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Youth who burnt himself over 'Fanaa' dies
Indo-Asian News Service

Ahmedabad, June 20 (IANS) Gujarat youth Pravin Joshi, who attempted self-immolation to protest against the screening of Aamir Khan starrer "Fanaa" in a Jamnagar cinema, Tuesday succumbed to his injuries, authorities said.

Joshi, 30, died around 12.30 p.m. at the G.G. Hospital in the Saurashtra town of Jamnagar, about 400 km from here. He belonged to Rajkot.

Joshi had sprinkled petrol on himself and lit a match June 11 in the men's restroom in the Amber cinema of Jamnagar - the only cinema hall in Gujarat that screened the film.

The movie has faced a ban in the state after Aamir demanded the rehabilitation of those displaced due to the construction of the Sardar Sarovar dam on Narmada in central Gujarat.

Some people in Jamnagar and Rajkot saw Joshi's action as "sacrifice" for a "good cause" and collected Rs.100,000 for him.
 

Of immolation and the continuing 'Fanaa' controversy
Indo-Asian News Service

Ahmedabad, June 13 (IANS) People close to him, it appears, had no clue that Gujarat youth Pravin Joshi would try to immolate himself to protest against the screening of Aamir Khan-starrer "Fanaa" in a Jamnagar theatre. 

His distraught parents say their son has nothing to do with politics or the state's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). But party sources insist Joshi got enrolled as a member six weeks ago.

What makes Joshi's act June 11 poignant is that he had got married just three months ago and the wife, who is at her parents' place, had no clue of his plans. Nor had colleagues at his office because he was absent from work for five days.

Being shown in only one theatre in Gujarat, the film was withdrawn Monday after Joshi's act, media reports said. 

There is a virtual ban on the screening of the film in the state. The BJP says that Aamir has gone against the people of Gujarat by commenting on the Narmada dam issue. Aamir had demanded rehabilitation for the dam oustees.

"Fanaa" was screened in the Jamnagar theatre thanks to the political initiative of Vikram Madam, a Congress Lok Sabha member. Madam points out that 13,000 people saw the film and this "shows where people's sentiments are".

But the party is generally on the defensive since anything said or done in favour of "Fanaa" is taken as anti-Narmada and hence anti-Gujarat. 

The BJP says it has called off a further campaign against Aamir, including plans to burn his effigies, after the film was withdrawn from the lone theatre.

The party holds Madam "guilty" of provoking Joshi to commit self-immolation by the act of screening the film and wants him to be booked and arrested along with his nephew Vishal, who owns the theatre. 
 

'Fanaa' withdrawn from Jamnagar theatre
Indo-Asian News Service

Ahmedabad, June 12 (IANS) A theatre in Gujarat's Jamnagar Monday decided to withdraw the Aamir Khan-starrer "Fanaa" following a request by producers Yash Raj Films after a youth attempted self-immolation in the theatre a day ago to protest its screening.

Mansur Sheikh, the manager of Amber theatre where the film was being screened for a week despite protests, said the management had decided to withdraw it.

On Sunday evening, a youth from Rajkot suffered severe burns after he attempted to immolate himself.

The youth wing of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party had two months ago declared a boycott of the film in the state after Aamir spoke in favour of the Narmada Bachao Andolan that is fighting for the rights of the people displaced by the Sardar Sarovar dam in the state. 

"Fanaa" was released amid protests last week in the Jamnagar theatre, owned by a relative of Congress parliamentarian Vikram Madam. Crowds poured in to see the film amid tight security even as the owner asked for police protection. 

"For the first two days, the collection was not so good as people were a bit afraid. But later we had a good collection," said Sheikh. 

When "Fanaa" was released last month, theatre owners and multiplex owners in Gujarat decided not to screen it in the state until the film star apologised for his comments, which Khan refused to do. 
 

Gujarat youth attempts self-immolation against 'Fanaa' screening

Ahmedabad, June 11 (IANS) A youth attempted self-immolation in Gujarat Sunday to protest the screening of Bollywood film "Fanaa" that has been facing a virtual ban in the state after its protagonist Aamir Khan's remarks over a major dam in the state, police said.

Pravin Gopaldas Joshi, 20, sprinkled petrol on himself and lit a match at 5.30 p.m. in the men's restroom in the Amber cinema of Jamnagar, about 400 km from here.

