The Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has sought that licenses of cinema halls not screening Marathi movies be scrapped
Threatening the producers of Tiger Zinda Hai over the problems in the screening of the Marathi film Deva, the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has sought that licenses of cinema halls not screening Marathi movies be scrapped.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, MNS cine wing chief Ameya Khopkar said that single-screen theatres and multiplexes were not willing to screen Deva, which will release on December 22. “Yash Raj Films is indulging in dadagiri and has told multiplex and single-screen theatres that they are unwilling to share screens with others…. it is a tragedy that Marathi films are being forced to beg with theatres,” he charged.
“We are not opposed to Tiger Zinda Hai but are against bullying,” said Khopkar, questioning if producers of Hindi films could behave likewise in other non-Hindi speaking states.
“If Deva does not get theatres on December 22, then Yash Raj Films must keep in mind that their films are shot in Maharashtra,” he threatened. Khopkar demanded that theatres which did not screen Marathi films as was mandated by law.
According to the Bombay Cinema (Regulation) Act, 1953, the single-screen theatres are supposed to show a Marathi movie for at least four weeks in a year. According to a policy framed in 2001, the multiplexes have to show Marathi films on one of its screens for at least one month in a year.
Khopkar, who was accompanied by the cast of Deva, said he had spoken to cultural affairs minister Vinod Tawade who had promised to speak to multiplexes for the movie.
“The producers of Tiger Zinda Hai have booked all five daily shows leaving us with no slot,” said Deva, lead actor Ankush Chaudhari.
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 "Deva Movie Cast")
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