gandhi who, in turn, asked Chavan to initiate stringent measures against the Sainiks.
Miffed Uddhav gives up cop cover
Late on Tuesday night, miffed Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray gave up the Maharashtra government’s security cover provided to him, reports Ambarish Mishra. “I don’t need your security. I am returning your constables,’’ he said. The state has already withdrawn the official security given to Sena leaders Prakash Bala Sawant, Anil Parab and Ravindra Waikar. All three had taken the lead in organising black flag demonstrations against Rahul Gandhi during the Congress leader’s Mumbai visit last Friday.
Multiplexes in Mumbai stop MNIK bookings
Feb 10th
Despite halls being vandalised, and threat of Sena protests, Shah Rukh and Karan Johar say… Khan WILL release this week
By Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 10, 2010)
With the Shiv Sena going on the rampage against the theatres screening My Name Is Khan, the sudden and violent change of stance after indicating a truce has shocked the film industry.
Several Sena dominated pockets of the city including Mulund, Kanjurmarg, Ghatkopar and Chembur witnessed attacks on theatres planning to screen My Name Is Khan. Huma Adlabs, Shreyas, Ashish and Metro were among the theatres attacked.
Yesterday, the film’s producer Karan Johar met up with Police Commissioner D Sivanandan to discuss the situation. While the police has warned of strict action against troublemakers and over 200 arrests were made on Tuesday, the situation remains volatile. And bearing the brunt are the theatres.
“We are waiting to hear from the distributors (Fox Cinemas) to take an official stand on whether or not to go ahead with the release of My Name Is Khan. It is as much their decision as ours,” said Shunali Shroff of Fame Big Cinemas, adding, “Hopefully, by Wednesday morning, things should get resolved.”
Devang Sampat, GM Marketing, Cinemax said, “We are yet to take a call on this. I have still to speak to the operation team since this is more of an operation call.”
Meanwhile, in an interview to a television channel, Shah Rukh Khan said that while he has had a warm relationship with Bal Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray, he didn’t feel there was anything he had said which he should apologise for. He also said that he had not sought any appointment with them to sort out the issue.
It may be recalled that the Shiv Senas had taken an objection to Shah Rukh’s comment that Pakistani cricket players should be allowed to play in the IPL.
At the time of going to press, representatives from all the multiplexes were in a meeting with Chief Minister Ashok Chavan to find a solution to the impasse.