People in the cinema house, however, doused the fire and rushed him to the Guru Gobindsingh hospital, police said. He suffered 70 percent burns, according to doctors.

Joshi, a resident of Rajkot in Saurashtra, had gone to Jamnagar to apparently lodge his protest against the only cinema house in Gujarat screening the movie.

The youth wing of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for boycotting the film after Khan expressed solidarity with the Narmada Bachao Andolan that is fighting for the rights of the people displaced by the Sardar Sarovar dam on the Narmada river in the state.

The project is seen as a lifeline for the drought-prone parts of the state.

"Aamir must apologise for remarks. I appeal to the people of Gujarat to boycott his film till he tenders his apology," Joshi told a news channel from the hospital.

Meanwhile, BJP activists in Surat in south Gujarat disrupted a private screening of the film, released in the rest of the country last month.
 

'Fanaa' finally hits a Gujarat theatre
Indo-Asian News Service

Ahmedabad, June 6 (IANS) Citing great demand for the film from the audience, a theatre owner in the Saurashtra town of Jamnagar has decided to screen Aamir Khan-starrer "Fanaa" Tuesday, defying a ban by cinema-related associations.

The owner of Ambar theatre in Jamnagar, Mansur Sheikh, said: "I decided to screen the film after the Supreme Court order that the theatre owners can ask for police protection to ensure trouble-free screening. I have asked for police protection." 

Ambar theatre will be the first cinema hall in the state to screen the film after its release elsewhere 12 days ago. 

"The audience here wanted to see the film and we are now having three shows daily. Hitherto, the public response is very good," said Sheikh.

He said that Jamnagar, 350 km from here, is a "quiet place" and he did not expect any mischief from workers of any political party.

About one and a half months ago, the "Fanaa" hero Aamir Khan demanded proper rehabilitation of the farmers displaced by the construction of the Narmada dam. Political parties, particularly the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), were immediately up in arms against the actor for his solidarity with the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA - Save Narmada Movement) activists. 

He, however, limited himself to the issue of rehabilitation and did not make any comment on the dam height, the crux of the problem at that time. 

Meanwhile, following threats from the BJP youth wing not allowing any of Aamir Khan's films in the state, the multiplex owners' association as well as theatre owners' association had decided not to screen "Fanaa". 

The associations are still not releasing the film and are demanding that Aamir apologise first to the people of Gujarat for his "anti-Narmada", and hence "anti-Gujarat" comments.
 

Supreme Court rejects Bhatt's petition on 'Fanaa'
Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, June 5 (IANS) The Supreme Court Monday dismissed a petition by Bollywood filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt seeking directions to the Gujarat government to ensure peaceful screening of "Fanaa" in the state.

A vacation bench consisting of Justice Arijit Pasayat and Justice C.K. Thakker, while dismissing the petition, said theatre owners in Gujarat could seek police protection for screening this film.

Bhatt, in his petition filed on June 1, sought a court direction to the police chief of Gujarat to take steps for the peaceful screening of the film that stars Aamir Khan.

Activists of Gujarat's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have prevented the screening of the film following Aamir's support to the cause of rehabilitation of those ousted by the Narmada dam project.

The BJP in Gujarat projects the dam as a lifeline for drought-prone parts of the state. It had asked Aamir to apologise to the people of Gujarat for his remarks, but the actor refused, saying he would continue to speak for the poor and marginalised sections of society. 

Bollywood bigwigs, including Amitabh Bachchan, have defended Aamir, saying freedom of expression cannot be curtailed in a democratic society.
 

Bhatt seeks screening 'Fanaa' in Gujarat
Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, June 1 (IANS) Bollywood filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt Thursday filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking direction to the police chief of Gujarat to take steps for the peaceful screening of the film "Fanaa" in the state.

A mention of this petition was made before a vacation bench of judges Arijit Pasayat and C. K. Thakker. The plea will be heard in the due course, the judges said.

Activists of Gujarat's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have prevented the screening of the film following lead actor Aamir Khan's remarks on the Narmada dam.

While the project is seen as a lifeline for drought-prone parts of the state, Khan had voiced his concern for farmers and tribals whose lands would be submerged due to the dam.

