Advance bookings of 'MNIK' stopped in Mumbai multiplexes

Multiplexes here have stopped the advance bookings for Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'My Name Is Khan' in the wake of voilent protests by Shiv Sena activists over the actor's remarks supporting the inclusion of Pakistani players in IPL.

Some of the cinema halls in the city had closed the bookings of the movie yesterday despite assurances from Maharashtra Government of providing security and they are yet to re-open the advance bookings. The Sena workers had attacked single screen theatres in Melund and Ghatkopar area.

"We have closed the bookings of the film at all our properties in Mumbai since yesterday due to the Shiv Sena threat of disrupting the screenings," sources at Cinemax multiplex said.

At Fame multiplexes too, bookings have not started.

Vishal Kapoor, COO of Fun Cinemas said the bookings were closed yesterday but with the police and government promise of adequate security, the bookings have re-opened today.

The Sena has renewed their threat to stall the release of the film after Khan declined to retract his statement favouring inclusion of Pakistani players in IPL-3.

"We will not allow the movie to be released. Shah Rukh should first apologise to Balasaheb (Thackeray) and then only we can talk with him," Sena leader Manohar Joshi said.

Chief Minister Ashok Chavan held a meeting with Home Minister R R Patil and senior police officials as well as exhibitors and assured them that the film as well as the cinema theatres will be protected.

As precautionary measure, the police have arrested about 1000 Shiv Sena workers.