But producer says special screening is only for cops
The Mumbai police and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) members, who have been playing peek-a-boo for the past several months, have now united to decide the fate of the controversial film Deshdrohi.
On Saturday, the police and officials of MNS’ film union Maharashtra Navnirman Chitrapat Karmachari Sena (MNCKS) will view the film to decide whether it should be released in its current form.
Promos of Deshdrohi, set for release on November 14, suggest that the film is cashing in on the anti-immigrant controversy brewing in Maharashtra.
Kamaal Khan, the producer of the film, told DNA that he hadn’t invited members of MNCKS for the screening. “The screening is only for the police. I have not invited MNS for it. But it is possible that they know about it and will come for the screening,”
he said.
The police sent Khan a notice on Thursday and asked him not to release the film before they approve it. Joint commissioner of police (law and order) KL Prasad said, “Someone from crime branch will attend the special screening of the film.”
MNCKS vice-president Shalini Thackeray said, “I will be attending the screening. Khan has assured us that there is nothing objectionable in the film and he has modified dialogues as per the instructions of the censor board. We will watch the film and find out whether his claim is right.”
Sanad Mane, an MNS official, threatened that they will not allow the film to release if the objectionable dialogues are not removed. “Shivaji Maharaj has been referred to as Shivaji Marathe. We will force Khan to rectify his error,” he said.