The BJP had asked him to apologise to the people of Gujarat for his remarks on Narmada. Khan refused saying he would continue to speak for the poor and the marginalised sections of the society. 

Bollywood bigwigs including Amitabh Bachchan have defended Khan saying freedom of expression cannot be curtailed in a democratic society.
 

Gujarat wants water, not films: pro-dam NGO
Indo-Asian News Service

Ahmedabad, May 31 (IANS) An NGO supporting the Narmada dam in Gujarat Wednesday reiterated that Bollywood star Aamir Khan apologise for his "anti-Gujarat" remarks if he wanted his latest film "Fanaa" to be released in the state.

"Gujarat needs water and not films," said Jai Narayan Vyas, president of the Narmada Abhiyan said here.

Representatives from all major political parties of the state, including the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress as well as religious outfits like Jamat-e-Islami, participated in a meeting organised by the Abhiyan Wednesday.

"Those who comment against Gujarat and call it intolerant should understand that the parched region needs water first. The fact that 'Fanaa' has failed to hit the theatres here is the Gujarati people's lesson to the film star for speaking against the interest of the state," said Vyas, a BJP leader and former Narmada development minister.

"Fanaa", released elsewhere in the country Friday, faces a virtual ban in the state after a boycott call given by the BJP's youth wing.

Khan invited the wrath of Gujarat's political parties after he expressed his solidarity with the Narmada Bachao Andolan that has been fighting for rights of the people displaced by the Sardar Sarovar dam project on the Narmada river.

The controversial project is seen as the lifeline for the drought-prone parts of the state.

Vyas was responding to the statements made by leading film personalities who came out in support of the actor Monday.

Khan has said that he would not apologise for speaking up for "poor farmers" even as he loved the people of Gujarat.
 

Watching 'Fanaa' in Mumbai, facing protest in Gujarat
By Saeed Khan, Indo-Asian News Service

Ahmedabad, May 31 (IANS) As Aamir Khan's "Fanaa" is not being screened in Gujarat, five youngsters from Vadodara went all the way to Mumbai to watch the film -- only to face protests on their return. 

Clad in T-shirts with "Fanaa" written over them, the five left Saturday night for Mumbai. 

"I wanted to see the film for the sake of Kajol who is making a comeback after a couple of years. We decided to go to Mumbai since it was not released here," said Sai Dhenkane, 25, who works in a telecom firm here as the sales manager. 

The much-awaited film released elsewhere in India Friday but not in Gujarat as multiplex and cinema owners decided against it following a boycott call given by the youth wing of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The party is angry with Aamir after the actor expressed solidarity with the Narmada Bachao Andolan and spoke for farmers and tribals being displaced by the state's ambitious Sardar Sarovar dam project on the Narmada river.

Khan last week rejected the BJP's demand for an apology.

As the word spread that five fans had come to Mumbai to watch "Fanaa", the film's director Kunal Kohli came to see them at the cinema hall.

"It was nice to see him. He even promised to attend the first show of the film if and when it would be released in Gujarat," Dhenkane told IANS. 

"We enjoyed the film," he added, though little did they know about the storm awaiting them on their return Monday. 

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the BJP, staged a demonstration in Vadodara and termed the five as "traitors". 

"Anybody from Gujarat who watches Aamir Khan's films is against the interest of the state as the actor has taken a stance against Gujarat," said Kaushal Dave, president of the ABVP's Vadodara unit. 

The ABVP held the National Student Union of India (NSUI), the student wing of the Congress, responsible for the "anti-Gujarat gesture", saying Rutvij Joshi, president of NSUI's Vadodara unit, was among the five who watched the film in Mumbai.

Joshi denied seeing the movie. "I only went to the railway station to see my relatives off. Sai is a very good friend. The NSUI has nothing to do with their visit."

Dhenkane, on the other hand, said: "I don't hold either the Congress or the BJP responsible for the misunderstanding and the protest against us. 

"All of my friends are supporting my decision. The boycott of Aamir Khan's films here is nothing more than a political drama. People are not supporting the boycott call.

"Let the film be released and see how many people go to watch it. Everybody I meet these days is asking me only one question: how is the film? They all are eager to see it," he said.
   

