Shah Rukh Khan’s film ‘Pathaan’, which has been facing massive backlash from various Hindu outfits and BJP leaders, will be released in Gujarat. This comes as the Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) said they will no longer oppose the movie as they are satisfied with the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) revisions.
In a statement, Gujarat VHP’s Ashok Rawal said that after the Bajrang Dal’s protests against the Hindi film, Pathaan, the Censor Board has removed obscene lyrics and lewd words from the film, which is good news. “I congratulate all workers and the entire Hindu society for this successful struggle to protect religion and culture,” he added.
Amid widespread protests and outrage in the country, the CBFC had suggested more than 10 cuts, including trimming some of the sensuous moves in the song Besharam Rang. However, Deepika’s much-controversial orange outfit will still be there.
Notably, several BJP leaders, including Narottam Mishra, had objected to the saffron dress being worn by the actress in the song titled ‘Besharam Rang’. They were of the opinion that it is a deliberate attempt to insult Hindu religion and sentiments of people who follow Hinduism. Members of the Bajrang Dal held protests and burnt posters and banners of the movie.
The VHP leader, in his statement, also said that the Bajrang Dal and other Hindu bodies will not have any objection if “they oppose such things keeping in mind the religion, culture and patriotism beforehand.”
On Sunday, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists barged into a movie theatre in Surat city in Gujarat and tore posters of the film. Five activists were arrested on the charge of rioting.
Recently, multiplex owners in Gujarat met Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi who assured providing police protection to theatres against anti-social elements amid protests and vandalism.
Pathaan sold 4.19 lakh tickets for January 25 while War’s Day 1 sales were around 4.10 lakh. The top spot is still occupied by Prabhas‘ Baahubali 2 with 6.50 lakh ticket sales. ‘Pathaan’ is scheduled for January 25 release. The movie SRK’s comeback to the big screen after a hiatus of four years. Helmed by Siddharth Anand, it also stars Deepika Padukone and John Abraham.
