After over 200 members of a Rajput group protested at Noida malls against the screening of 'Padmavati' on Sunday, another Rajput group barged into multiplexes on Sohna Road and Cyber Hub on Tuesday, warning the owners of dire consequences if the film is shown in halls. However, unlike their Noida counterparts who didn't file any complaint, some theatre owners in Gurgaon have decided to take action against the agitators.
The members of the Rajput group have also submitted an application to the District Commissioner's (DC) office, appealing to the Deputy Commissioner to ban the screening of 'Padmavati'. However, the Gurgaon Police maintained that they will not allow anybody to take the law in their own hands.
Protest against a film is not new for Gurgaon, will file police complaint: Theatre owners
Even as theatre owners in Gurgaon refused to officially comment on the issue, they told us that they are used to the 'hurt sentiments syndrome' of these groups and that a group of protestors can't decide if a film should be screened or not.
Shahid Kapoor in the poster of 'Padmavati'
A staff member of a multiplex tells us, "Some people came to our box office at around 9.30pm on Tuesday and asked the usher at the counter, 'Tum log Padmavati dikhaoge?' When he replied, 'Jab release hogi tab dikhayenge', some 9-10 protestors appeared from nowhere and tore 'Padmavati' posters, which were put up near the counter."
A theatre owner adds, "We're not answerable to any group and so we've decided to file a police complaint in this case. We will meet the local police station officer and request him to register an FIR."
'We'll ask for police security'
Staff members tell us that to avoid a repeat of any such incident in the future, they will not put up 'Padmavati' posters for the time being. A staff member of a cinema hall says, "We are used to such protests, threats and vandalism, especially in Gurgaon. It's not just about 'Padmavati', it happened during 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' and several other films. When it's a big budget film which has stars who have a huge fan following, it's worth the risk for us. We will not put up 'Padmavati' posters for the time being, but after the film is released, we will ask for police security if required."
Won't allow anyone to take the law in their own hands: Police
The Rajput group members have submitted an application to Vinay Pratap Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Gurgaon, to ban the screening of 'Padmavati'. However, Singh told us that he'll speak to cinema hall owners regarding the Tuesday night.
Manish Sehgal, PRO, Gurgaon Police, says, "No one can just go and openly threaten cinema halls. Vandalising property is an offence and we will take action against these groups."
The members of the Rajput group have also submitted an application to the District Commissioner's (DC) office, appealing to the Deputy Commissioner to ban the screening of 'Padmavati'. However, the Gurgaon Police maintained that they will not allow anybody to take the law in their own hands.
Protest against a film is not new for Gurgaon, will file police complaint: Theatre owners
Even as theatre owners in Gurgaon refused to officially comment on the issue, they told us that they are used to the 'hurt sentiments syndrome' of these groups and that a group of protestors can't decide if a film should be screened or not.
A staff member of a multiplex tells us, "Some people came to our box office at around 9.30pm on Tuesday and asked the usher at the counter, 'Tum log Padmavati dikhaoge?' When he replied, 'Jab release hogi tab dikhayenge', some 9-10 protestors appeared from nowhere and tore 'Padmavati' posters, which were put up near the counter."
A theatre owner adds, "We're not answerable to any group and so we've decided to file a police complaint in this case. We will meet the local police station officer and request him to register an FIR."
'We'll ask for police security'
Staff members tell us that to avoid a repeat of any such incident in the future, they will not put up 'Padmavati' posters for the time being. A staff member of a cinema hall says, "We are used to such protests, threats and vandalism, especially in Gurgaon. It's not just about 'Padmavati', it happened during 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' and several other films. When it's a big budget film which has stars who have a huge fan following, it's worth the risk for us. We will not put up 'Padmavati' posters for the time being, but after the film is released, we will ask for police security if required."
Won't allow anyone to take the law in their own hands: Police
The Rajput group members have submitted an application to Vinay Pratap Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Gurgaon, to ban the screening of 'Padmavati'. However, Singh told us that he'll speak to cinema hall owners regarding the Tuesday night.
Manish Sehgal, PRO, Gurgaon Police, says, "No one can just go and openly threaten cinema halls. Vandalising property is an offence and we will take action against these groups."
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