Fanaa: Jury is out, but political fury persists

(NEWS ANALYSIS)
By Mahendra Ved, Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, May 28 (IANS) Now that the jury is out over "Fanaa", it may be worthwhile to ask why the country's main opposition party that has sent a bevy of film and television stars to parliament has chosen to target the film.

Unusually, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has warned the film's lead actor Aamir Khan against "trying to be a leader", while its deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Vijay Kumar Malhotra, said the ban in Gujarat could be withdrawn if he apologized for having hurt the sentiments of the people of Gujarat.

Their ire is directed against Aamir Khan's views on the situation of the minorities in Gujarat in the wake of the riots of 2002 and last month's clashes in Vadodara. He had spoken on this subject earlier as well, but was more strident after the Vadodara incidents.

His sitting in 'dharna' (protest sit-in) along with environmentalist Medha Patkar on the Narmada issue last month has come in handy for those who want to use his views on the treatment of Muslims in Gujarat as a stick to beat him with.

Khan has said nothing against the dam - he only wanted the relief and rehabilitation package to be implemented. The Supreme Court has said the same thing time and again.

On communal violence in Gujarat also, the Supreme Court has passed numerous strictures against the Narendra Modi government. Khan said the same things and is certainly not the first of Modi government critics.

Opposition to "Fanaa" reminds one of the Shiv Sena tit-for-tat in stopping Maharashtra screening of films produced in Tamil Nadu at the height of the anti-Hindi agitation in the southern state. Not only Chennai-produced films but those from other southern centres were also affected.

Controversies over films either pertain to its content or are sparked to support or oppose a personality or an issue. "Fanaa" falls into the latter category.

Even legendary Satyajit Ray attracted the ire of nursing community for showing a nurse working as a part-time call girl in "Pratidwandi".

Joy Mukherjee's "Hum Saya" had an anti-China theme that had the leftists angry in West Bengal.

By contrast, controversy over Dev Anand's "Guide" was confined to newspapers and film critics. Novelist R.K. Narayan first praised it but later wrote an angry piece, "Misguided Guide".

Political themes in "Kissa Kursi Ka" and "Aandhi", perceived as being about the then prime minister Indira Gandhi, ran into trouble. The former was denied a censor certificate, while the latter was withdrawn from theatres. A few weeks later, Gandhi herself cleared Aandhi's return to the theatres after she consulted some critics.

Shekhar Kapur's "Bandit Queen" faced censor problems for its use of expletives, a rape sequence and violence. Some cuts were applied before it was released.

More recently, another Aamir Khan-starrer "Rang De Basanti" ran into trouble over the use of animals for shooting and the inappropriate projection of the MiG aircraft. Both were settled in time for the release of the films.

Violent protests are a recent phenomenon, thanks partly to media hype. Encouraged by their success at stopping Deepa Mehta's "Fire" that showed a lesbian act, the protestors stopped "Water" right at the shooting stage. The location in Varanasi was stormed and destroyed. Mehta completed the shooting in Sri Lanka.

Even in current volatile times, lovers of Sarat Chattopadhyaya, disapproved of the way "Devdas" and "Parineeta" were portrayed, confined their protests to issuing statements. The films have run smoothly and done well at the box office.
 

High demand for 'Fanaa' VCDs, but Gujarat traders scared
Indo-Asian News Service

Ahmedabad, May 27 (IANS) So strong is the posture of Gujarat's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against Aamir Khan-starrer "Fanaa" that those in the VCD business are afraid to sell or rent out even the pirated version.

The film did not hit the screens here Friday, but advance orders for its VCD and DVD versions are soaring, say VCD traders and video library owners. Wholesalers and retailers however fear they will not be able to sell or rent out even pirated VCDs, which otherwise make for a lucrative business.

"The Narendra Modi government is angry with Aamir Khan. It might be strict over the pirated VCDs of 'Fanaa', so it is not advisable to deal even in the pirated VCDs of the film," said Prashant Shah of Hollywood-Bollywood video library who is also a wholesaler of VCDs and DVDs. 

"The pirated version generally hits the market in the first week of release of a film and most of our business depends on the pirated versions. The original version sometimes arrives much later. But for 'Fanaa', I would like to wait for the original," he added. 

Shah, however, was clueless as to when the authentic VCDs and DVDs of "Fanaa" would arrive.

