today across the country with Mumbai restricting the number of shows
following Shiv Sena threat. 10 multiplex owners in Mumbai decided to go
ahead with the screening while the single screen theatres decided against
showing the movie for the time being, fearing violence. Amid unprecedented
security for the film's release, Maharashtra Home Minister R R Patil drove
to multiplex INOX to catch the first show of My Name Is Khan.
Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'My Name Is Khan' had a packed opening on Friday
across the country with Mumbai restricting the number of shows following the
Shiv Sena threat to disrupt screening.
Most multiplex owners in Mumbai decided to go ahead with the screening while
the single screen theatres decided against showing the movie for the time
being, fearing violence.
Amid unprecedented security for the film's release, Maharashtra home
minister R R Patil drove to multiplex INOX to catch the first show of
'MNIK'.
Khan, who is in Berlin, tweeted early on Friday morning, "good m'ing mumbai.
wotever the fate of the film, never wished this upon the city that made my
dreams come true & gave me all. i belong to u (sic)."
In Gujarat, the first few shows were cancelled after VHP and Bajarang Dal
activists staged protests and torched posters of the movie, but later the
shows resumed.
The film opened to full houses in Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai and
several other cities.
"Post noon shows were all sold out in our theatres in Delhi. We are booked
till Sunday," Jayendra Banerjee, Vice President Satyam Cineplexes said.
"Some 75 screens in Delhi and NCR are screening the movie. The film has also
benefited from the Shivratri holiday today. On an average multiplexes are
running 11 to 12 shows a day," a distributor said.
The film's release ran into trouble after Sena lashed out at Khan for
supporting inclusion of Pakistani players in the IPL-3.
In suburban Andheri, some Sena activists were cane-charged and arrested
after they pelted stones outside Fun Republic cinema, showing the film.
"We have arrested eight Shiv Sainiks who tried to disrupt the screening of
the movie," Deputy Police Commissioner, K Prasanna said.
Over 1800 Sena activists were arrested by the Mumbai police to ensure the
smooth release of the film.
[src: TOI]