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In a twist to the controversy surrounding Aamir Khan's new film Fanaa, , which opens nationwide today, its producer Yash Chopra is said to have approached Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to discuss its release in the state without hindrance.
Gujarat's Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha has 'banned' the film in the state. Narmada: Aamir won't apologise A BJP source said in the course of the meeting that took place some days ago, Modi assured Chopra he would do everything possible to ensure that the film gets released in the state. 'Nischint raho (Don't worry). I will take care. My government will give you protection. I will extend all help to release the film,' Modi is believed to have told Chopra. The BJP claims though the Gujarat government is ready to extend all help, theatre owners have shut the door on Chopra. No Fanaa in Gujarat multiplexes The BJP source indicated at a possible commercial angle behind the theatre owners' reluctance to release the film considering that Chopra has asked for more share in revenue from multiplex cinemas. He added that ETV, a television channel in Gujarat, asked viewers if they wanted to see the film and if they agreed with the 'ban' on its release. Barring one lady who said she was keen on seeing the film, the BJP source said the rest felt there was nothing wrong in preventing Fanaa from being screened in Gujarat. To counter the bad publicity the party is getting outside Gujarat, state BJP sources draw attention to how Congress workers ripped apart posters of Aamir Khan's last film Rang De Basanti in Ahmedabad when the star voiced his support for Medha Patkar and her Narmada Bachao Andolan's agitation against the Sardar Sarovar Project. The BJP and Congress are trying to convey the impression that in Gujarat both parties and the people are united on the Narmada dam issue and have identical views on Aamir Khan's stand on the issue.