The much awaited sequel to Ek Tha Tiger (2012), Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif starrer Tiger Zinda Hai saw a worldwide release yesterday and has garnered great reviews so far. However, the film finds itself amidst controversy as Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has threatened to halt the release of the film if prime time theatre slots are not allotted to Marathi film, Deva
The much awaited sequel to Ek Tha Tiger (2012), Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif starrer Tiger Zinda Hai saw a worldwide release yesterday and has garnered great reviews so far. However, the film finds itself amidst controversy as Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has threatened to halt the release of the film if prime time theatre slots are not allotted to Marathi film, Deva.
They launched a protest against Yash Raj Films (YRF), saying that no screens are available for Marathi films releasing on the same day (22 December). After this, Ameya Khopkar, member of MNS and president of the Maharashtra Navnirman Chitrapat Karmachari Sena (MNCKS) warned that if their demands aren’t met, they will not shy away from damaging property or crossing legal limitations.
“We have a very basic demand that certain screens be allotted to the Marathi films releasing on December 22 during the prime time slot,” Khopkar said at a recent press conference. “YRF has blocked most of the screens for Tiger Zinda Hai and that’s completely unfair for the Marathi films – Deva and Gachchi – releasing on the same day. The Maharashtra government has set certain guidelines for Marathi cinema screenings and everyone has to follow them. If not, I warn YRF to be ready for consequences. After all, their shoots happen in Maharashtra too.”
While the film didn’t release in Pakistan given its Indo-Pak backdrop, it seems Tiger Zinda Hai is having a tough time screening in India as well.
