Fans have been waiting in queues to watch Shah Rukh Khan's much-awaited comeback film, Pathaan, which was released in India today. The Siddharth Anand directorial, which also stars Deepika Padukone and John Abraham in pivotal roles, sold millions of tickets in advanced sales.
The cinemagoers, cast and makers were hopeful for Khan's film to have an easy release after several Indian ministers claimed that security will be provided to guard the theatres. However, according to IANS, as many as 30 Hindu rioters were booked for indulging in violence and attempting to stall the screening of the film in theatres of this Karnataka district on Wednesday.
According to the publication, the Hindu far-right protestors stormed Swaroopa and Narthaki theaters and tore the posters of the movie. The rioters condemned the release of Khan's film despite the boycott call and tore down banners. Security has been tightened in the surrounding areas of the theatres.
It was further reported that Khadebazar police in Belagavi have registered a case against 30 Hindu rioters and detained a few. "The police department has also deployed a platoon of the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) near theatres," the report added. "Belagavi South constituency BJP MLA Abhay Patil condemned the release of the movie and urged to stop exhibition of the movie."
The MLA had said, "They should understand the feelings of the people and stop the screening of the film. Release of such movies will spoil the atmosphere in the society. The protest has begun today. Women are opposing the release of the movie, the distributor must stop shows."
Pathaan has been released across that state and is being screened without any trouble in other regions, including the capital Bengaluru.
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