Days after the Gujarat unit of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) issued a threat that it would not allow the screening of the upcoming film “Pathaan” in the State, VHP and Bajrang Dal activists on Wednesday evening forced their way into a multiplex in Ahmedabad and tore apart posters and other publicity material of the film.
There have been country-wide protests among the right-wing organisations against the Shah Rukh Khan-Deepika Padukone movie which has a sensual dance with Deepika in a saffron outfit dancing with Khan. They claim the colour saffron in the actress's skimpy dress has saffron colour and has hurt Hindu sentiments.
However, the situation was reportedly brought under control after the Vastrapur police rushed to the spot and detained five activists, said inspector J K Dangar. They were released later, he said. The Gujarat VHP had earlier threatened that it would not allow the screening of the film anywhere in Gujarat, mainly because of the song 'Besharam Rang', where Padukone is seen wearing the saffron outfit.
Bajrang Dal also shared the video of vandalism
What was more alarming, the Bajrang Dal itself shared a video in which its activists were found tearing the posters of the film and waving saffron flags.
“We will not allow Pathaan's screening in Gujarat. Today's protest against the movie's release in Ahmedabad should be taken as a warning by all the theatre owners across the state. They must stay away from releasing the movie in their theatres or multiplexes," Gujarat VHP spokesperson Hitendrasinh Rajput told reporters.
The BJP-ruled Gujarat Government has not taken any position on the issue nor have the State Police issued any warning to trouble-makers.
What is the 'Besharam Rang' controversy?
It all started after Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra called Deepika's outfit in the song "objectionable" and warned the makers to "correct them" or they will be forced to mull whether to stall the film's release. He also objected to the saffron and green bikinis which Deepika wore in 'Besharam Rang'
About 'Pathaan'
'Pathaan' marks Shah Rukh Khan's return to the silver screen in a full-fledged role after five long years. Also starring Deepika and John Abraham, the film is a high octane spy-actioner in which all the three stars will be seen packing some intense punches.
'Pathaan' is scheduled for a Republic Day weekend release on January 25.
