CM, police chief assure proper security for 'MNIK'

Facing Shiv Sena threat ahead of the release of 'My Name Is Khan', filmmaker Karan Johar met Mumbai Police Commissioner D Sivanandan, who assured him that adequate security will be provided.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan also promised a smooth release of the Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol starrer, set to hit theatres this Friday.

Notwithstanding Sena supremo Bal Thackeray stating that the film's release will not be disrupted, movie posters were removed at some places in the city.

The Sena had earlier threatened to stall the screening of the film, protesting Khan's support for inclusion of Pakistani players in the upcoming IPL.

Chavan said he had told the Police Commissioner to ensure full proof security arrangements. "The distributors and exhibitors are also in touch with me. We will see that the film runs smoothly. There should not be any law and order problem."

Johar, who has directed and co-produced the film with Khan, met Sivanandan along with film's distributor, FOX Searchlight and multiplex owners, to seek protection for the audience and theatres screening the movie.

"Adequate security personnel will be deployed at theatres where the film will be screened in the city. We have assured full protection to the distributors, exhibitors and to film maker Karan Johar," Joint Commissioner of Police Himanshu Roy said.

"Their concern was that there were some moves by some political parties suggesting ban on the film. They told us that they have received some calls (threatening) in this regard," Roy said.

If required, viewers might be asked to produce their identity cards before entering the theatre, Roy said adding that a final call in this regard will be taken later.

The 37-year-old Johar said he met the police chief to get a personal assurance on the smooth release of his film.

"We came here to get a personal assurance on the security concerns regarding the screening of the movie and the police have assured us full security. The movie will be released on the scheduled date and advance bookings are open nationwide," he told reporters after the meeting.

'My Name Is Khan' centres around a Muslim man from India with Asperger's Syndrome (a form of autism). He falls for Mandira (Kajol), a successful Hindu single mother but the lives of this couple get impacted in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks in the US.

Khan and Kajol, one of Bollywood's most successful onscreen pair, have come together after a gap of eight years in the film. They were last seen together in 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham', also directed by Johar.

Source: http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/CM--police-chief-assure-proper-security-for--MNIK-/577556/