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Recent reports have shown the ban on Pakistani artistes in India escalate to a larger issue with Karan Johar in the thick of the fray.

Earlier, Indian publications stated that KJo's Ae DIl Hai Mushkil is not going to be screened at independent screens in India because it features Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. Having invested INR 55 crore on Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, the director may incur a large loss if not played on small-screens.

But has this romantic drama really been banned? Indian Express spoke to Nitin Datar, President Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India’s (COEAI) to clarify the confusion.

"There is no ban. We have only suspended the release of films where Pakistani artists or technicians are connected. Our decision is that we will not screen or release the movies in our cinemas," he says.

And while the association has the right whether to release any film or not, this right is also in the hands of the distributor, whether to give the film to certain exhibitors or not.

However, Nitin points out that this suspension is only a 'request', and all members of the association are not bound to follow through with the decision: "This is a request to all our members to not screen the film keeping in mind the sentiments of the Indian public.

"It’s been happening for the last one month in the wake of the Uri attacks and cross-border firing. The sentiments of public are against Pakistani films. Pakistan has already banned our Hindi content on satellite. We haven’t done that. We have taken the decision to suspend films featuring Pakistani actors, given patriotic sentiments of our public. The public will be happy that the association took such a decision."

Though Karan Johar will be suffering the loss, the COEAI President retaliates saying that their cinemas will also subsequently face the brunt of the suspension - their decision comes from a fear of public outrage.

"What will happen if theatres are damaged? Is Karan Johar going to compensate? Who will compensate the damages done?" he questions. "It is Diwali period and government cannot give protection to all cinema screens. People can enter the cinema and inflict damages."

Indian exhibitor and distributor Akshay Rathi, who also owns a few theatres across the border tells First Post his experience with Aamir Khan's PK which received backlash from extremist Hindu groups: "We will see, we will take a call three days before the release about which film will have how many shows. My cinema was damaged during the release of PK and at that time no exhibitors’, distributors' or producers’ association stood by me."

Whether the film is suspended from being screened at cinemas, Rathi explains that Ae Dil Hai Mushkil cannot be stopped from being released in the country unless the government steps in.

"Of course, ADHM will release," he says. "Legally, the only entities that can stop a film from releasing are the CBFC and the court of law and neither of the two have called for it yet. It’s extortion in the name of patriotism. It’s criminal. Any ban on a film by a political outfit, association or organisation is illegal. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Dear Zindagi and Raees were being made when we were applauding our prime minister for his amazing show of statesmanship by visiting Nawaz Sharif. To play, watch a film or not, knowing the potential risks and repercussions is every individual exhibitor's and movie-goer's decision. Period."

If the suspension follows through with small-screen cinemas not screening Ae Dil Hai Mushkil — bear in mind, this is only for Mumbai — Indian film distributor Rajesh Thadani says, "Whatever is the business of the film in the Mumbai territory, the film can suffer at least 25% loss. It depends on how many theatres abide by the decision."

Which means a loss of INR 5-6 crore for Karan Johar.

Trade analyst Amul Mohan reveals that Fox studios has started distributing the film in advance as the issue escalates.

"The film is distributed by Fox studios and they have already started distributing on advance money basis. It will not be easy for distributors to say no to them. Also, it is important to understand that for theatres, it is not about rejecting one Dharma Production film but saying no to many Fox films, which include many Hollywood movies as well."

So far the film is confirmed for its scheduled release date, Oct 28th.