Fearing attacks on theatres in the state, the Multiplex Association of Gujarat has decided not to screen Aamir Khan's forthcoming film Fanaa.
The decision comes after violent protests in cities including Ahmedabad and Vadodara, following Aamir's remarks against the Gujarat government and Chief Minister Narendra Modi a few weeks ago.
According to Manubhai S Patel, president of the Multiplex Association of Gujarat and chairman of city-based multiplex Wide Angle, some multiplexes had to stop screening Aamir's last film Rang De Basanti mid-way after an agitation against the actor over his remarks in connection with the Narmada dam intensified. "We do not want property damaged nor do we want movie buffs coming to see other movies harassed in any manner," he said, adding that there was no political interference in the decision.
Party workers of both the Congress and BJP had hit out at Aamir, stalling his movies in the state and burning effigies after he came out in support of the Medha Patkar-led Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) and opposed construction of the dam expected to address the water crisis in Gujarat. Activists of both parties had then threatened to not allow any of his movies to be released in the state.