The ruling BJP in Gujarat is angry with Aamir for urging the rehabilitation of those ousted by the Narmada dam - a project the state government strongly supports.

"Our success in stopping Aamir Khan's film is a lesson for others associated with him. We will also see to it that pirated VCDs of the film don't make their way to the state," said BJP youth wing president Amit Thaker. 

He along with other BJP workers staged a demonstration against the film star in front of a multiplex Friday. The government's stand has also made cinema theatres in the state boycott the film.

But the star is still a favourite with many Gujaratis.

"Aamir's other films like 'Rang De Basanti' and 'Sarfarosh' are still in demand," said Gautam Prajapati of Payal Video Library near C.G. Road here.

One trader of pirated VCDs near the Kalupur area said: "Friday was the first day of screening and VCDs, whether pirated or original, will definitely come to us within a week. People will surely come to buy them."
 

'Fanaa' set for screening at major multiplexes
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, May 25 (IANS) The standoff between distributors and exhibitors over the release of Aamir Khan-Kajol starrer "Fanaa" seemed to have been sorted out Thursday, with some major multiplexes willing to screen the film from Friday.

There had been a question mark over the release of the much-awaited film at multiplexes following a demand by Yashraj Films, the distributors of their home production "Fanaa", for a seven percent hike in the share of profits the film may earn in the first week of its release.

Following meetings with Yashraj Films, major multiplex owners Adlabs Cinemas and Cinemax agreed to a profit-sharing formula. 

Yashraj Films public relation officer Shilpa Handa, however, declined to reveal details of the "amicable solution" arrived at. 

"We will be releasing 'Fanaa' in Adlabs Cinemas multiplexes in Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Nasik, Pune, Meerut and Mangalore. So will Cinemax," Handa told IANS Thursday.

Welcoming the settlement, Adlabs Cinemas CEO Tushar Dhingra said: "It is business as usual for us. We will be screening 'Fanaa' in all the 10 cinemas of Adlabs. There will be 8-10 shows of the films daily and ticket prices will remain as usual."

"Talks, however, are on with other multiplex like Inox," Handa said.

"The film releases Friday with 650 prints countrywide both in single-screen theatres and multiplexes. Yashraj Films is also trying to find a lasting solution to the deadlock with the All-India Multiplex Association for the release in the rest of the multiplexes," she said.

Industry analysts estimate that both sides would stand to lose Rs.50 million each in the first week alone if the standoff continues.

"On their part, the fear of upsetting Yashraj Films haunts multiplex owners who realise that any adverse stand they take now could cost them the opportunity to screen the upcoming Yashraj biggies, 'Krrish', 'Khabhi Alvida Naa Kehna', 'Kabul Express' and 'Dhoom 2' at their multiplexes," pointed out an analyst.

Meanwhile, confusion prevailed at multiplexes in New Delhi and they refused to book tickets for Friday - not only for "Fanaa", but the delayed "The Da Vinci Code" and "X-Men: The Last Stand".
 
'Fanaa' ban shows BJP's intolerance: CPI-M
Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, May 25 (IANS) The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Thursday condemned Gujarat's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for not allowing Aamir Khan starrer "Fanna" to be screened in the state following the actor's remarks on the Narmada dam project.

"The virtual ban on the showing of the film 'Fanaa' in Gujarat is an indication of the extreme intolerance displayed by the ruling party and its organisations in Gujarat to any dissenting opinion," a statement issued by the CPI-M politburo said.

The state's multiplex theatres and Cinematrograph Exhibitory Association (CEA) have decided not to screen 'Fanaa' following a boycott call from the BJP youth wing.

Khan had expressed solidarity with the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) that has been opposing the Sardar Sarovar dam project on the Narmada river in the state. He demanded proper rehabilitation of those displaced by the dam, even as the project is seen as the "lifeline" for the state's drought-prone parts.

The CPI-M alleged that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's assurance of police protection to the theatres showing the film was "an eyewash".

"It is under his leadership that the front organisations of the Sangh combine (BJP's ideological parent Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and its affiliates) are threatening film theatre owners against showing the film," the statement said.

"The state government is behaving as if it is above the constitution of India which grants freedom of expression to every individual. 

"Such actions of the Sangh combine in Gujarat under the patronage of the government has serious implications for democratic rights of the people of Gujarat and indeed for all Indian citizens," the CPI-M statement said.

