As 'Pathaan', starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham, released in theatres on Wednesday, activists of the Bajrang Dal staged protests outside cinema halls in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
Several videos from outside theatres in Indore have surfaced online in which protestors can be seen cancelling shows of 'Pathaan' and not letting the audience enter the theatres.
They also raised slogans of 'Jai Shri Ram' and urged people to boycott 'Pathaan'.
Hanuman Chalisa played outside theatre
In one of the videos, a group of Bajrang Dal activists can be seen sitting outside the INOX theatre in Sapna Sangeeta mall in Indore. They also played the Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeaker and sung chanted it together as a sign of protest.
Bajrang Dal activists also protested outside Kastur talkies in Indore and shouted slogans while carrying saffron scarves along with them.
Controversies surrounding Pathaan
'Pathaan' has been mired in controversies ever since the first song of the film, titled 'Besharam Rang', was dropped by the makers.
The song sparked outrage after Deepika Padukone was seen donning a "saffron bikini" in one of the scenes in the song. Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra called her outfit in the song "objectionable" and threatened makers to stall the film's release.
Several political leaders and Hindu organisations, including the VHP, also claimed that the use of the saffron/orange colour in the song was aimed at insulting Hindutva.
About Pathaan
Directed by Siddharth Anand, 'Pathaan' is one of the most anticipated films to release this year. Touted as one of the biggest ever action spectacle that audiences will see in theatres, the film is part of Aditya Chopra’s ambitious spy universe.
The trailer of 'Pathaan' was dropped on January 10 and within no time, it became one of the most viewed videos online. It features John Abraham as the lead antagonist of the story and he will be seen packing some serious punches with Shah Rukh.
The film has hit the silver screens on January 25 amid much fanfare.
