Every film should get fair chance of screening: Pahlaj Nihalani

MUMBAI: Former Chairman of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Pahlaj Nihalani on Wednesday said every film should get fair chance of screening.

His comments came after Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) threatened to protest against cinema owners in Maharashtra for giving preference to Salman Khan’s ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ over Marathi film ‘Deva Ek Atrangee’ as the release of two films is coinciding.

“According to Maharashtra rules ‘Deva’ should also get screens. Every Marathi film should be faily showcased. If we talk about MNS and Raj Thackeray, Salman and Raj Thakkery are good friends and everybody knows that their friendship  is from long. I think cinema owners should sit and decide as violence is not a solution," Nihalani told ANI.

“If a film is made then they should be equally showcased as according to Maharashtra rules, and agreement with multiplexes, every Marathi film should compulsorily be showcased in every cinema for 12 days. And they should also get prime shows as they are doing good business,” he added.  

MNS film division head Amey Khopkar said he has written to the film production and distribution company regarding this issue.

"I have sent a letter to Yash Raj Films. If they're ready to give screen space to Marathi Films, 'Deva' in this case, then there is no need for us opposing it. However, if they don't, we won't allow it to shoot hereafter in Maharashtra," he added.

The MNS has reportedly written to the Cineplex owners in Mumbai that 'Tiger Zinda Hai' is getting maximum screens, while Marathi film 'Deva' releasing on the same date is not getting enough time slots.

'Deva Ek Atrangee' is directed by Murali Nallappa and stars Ankush Chaudhari in the lead. The film also stars Tejaswini Pandit, Spruha Joshi and Paddy Kamble in pivotal parts.

'Tiger Zinda Hai,' which also stars Katrina Kaif, is helmed by 'Sultan' director Ali Abbas Zafar.