EXPLAINED: Why the chaos on COEAI's decision of not releasing films with Pakistani artistes is uncalled for

In the latest turn of events post IMPPA's decision to ban Pakistani artists in India, the Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) has decided not to release the movies starring Pakistani artistes.

Nitin Datar, the president COEAI stated, "The COEAI has decided that keeping in mind the patriotic feelings and the national interest of our country all our members and exhibitors will refrain from screening movies which have involvement of any Pakistani artiste, technicians, directors, music directors etc." He further added, "Under our association we have several members including single screen theatres and few multiplexes. Our members are based in Maharashtra, Gujarat and parts of Goa and Karnataka." He also said that the decision stands until things(Indo-Pak relations) get normal. 

Now, the movies that are likely to be affected by this decision are Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, starring Fawad Khan slated for a release on October 18, Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt starrer Dear Zindagi which also stars Ali Zafar, slated to release on November 25 and and Shah Rukh's upcoming flick Raees, starring Mahira Khan, slated for January 26, 2017 release. 

Post the announcements of COEAI's decision, there have been a lot of speculations about the release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in particular owing to it being the current big release. With a number of reports saying that the film is unlikely to be released, here are some of the facts put down by film exhibitor Akshay Rathi in a series of tweets, which explain why the entire chaos about the alleged ban on the release of ADHM is uncalled for:

Loads of chaos & confusion around the stance of 'exhibitors of India' for #AeDilHaiMushkil. Lets make things clear & put down some FACTS.

— Akshaye Rathi (@akshayerathi) October 14, 2016

Cinema Owners & Exhibitors Association Of INDIA does NOT comprise of exhibitors from across the country. Primarily Pune, Nashik & Mumbai.

— Akshaye Rathi (@akshayerathi) October 14, 2016

The COEAI hasn't called for a BAN on films with Pakistani artistes. Legally, they cannot! They have REQUESTED members to not screen them.

— Akshaye Rathi (@akshayerathi) October 14, 2016

LEGALLY, the only entities that can stop a film from releasing are the CBFC & the court of law. And neither of the 2 have called for it yet.

— Akshaye Rathi (@akshayerathi) October 14, 2016

Any BAN on a film by a political outfit, association or organisation is ILLEGAL. The eventual call rests with each exhibitor.

— Akshaye Rathi (@akshayerathi) October 14, 2016

Whether to screen a film or not (knowing the potential risks that come with it) is each individual exhibitor's call. NOTHING changes that.

— Akshaye Rathi (@akshayerathi) October 14, 2016

The REQUEST by the COEAI to its members is much respected in the light of its intention, but this is NOT a BLANKET BAN ON ADHM ACROSS INDIA.

— Akshaye Rathi (@akshayerathi) October 14, 2016

Sections of the media with partial knowledge (as usual) on the issue will sensationalise things to grab eyeballs. They always do, right?

— Akshaye Rathi (@akshayerathi) October 14, 2016

And knowing how our fraternity has eventually come together to stand by each other, I'm quite sure ADHM will see a good release pan India.

— Akshaye Rathi (@akshayerathi) October 14, 2016

My personal take - I am all for showing solidarity towards our jawans by not working with Pakistani artistes FROM NOW ON.

— Akshaye Rathi (@akshayerathi) October 14, 2016

To punish our own fraternity members who had invested their money & efforts to complete their films before the Uri attacks is unfair.

— Akshaye Rathi (@akshayerathi) October 14, 2016

ADHM, Dear Zindagi & Raees were being made when we were applauding our PM for his amazing show of statesmanship by visiting Nawaz Sharif!

— Akshaye Rathi (@akshayerathi) October 14, 2016

To play / watch a film or not (knowing the potential risks) is every individual exhibitor's / movie goer's decision! Period!

— Akshaye Rathi (@akshayerathi) October 14, 2016