The party demanded that the Narendra Modi government and the BJP uphold the law of the country.
 

'Fanaa', destroyed in Gujarat's politics of intolerance
By Saeed Khan, Indo-Asian News Service

Ahmedabad, May 24 (IANS) While extending support to the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), Bollywood star Aamir Khan may not have imagined that his new film "Fanaa" - meaning destroyed in love - would have to pay a price for it in Gujarat. 

 
The associations of cinema and multiplexes in Gujarat have decided not to screen the film, disappointing many of Aamir's fans. None of the 22 multiplexes or 425 cinema halls in the state will screen the film. 

A month after Aamir advocated proper rehabilitation of Narmada dam oustees, the anger of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that strongly supports the project is still evident.

"We have made it clear from the very first day that Aamir Khan must apologise to Gujaratis for his anti-Narmada comments. If he does so, we will allow the screening of his films," said Amit Thaker, president of the youth wing of the BJP, Ahmedabad. 

"Multiplex and cinema hall owners are part of Gujarat. Their stand expresses solidarity," Thaker told IANS.

Gujarat Cinema Association president Harish Patel agreed.

"Aamir Khan, with all his ignorance on the Narmada issue, plunged into the controversy and the words he used cannot be tolerated," he said.

"How can we exhibit Aamir Khan's film when he spoke against the state without knowing anything? His statement was a hindrance in the progress of our state. It was like denying the benefit of the Narmada waters to the state," argued Manubhai Patel, president of the Multiplexes' Association in Gujarat. 

But most are silent over the fact that the film star only spoke about rehabilitating people displaced by the project and did not comment on the height of the dam - an issue that lies at the heart of the controversy. 

When asked about that, Patel evaded a direct answer, saying: "He should not have said anything, particularly when he didn't know anything."

Congress spokesperson Hasmukh Patel distanced the party from the issue: "This is nothing but the BJP's communal colour because the film star is a Muslim. The issue is a commercial one and not political. We have nothing to do with it." 

Incidentally, youth Congress activists were part of the mob that had stalled the screening of "Rang De Basanti" a month ago. 

Not all in the state feel that the film star committed a blunder.

"He had clarified his stand that he was not against the people of Gujarat. He didn't say anything about the dam height, which was the real problem then. So there is no point in asking for his apology," said a TV serial director Manish Dave. 

"There is a section of people that is spreading wrong information that Aamir spoke against 50 million Gujaratis and his films should not be screened." 

Fact remains that Aamir, by speaking for dam oustees and by criticising the Gujarat government for the Vadodara violence earlier this month, has definitely offended the ruling party, if not the people of Gujarat. 
   
No screening of Aamir starrer 'Fanaa' in Gujarat
Indo-Asian News Service

Ahmedabad, May 23 (IANS) Gujarat's cinema houses Tuesday decided not to screen the much-awaited Aamir Khan starrer "Fanna", releasing countrywide Friday, following protests from political parties over the actor's recent remarks. 

Associations of cinema houses and multiplexes in the state decided not to screen the film.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remained adamant over the call it had given last month to boycott Khan's films in the state, even as the opposition Congress supported the protest.

Khan had invited the wrath of the two parties last month when he expressed solidarity with the Narmada Bachao Andolan that has been protesting the Sardar Sarovar dam project on the river Narmada. The project has been seen as the "lifeline" for the drought-prone parts of the state.

Khan later criticised the Narendra Modi government over the communal skirmishes in Vadodara that claimed six lives this month. 

"How can we exhibit Aamir Khan's film when he spoke against the state without knowing anything? His statement (on the Narmada project) was a hindrance in the progress of our state," said Manubhai Patel, president of the multiplex association.

Patel denied any political pressure prompting their decision but admitted that the multiplex owners were afraid of rioting and damage to the halls.

"You cannot stop mobs when they come protesting," said Patel.

The BJP and Congress workers had joined hands in stopping the screening of Khan's "Rang De Basanti" last month, and had burned the film's posters.

"We are firm and have rejected the request from Yashraj Films to allow the film to be exhibited in the state. We will not compromise on the issue," said Amit Thaker, BJP youth wing city president.
 

