Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol starrer Dilwale continued to remain off the screens in Dakshina Kannada on Tuesday as well.
While the police have not taken action against Hindutva groups that stopped the screening, arguing that protection to cinemas could be provided “only if sought”, Mangaluru-based social activist Vidya Dinker has approached the Mangaluru South police with a complaint against Bajrang Dal leader Sharan Pumpwell and others, who stalled the screening of Dilwale . She has urged the police to take necessary action. The police told The Hindu that they are “investigating the matter.”
Suo motu action?
A multiplex operator told this correspondent that they were “caught between the police and right-wing groups”. Sunday’s incident, where the activists staged protests in front of cinemas and tore up film publicity material, should have been enough for the police to act suo motu , he said.
Another multiplex operator said his company was not keen on approaching the police or negotiating with right-wing groups as the film did not get good ratings in any case. “It was only a weekend movie. With more movies slated for the week ahead, we decided not to screen Dilwale ,” he said.
The movie’s screening, which released on Friday, came to a halt by Sunday night in multiplexes in Mangaluru and by Monday in other single screens across the district, following protests by VHP and Bajrang Dal activists.
Protest against SRK
They demanded that the screening be stalled in protest against Mr. Khan’s statement that there was “growing intolerance” in India.
Not keen on approaching police or negotiating with right-wing groups as film did not get good ratings in any case
Multiplex operator
We are caught between the police and right-wing groups
Multiplex operator
