Sena demands screening of Marathi films in multiplexes

MUMBAI: After restaurants, nameplates and public signs, the Shiv Sena is now playing its Marathi card once again - this time with cinemas and multiplexes, with a demand that they should screen Marathi films for a minimum of seven times per month.

"We have written a letter to all the multiplexes and single-screen theatres in the western suburbs of Vile Parle and Andheri, asking them to show Marathi films for a minimum of seven shows per month," General Secretary of the Sena's consumer protection wing, Arun Jagtap told here.

"There is a state government directive to the effect and all theatre owners must stick to it. Right now we have issued letters only to theatre owners in Western suburbs, but we will do so in the rest of Mumbai soon," he added.

The letter also states that the shows must not be in the morning, but rather in prime slots, as "a common Marathi person would not be able to attend such shows."

Jagtap claimed that the letter, which was sent a fortnight back, has begun to show effect, with some multiplexes putting up Marathi movies in afternoon and evening shows.