Stalemate continues over 'Fanaa' release in multiplexes
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, May 24 (IANS) The impasse over the release of the Aamir Khan-Kajol starrer "Fanaa" in multiplexes is far from over, with distributors and exhibitors still squabbling over their share in profits Wednesday.

Yash Raj Films, the distributors of home production "Fanaa", have reportedly demanded a seven percent hike in the share of profits the film may earn in the first week of its release. But multiplex owners have rejected the demand. They say such a move would force them to increase ticket prices. 

"As far as we are concerned, 'Fanaa' will be released as per schedule Friday, May 26. 'Fanaa' will be definitely playing at single-screen theatres. Other than that I have no comments. Negotiations are on," a spokesperson of Yash Raj Films told IANS.

Justifying Yash Raj's stance, "Fanaa" director Kunal Kohli has said, "We are being very fair in this regard and not asking the audience to pay more for the film. The audience will pay as much as they pay usually for any film release at a multiplex." 

He said they are not forcing a hike in multiplex tickets rates for "Fanaa" but want to negotiate a better share in profits.

But countering the argument, a spokesperson for Adlabs Multiplexes told IANS the demand would force multiplexes to increase ticket prices and the audience would have to bear the extra burden.

"Unlike single-screen theatres, multiplexes provide audiences with added facilities and better comfort and viewing experiences. Our overhead costs are higher. Our tickets are usually five to eight times the price of single-screen theatres. And any further increase of ticket prices will hurt business," he said.

"Audiences in the metro cities are increasingly getting used to multiplexes, and a situation like this will adversely affect 'Fanaa's' box office chances. Especially when audiences are gearing up for a big-screen battle Friday with 'Fanaa' facing 'X-Men: The Last Stand' and the controversial global blockbuster 'The Da Vinci Code'," he said.

Even as the feud rages, other producers and distributors have jumped into the controversy. They say they will closely follow any change in profit-sharing ratios and will want to replicate the same when their films hit the theatres.

Producer-distributor Ronnie Screwvala of UTV Films which has the Kareena Kapoor-Shahid Kapoor starrer "Chup Chup Ke" lined up for release and Rakesh Rohan, who has handed over the distribution rights of his film "Krrish" to Yash Raj Films, are keenly following developments.

Echoing Kohli, Screwvala said, "They (multiplex owners) have formed a cartel. They have been given entertainment tax exemption by the state but they have not passed the benefits to anyone else." 
 

'Fanaa' rides high on Kajol, Aamir and love plot
Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, May 23 (IANS) This Friday, "Hum Tum" director Kunal Kohli is back with "Fanaa", the bittersweet love story of a terrorist and a blind girl.
 
Featuring Kajol and Aamir Khan, who will be seen as lovers for the first time on screen, the film is woven around terrorism. Although the subject matter sounds depressing it has harvested a lot of curiosity among movie buffs mainly because of Kajol, who is making a comeback with the film. 

'Fanaa' is an Urdu word, which means destroyed in love. The film depicts the tale of a blind girl who discovers enchanting love that eventually destroys her. 

The film focuses on the journey of Zooni Ali Beg (Kajol), a blind Kashmiri girl, who wants to discover life and isn't going to let her handicap stop her. She leaves home on her own and wants to make the most of it. 

On this trip to discover life she bumps into a fun-loving tourist guide Rehan Qureshi (Aamir Khan) who seems to understand her better than anyone else. 

Rehan's ability to see past her blindness and peep into her soul brings unlimited joys in her life and she starts cherishing every moment spent with him. 

But her happiness is short-lived because she discovers things about Rehan that turns her life upside down. She finds herself standing at a crossroads and making the hardest choice of her life. 

"Fanaa" shows signs of being an excellent treatment of love, life and terrorism. Its music is already a chartbuster and the key players in the film are some of the best performers in Bollywood.

With all these things going for it, the film can become an extraordinary cinematic experience for viewers and trade pundits expect it to push the right button at the box office.

 
Waiting with baited breath for 'Fanaa'
By Priyanka Khanna, Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, May 21 (IANS) The pairing of critically acclaimed and commercially successful Aamir Khan with the immensely talented Kajol is clearly the biggest USP of director Kunal Kohli's much talked about "Fanaa", releasing Friday. ?

 
Both have a track record of delivering blockbusters but have never starred opposite each other before. Bringing together two powerhouse performers, "Fanna" is a love story of a militant and a visually impaired girl set in the backdrop of insurgency in Kashmir. 

