MUMBAI: The India-Pakistan film ban feud, now in its fourth week, is only getting more contentious with the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) stepping forward on Friday to declare that no films featuring any Pakistani actors, artistes or technicians would release in theatres. The suspension plans have already been initiated in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and parts of Karnataka, and the decision will be conveyed to other states as well.
COEAI covers most single-screen theatres in the country. The Film Federation official website says there are 10,167 single screens in the country and 504 in Maharashtra.
"This was decided unanimously at our executive committee meeting today based on the situation between the two countries, as well as wishes of our members and feedback from cinema owners. Right now, sentiments of patriotism are running high and we felt that it was important for us to respect what the majority of people want," said Nitin Datar, president of COEAI. "But, it's not a permanent decision and the suspension is for now and until things get better," he added.
The three films currently at stake are Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil with Fawad Khan in a special appearance which is eyeing an October 28 release; Gauri Shinde's Dear Zindagi starring Ali Zafar which is set for a November 25 release; and Shah Rukh Khan starrer Raees with Mahira Khan in the lead, which is slated for January 2017.
Earlier, after the Uri attacks and India's surgical strike on Pakistan, IMPPA, a leading film producers' body, resolved to ban Pakistani artistes.
In retaliation, their counterparts in Pakistan stalled the screening of Indian films at theatres. A move that producers and exhibitors in both countries said would hurt their industry and endanger Pakistan's burgeoning film market centred around Bollywood, after a four-decade ban on Indian films imposed after the 1965 war was lifted in 2007.
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