Raj Thackeray-led MNS and some other political parties have opposed release of films with actors from Pakistan after the Uri terror attack, putting a question mark on the fate of Johar's movie, slated for a pre-Diwali release on October 28.
The Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India too decided not to screen films with Pakistani actors in four states -- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa.
"I understand the sentiments because I feel the same. Going forward, of course, I would like to say that I would not engage with the talent from the neighbouring country given the circumstance.
"But with that same energy I beseech you that over 300 Indians in my crew have put their blood, sweat and tears in my film 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' and I don't think it is fair to them to face any kind of turbulance on account of other fellow Indians," he said.
More From This Section
Johar also said he stayed silent because he felt a "deep sense of hurt and pain" to be questioned about his patriotism.
Johar said the country comes first to him and he has always kept that over and above everything, so, it is wrong to question his patriotism.
"There has been some talk about why I have remained silent for past two weeks. Today I would like to clarify that the reason why I remained silent is because of the deep sense of hurt and pain that I felt. There are few people who actually believe that I am being anti-national.
"When I shot my film 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' in September to December last year, the climate was completely different, the circumstances were completely different. There were efforts made by our government for peaceful relations with the neighbouring country and I respected those endevours and efforts then and I respect the sentiments today," Johar said.
Johar said that he condemns any form of terrorism and salutes the Indian army for their role in protecting the nation.
"I respect the Indian army, I salute the Indian army for everything they do to protect us in our environment. I respect them with all my heart and I say that I condemn any form of terrorism and especially the terrorism that would affect people of my country and me."
Considering the threat, a team from Johar's Dharma Productions along with filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt and Vijay Singh of Fox Star Studios met Mumbai Police Commissioner Dattatray Padsalgikar and Joint Police Commissioner (law and order) Deven Bharti, and sought protection for the theatres to screen the film.
Mukesh is the president of Film & Television Producers Guild of India while Fox Star Studios is distributing the film.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Ashok Dudhe assured that "Mumbai police will provide adequate protection to cinema theatres as and when required.