Moreover, the film marks the much-awaited comeback of Kajol to the silver screen after her long sabbatical and Aamir is the reigning darling of the box-office post the mega success of "Rang De Basanti".

Aamir's much-publicised strong stance in support of Narmada Bachao Andolan and statements against communal violence in Gujarat have also added to his appeal amongst the youth.

Though the actor has angered certain Gujarati political circles, who are now opposing the release of his films in the state, the film's producer is carrying out hectic parleys to secure clearance for his film.

Being a Yash Raj Films (YRF) production, illustrious movie merchant Yash Chopra is reportedly appeasing Gujarat political heads personally to avoid a ban on the film.

Already, the government has set a bad precedence by holding up the release of Hollywood films "The Da Vinci Code" and "Tickle My Funny Bone" following protests by sections of the Christian community. According to reports, a small-budget film "Sacred Evil" by an independent Indian filmmaker has also run into trouble with the Christian community.

"Fanaa", interestingly, has been making news from the word go. Beginning with its unique title - "Fanaa", that means "completely destroyed" - makes one wonder if Aamir will die once again in the climax, after "Mangal Pandey" and "Rang De Basanti".

Meanings apart, the hype around Aamir and Kajol has intensified given their dramatically opposite personalities. While Aamir is a methodical actor, Kajol is known for her spontaneity.

Kohli, who shot to fame with his 2004 hit "Hum Tum" has also roped in yesteryear's superstar Rishi Kapoor and critically acclaimed actress Tabu.

Shot in Kashmir, Delhi and Poland, others in the cast include Kirron Kher, Shiney Ahuja, Gautami Kapoor and Lara Dutta in a cameo appearance.

"Fanaa" marks Aamir's first attempt at portraying militancy on celluloid. His last brush with a film woven around strife was in "Sarfarosh" (1999), in which he played the role of a cop in hot pursuit of terrorists.

For Tabu, however, the genre is not new. She is still remembered for her remarkable performance in Gulzar's "Maachis" that was based on militancy.


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Aamir Khan has once again reinvented his look in "Fanaa". After playing a rustic village lad in "Lagaan", a moustached soldier in "Mangal Pandey - The Rising" and a young, cool look in "Rang De Basanti", he is now sporting two looks in "Fanaa".

The first is of a young street Romeo and the other one is a cropped hair, lean and mean look. In the promos, he is seen sporting vibrant mufflers, a few wristbands and bracelets, apart from a red chilly locket. One would not be surprised if bright, hand spun mufflers soon became a rage amongst the youth.

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For music-buffs, "Fanaa" marks the end of 16-year-long association between composers Jatin and Lalit. Starting with "Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander", which catapulted them in to Bollywood limelight, Jatin-Lalit composed music that wowed millions including music of "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge", "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai", "Kabhi Kushi Kabhie Gham" and "Khamoshi", to name a few. "Fanaa" is reportedly their last film together.

According to reports, music of "Fanaa" has already outsold Yash Chopra's "Veer-Zaara" and is likely to perform better as it has the quality of growing on people.

And that is not all. Both Aamir and Kajol have sung in the film. The first time Aamir lent his voice for a film song "Aati kya Khandala" in "Ghulam," it became a national craze and landed him a nomination in best singer's category.

Interestingly, Jatin-Lalit were responsible for the music of "Ghulam" as well. Clearly, their association will be missed if "Fanaa" proves to be even half as popular as their previous hits.

Meanwhile, "Fanaa" has reportedly kicked off a negative trend in Bollywood. Certain music channels have stopped showing its trailers as the producers allegedly asked for money to show the music promos.

These allegations, however, have been rubbished by Vijay Kumar, head of Yash Raj Music. But the music channels have preferred to keep mum on the issue. 

Another rumour doing the rounds is that YRF productions will be priced higher than other Bollywood flicks. YRF has reportedly asked all multiplexes in the country for a higher share in the profits, which means higher ticket cost for cine-goers.

Apparently, YRF has said that multiplexes not willing to share more of their profits with them will not be allowed to exhibit their upcoming films, which include "Krrish", "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" and "Dhoom 2". Undoubtedly, we have not heard the last on this one!