Fanaa finds support in Ahmedabad

AHMEDABAD: With financial losses mounting, multiplex owners and distributors are now pressing for Fanaa’s release in Gujarat.

However, with political pressure, multiplex owners do not want to risk violence and are unsure when the film will be released. Meanwhile, many movie addicts in the city do not find actor Aamir Khan guilty and want to see the movie soon.

“The 22 multiplexes of the state have suffered a loss of Rs6 to 7 crores with the non-release of the film. Distributors’ loss is close to Rs5 crores. We hope the film is released soon, but looking at the political pressure, it does not seem likely. Violence might follow,” said president of the Multiplex Association of Gujarat Manubhai Patel, who also owns a multiplex Wide Angle in the city.

Patel had earlier supported the cause saying Aamir had hurt the sentiments of Gujaratis and the film should not be released in Gujarat.

Single screen theatres are reportedly suffering a loss of over Rs1 lakh. “A mountain has been made out of a molehill. It needs to end now,” said Mukund Shah of Gujarat Cinematographers’ Association.

Aamir Khan’s fans in Gujarat are also awaiting to see the movie.

“We receive numerous inquiries every day. In addition to hopeful phone calls, almost every second viewer who comes to the ticket window inquires about the release of the film. As we see it, general public does not hold anything against Aamir as is being made out by the political parties,” said an officer at a leading multiplex in the city.