Film episode lowers our prestige

Following an agreement with the bully and the Maharashtra government, which flagrantly remained silent as the bully exhibited his goon power, Karan Johar’s film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, featuring Pakistani actors, will now release as scheduled. But Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray made Mr Johar grovel, and the latter swallowed his pride as crores were locked in the film.

But the nasty episode has made our much-vaunted democracy a laughing stock because a far right violent party was permitted by the government to have its way. Pakistani terrorists killed Indian soldiers at an Army camp in Uri because they could do so with ease. The camp was not adequately guarded and recommendations in this regard went unattended by the government. After 10 days of indecision, India sent an attack team to take out terrorist launchpads across the LoC. This was enough for the MNS to threaten Mr Johar’s film, which had Pakistani actors.

The sub-text was we are at war with Pakistan. But, are we? Has trade stopped? Have our diplomats been asked to return? When fully normal ties resume, should the MNS tender Mr Johar, the film community, and our public, an apology? Film people are soft targets and a show of bravado just helped the MNS. The BJP government should have unleashed the full force of the law against MNS and protected the artistes.