I get intensely agitated as I read about Shiv Sena anarchy in Mumbai. Such is the level of my distant yet emotional involvement in the ongoing Shah Rukh Khan-Shiv Sena standoff that, as it happens with most of the Nepali people, I want to give a tight slap to the freaking gang-lord called Balasaheb. The film My Name Is Khan will be released tomorrow and vowing to let the screening not happen the Sena has already vandalized some theaters that opened advance bookings prompting the state government to deploy heavy security in theaters. I am filled with anger to see the right-wing ‘political’ gang of Bal Thackeray targeting a vulnerable actor for saying nothing but the truth. Reports say Indian Rs 1 billon (100 crore) is at stake for the filmwallahs.

Fox Star Studios acquired the distribution rights of the movie for about Rs. 81 crore, including prints and publicity. “The film has to net at least Rs 60 crore in India to recover the investment,” said trade analyst Amod Mehra. “The Mumbai circuit with Maharashtra contributes about 40 pr cent of the country’s total collections, which would be Rs 20 odd crore minimum.” Komal Nahta, a trade veteran, said, “Approximately Rs 2.5 to 3 crore per day is at stake in Mumbai city and Maharashtra. Although Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan have sold the film to Fox Star, it doesn’t mean that their responsibility is over. At a press conference in London, Shah Rukh apologised to Karan and Fox Star and promised that he would make up for the losses they might incur because of the stand he’s taken.” (source)

That makes Shiva Sena even more powerful making them think: See, we can damage you that much. It’s clear the group wants cheap attention. I know trillions of people in Mumbai don’t like Sena. They hate the fascist organization. So what can they do now? Continue reading →