‘Dilwale’ still eludes Mangalureans

Mangaluru: The Shah Rukh Khan starrer, ‘Dilwale’ is drawing accolades across the country but Mangalureans are yet to  have a glimpse of the film despite the police department providing protection to three multiplexes in the city on Friday.

 

The screening of ‘Dilwale’ was stopped on December 20 after activists, allegedly from right wing organizations, protested  in front of cinema halls. These outfits had started targeting Shah Rukh after his comments on rising intolerance in the country.

 

Two days ago, the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner assured police security to cinemas if they needed it, which was reiterated by the City Police Commissioner. On Friday around 4 pm, Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) personnel were posted outside the three theatres to ensure miscreants did not disrupt the movie. 

 

Police sources said that they would provide security but screening of the movie was left to the discretion of the cinema hall owners. 

 

None of the three theatres screened ‘Dilwale.’ 

 

The reply movie buffs got at the counters was, ‘Sorry sir….. we are not screening the movie.’ 

 

Officials at one theatre said that they had many new movies lined up for screening including a Tulu movie this week.

 

Meanwhile Kadri police have registered a FIR against 22 people for online abuse of activist Vidya Dinker, who had taken on those who opposed the release of the movie. Sources said that a case has been registered against Bajrang Dal leader Puneeth Raj Kottari and 21 others. It is said that Puneeth had posted his views on his facebook account while others posted comments on the ‘Veera Kesari,’ page.