With security in place, it’s for theatres to take a call: Chavan

Police security for Shahrukh Khan's film "My Name is Khan" at a theatre in Mumbai. Photo: PTI

If cinema owners decide not to screen Shah Rukh Khan’s My Name is Khan, the government could do nothing about it. Their decision is not a failure on the part of the government, Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan said on Thursday .

Talking to journalists here, he said he could not bring audiences to theatres. Nor was there any official intimation to him that the launch of the film, scheduled for Friday, was postponed.

All that the government could do was to provide security. “We have done our job, we have taken the right stand and provided tight security. It is up to theatres to take a call.”

To a question about theatre owners being threatened, Mr. Chavan said they were free to file police complaints and seek security.

“We can’t decide to release the film or not. However, theatre or multiplex owners must face the situation boldly. We are prepared to give them all the security if they want to release the film,” he said. “You cannot use terror tactics, such things are not good for the State. We have arrested over 1,600 [Shiv] Sainiks and we are serious about action,” Mr. Chavan said.

Asked whether any action was being contemplated against top Sena leaders, he said nothing was decided yet. “The Shiv Sena has not scored any point in this issue, and it is unfortunate that things are stretched to this level. Political parties must show some maturity in dealing with issues and know when to stop.”