Lucknow: The single screen and multiplex cinema owners in Lucknow have decided not to bow down to the pressure and protest by the Karni Sena and release Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s movie Padmaavat. Initially, the multiplex chain owners were undecided but as the day progressed they also decided to release the movie and also started its online booking.
Speaking to news18, Chaitanya Khandelwal, owner of one of the first and oldest cinema halls in Lucknow Anand Multiplex, announced the release of the movie and said, “We were the first one to announce the release of the movie in Lucknow and we are showcasing it. After Supreme Court’s order, no one should interfere in the release. Our association also held a meeting and we all decided to showcase the movie, why should we bow down to any kind of pressure from anyone? We have roped in some extra security personnel and local police are monitoring the situation.”
“I have seen the movie; there is nothing objectionable in it. Rather, governments who are supporting Rajputs should make it tax-free, the movie portrays Rajput community in such a good light. The protest against the movie by Rajputs is beyond understanding,” he added.
Meanwhile, after facing criticism from all the sides for violent protests across the country, Karni Sena Members tried to protest in the Gandhian way by distributing flowers to the cinema-goers at Novelty Cinema in Lalbagh area of Lucknow. Also, they claimed that if someone gives up watching the movie and had already bought tickets, then, in that case, Karni Sena will refund the money.
But in Sitapur district, a cinema owner’s car was damaged by Karni Sena members for showing movie Padmaavat. The cinema owners in Allahabad have decided not to showcase the movie Padmaavat till the situation gets normal. The advance booking was, however, open in most of the cinema halls, but still, the release of the movie has been deferred until protests simmer down.
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