ADHM row: Rajnath Singh assures support to producers and a smooth release

In the wake of the continuous threats to disrupt the screening of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil after it releases on October 28, a group of Bollywood producers decided to meet Home Minister Rajnath Singh this afternoon. While initial reports said that Karan Johar would be meeting Rajnath Singh, producer Mukesh Bhatt was joined by Dharma Productions' Apurva Mehta and Fox Star Studios' Vijay Singh.

The producers discussed the furore surrounding Ae Dil Hai Mushkil starring Fawad Khan and the threats issued against the film and its makers by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

After the meeting was over, Mukesh Bhatt said that Rajnath Singh has assured the producers that he will support them wholeheartedly and that he will speak to chief ministers of each state to ensure that law and order is maintained at every screening of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

On Wednesday, the Maharashtra police arrested 12 MNS members for going to Mumbai's Metro Theatre and disrupting law and order in the name of protesting against Ae Dil Hai Mushkil's release. They will be kept in detention until November 4.

This comes after Karan Johar issued a taped statement on October 18 where he said that he would not "engage talent from neighbouring country given the circumstances."

In the video, Johar also said, "I respect the Indian army. I salute them for everything they do to protect us in our environment. I respect them with all my heart. I condemn any form of terrorism especially the terrorism that will affect my people in my country and me. We respect our country over and above anything else."

National Award-winning director Shyam Benegal said in response that Karan Johar was forced into making the statement and the bullying by the MNS and other associated parties exhibits a "sad state of affairs within the society."

After the terror attacks at Uri, Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 which led to the death of 19 jawans, the MNS, among others, has been bullying Bollywood producers and actors who have worked with Pakistani actors. The party even threatened to beat up Karan Johar and Mahesh Bhatt if they dare to make or release films with Pakistani artists.

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, directed by Karan Johar and starring Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan,Anushka Sharma and Fawad Khan is scheduled to release in theatres on October 28.