Nitin Datar: Haven't banned ADHM, only suspended films with Pakistani actors

Mumbai: With just few days to go for ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’s release, the Cinema Owners & Exhibitors Association of India’s decision of not releasing Indian films that feature Pakistani actors comes out as a shocking news for the film’s makers.

On Friday, the association held a third meeting to decide the fate of Karan Johar's upcoming film, which stars Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in pivotal role. After a long session, Nitin Datar, the president of the association, announced that they will not be releasing Indian films that feature Pakistani actors in single screen theatres.

While speaking to Indian Expression, Nitin Datar informs that there isn’t a ban as of now and they have only suspended the release of films with Pakistani artistes on board.

“There is no ban. We have only suspended the release of films where Pakistani artists or technicians are connected. Our decision is that we will not screen or release the movies in our cinemas,” Datar said.

He also revealed that they have requested all the members to not screen the film keeping in mind the sensitive sentiments of Indians. He added “This is a request to all our members to not screen the film keeping in mind the sentiments of the Indian public. It’s been happening for the last one month in the wake of the Uri attacks and cross-border firing. The sentiments of public are against Pakistani films. Pakistan has already banned our Hindi content on satellite. We haven’t done that. We have taken the decision to suspend films featuring Pakistani actors, given patriotic sentiments of our public. The public will be happy that the association took such a decision.”