Aamir Khan's Fanaa finally gets a green signal in Gujarat

Defying all kinds of political pressure and a long dispute the first screening of so-called politically banned Aamir Khan "� Kajol starrer Fanaa took place at Amber Theatre in Jamnagar on Tuesday.

The release of the film in Amber cinema has stolen the thunder from the bigger multiplexes which had believed so far that the film would be released simultaneously across the state only after Aamir Khan apologised to the people of Gujarat.

Amber is owned by Vimal Madam and his uncle Vikram Madam, a Congress MP of Jamnagar Constituency. Despite protests carried out by BJP members, the screening received an overwhelming response from the audience.

The BJP members couldn't succeed in totally banning the movie in the state. With a meager force of 14 party activists, BJP leaders protesting over Fanna made their way to Amber Cinema at Jamanagar, but were restricted outside the cinema hall by police and personal security.

Manahar Gala, BJP Counsellor & Jamnagar Municipal Corporation Mayor who led the protesters, while speaking to Business Standard said, "I firmly condemn the screening of this movie in a theatre owned by the Congress MP, as the lead actor of the movie has insulted the state of Gujarat by unnecessarily creating turmoil over Narmada Dam issue."

Despite repeated phone call threats received from the Youth BJP wing for not screening Fanna, Vimal Madam and his uncle had firmly decided to screen the movie.

Vikram said, "Jamnagar being the worst hit district as far as water crisis are concerned, if at all Aamir had made any anti-Gujarat versions in context to Narmada dam issue, we would have not screened the movie. But this has now become an ego issue between Aamir Khan and Youth BJP, so why should we be the victim of it, after-all this is a business for us."

"Why did nobody protest when Amitabh Bachchan and other leading bollywood personalities supported Fanna," added Madam.

All three shows witnessed having houseful status, said Vimal Madam.

Dimple Panchal, medical Student and a movie buff said, "Last time when we viewed the posters of the movie at Amber Theatre, we made our way to the theatre but had to return back without viewing the movie, as the screening of Fanna was protested heavily."

Multiplex owners feel that even if the film is released this week, it would not have the charm of a new release since pirated VCDs and DVDs are doing brisk business in the state.

Ashok Purohit, Owner of Multiplex said, "The multiplex association and the theatre associations are different organisations. We have already lined up three new releases for this friday and will not be screening fanaa irrespective of any new developments."