Have issues with our films? Discuss, not burn down halls: Shoojit Sircar

Mumbai: Director Shoojit Sircar feels if any political party has a problem with films, they should discuss it freely with the filmmakers instead of "burning cinema halls".

Filmmaker Karan Johar's upcoming venture ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ was facing the ire of MNS, which had even threatened to stall the release of the film owing to the presence of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in the romantic drama.

The issue was resolved yesterday when Johar, accompanied by Producers' Guild President Mukesh Bhatt, met Maharashtra

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and assured him that filmmakers would not work with Pakistani artistes given the people's sentiments in India post Uri terror attack.

Shoojit, who was speaking at a panel discussion at the 18th Jio MAMI Mumbai International film festival with Star, feels audience should be allowed to watch a movie freely.

Asked if he had to request one thing to the government what it would be, Shoojit told reporters, "Allow us to make the kind of films we want to make. If someone has any objection with it, come at a platform like this (film festival), discuss it, but don't burn down halls.

"Don't stop the audience, the film lovers, from going to the hall. If you have any problem, talk to us. We are ready to talk," he added.

While Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj said he hopes the government can do away with censor board, director Zoya Akhtar said it would be great if it looked into the excessive tax the film industry pays.

Zoya, however, stressed on the issue of piracy and said strict measures need to be taken to stop it. "People have to do something about it. It is a bailable offence; there is too much money on piracy. So, till the law doesn't change what can we do. It is stealing. We are losing a lot of money."

To which, Bhardwaj said, "If it (movie) comes out before

(Its release on Fridays) than it is a problem, otherwise we are used to for years for it to come out on Saturdays.

"In countries like France, if you do torrent twice (sic), they will leave you, the third time you will be arrested. Here, the government has so many other work that 'ye toh baad ki baat hai' (not on priority list)," the ‘Haider’ director said.

The three filmmakers were joined by directors Gauri Shinde and Rohit Shetty for the panel discussion about how they are on their film set.