Mumbai halls play safe, won't show SRK's film

Mumbai: The screening of My Name Is Khan has been hit with four exhibitors -- Big Cinemas, Fun Cinemas, Gaiety Galaxy and Maratha Mandir -- deciding against releasing the movie on Friday.

The exhibitors say the security situation doesn't warrant release of the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer movie.

"The security provided is adequate but at the same time the atmosphere which has been created is not good. Entertainment cannot happen in this tense environment," said Fun Cinema CEO Vishal Kapoor.

However, Kaporr refused to blame Shah Rukh Khan for the controversy surrounding the film.

I don't blame Shah Rukh for this. Everybody has got the right to speak for themselves," said Kapoor.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and Mumbai Police Commissioner D Sivanandan have tried to reassure theatre owners.

"It is upto the multiplex ownes if they want to run the show. We will provide all the security. I have not received an official communication from multiplex owners that they have decided not to show the film," said Chavan.

"I am not here to promote this film. This is not the question of only a film. The issue is can the people be threatened? We can only provide security to multiplex owners. We cannot force them to show the film," he said.

"There is no need to be afraid of anyone. Mumbai Police are capable of handling the situation. There is no need for exhibitors to panic. We will ensure law and order is maintained," assured Mumbai Police Commissioner D Sivanandan.

Shiv Sena has threatened to disrupt the film over Shah Rukh Khan backing Pakistani cricketers and saying that their exclusion from the Indian Premier League was unjustified.

My Name Is Khan director Karan Johar will decide on the movie's release in Maharashtra later on Thursday.

Meanwhile, group of social activists and Mumbai residents, who were marching in support of the My Name Is Khan clashed with Shiv Sena workers outside the party's office.

The march was orgainsed by social activist Teesta Setalvad and the scuffle took place just outside the Shiv sena Bhavan.

Several Shiv Sena workers have been detained by the police. Teesta, too, has been detained.