Mumbai: The controversy surrounding the release of Karan Johar’s ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ persisted for the past few weeks due to political party Maharashtra Navnirman Sena protesting the casting of a Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in it. And the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India had also decided not to screen the film, as a result of which the film would not screen in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa.
However, the controversy subsided after MNS put forth its demands and the makers reportedly agreed to them and it was then expected that the film would have a clear run at the box office. However, it seems that the trouble for the film is not yet over.
The Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India have chosen to continue with their earler decision not to screen films with Pakistani artistes in them. As a result, along with ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', films like ‘Dear Zindagi’ and ‘Raees’ which also have Pakistani artistes might also not get a release.
“The directive to our members is for all films starring Pak artistes hereafter till the situation is restored to normalcy. In fact our members did not even release 'Ek Tera Saath' which was released last week, since it had Pakistani singer, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan rendering a number," Sharad Doshi, the secretary of the COEAI told DNA.
He added, "We had always maintained that we had taken the decision out of respect for the army men who lost their lives in the URI attacks."
‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ is slated to release on October 28.
