MADHYA PRADESH: A large group of protestors from VHP were seen chanting Hanuman Chalisa outside theatres on Wednesday morning as Pathaan hit the screens.
In Indore, protestors came to the Sapna Sangeeta Talkies, where the film was to be screened, with sticks to delay the release in the city. They were also allegedly chanting ‘Jai Shree Ram’ at the venue. The channel revealed that police forces have been deployed and the 9 AM show was canceled.
Meanwhile, in Bhopal, effigies of Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone were burnt outside the Rang Mahal Talkies and Hanuman Chalise was also chanted.
Besides, Bajrang Dal activists also staged protests against Pathaan at Kastur cinema hall in the city and raised slogans against King Khan.
However, the film was released across theatres in cities like Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, and other cities where large crowds also gathered early in the morning.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Dishesh Agrawal said, “Activists of the Hindu Jagran Manch and Bajrang Dal have been protesting against the film ‘Pathaan’. Hence, some of its morning shows were cancelled.” Asked about further shows of the movie, he said an appropriate decision will be taken considering the law and order situation.
Pathaan courted controversy after the release of its first song- Besharam Rang in which Deepika Padukone is seen wearing a saffron bikini which according to activists is allegedly hurting the sentiments of Hindus.