The Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India recently announced that it won't release Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in single screen theatres across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa, as it stars Pakistani actor Fawad Khan.
On October 14, COEAI’s president Nitin Datar made the following statement regarding the ban on ADHM:
"Today, the meeting of Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India took place and it was decided that keeping in mind the patriotic feelings and the national interest of our country, we request all our members and exhibitors to refrain from screening movies which have involvement of any Pakistani artist, technicians, directors, music directors etc. We are also in the process of requesting other associations connected with the film industry to support the sentiments in the best interest of our nation."
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap severely condemned the COEAI's decision on Twitter.
The World must learn from us.. We solve all our problems by blaming it on movies and banning it.. #ADHM . With you on this @karanjohar
He also tweeted to PM Narendra Modi, asking why artists are being scapegoated despite not being involved in the political affairs of the two countries.
@narendramodi Sir you haven't yet said sorry for your trip to meet the Pakistani PM.. It was dec 25th. Same time KJo was shooting ADHM? Why?
@narendramodi why is it that we have to face it while you can be silent??
@narendramodi and you actually diverted your trip on our tax money,while the film shot then was on money on which someone here pays interest
@narendramodi I am just trying to understand the situation because I am actually dumb and I don't get it. Sorry if you feel offended..
Btw Bharat Mata ki Jai Sir @narendramodi
The reactions to Kashyap's tweets have been divisive, with some supporting Kashyap's stand...
The point @anuragkashyap72 is making is that why @karanjohar has to suffer for a film that was made when things weren't like this with Pak.
Trust @anuragkashyap72 to ask the difficult questions everyone is thinking about, but won't say anything.
And others attacking Kashyap for his tweets:
Unwarranted utterances of mr Anurag Kashyap infact is damaging KJo s film n industry !
Save our #Bollywood from #Antiindiabrigade CHHAKKAS and friends of terrorists headly, Hafiz, Pak hero @ArvindKejriwal @anuragkashyap72
Kashyap remained unfazed by the criticism, clarifying that being an Indian citizen grants him the right to have a discussion with the Prime Minister.
I would rather ask my questions directly to the PM than trying to impress him by fake nationalism of banning "what puts you in news"
Just to make it clear, I complain because I expect my government to protect us, I question the PM because I have every right to..
We have been vulnerable for long, and have been paying the price by being used by every one to find any kind of standing..
And the real trade between the two countries across the border has not faced any kind of opposition, but we must pay the price for it
I refuse to live in the fear created by blind fanatics that you cannot have a conversation with your PM or question him or expect from him