Indian political party MNS gives green signal for Ae Dil Hai Mushkil release

After a month of turbulence, a video message and a meeting with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, Karan Johar's film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil will finally see a release without running into trouble with the political party.

Times of India reported that director Karan Johar held a meeting with Indian political party MNS's chief Raj Thackeray along with Film & Television Producers Guild of India president Mukesh Bhatt and Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday to discuss the fate of ADHM on its release on October 28.

The discussion proved fruitful for the director. However, as per their meeting, he, nor any other Indian filmmaker work with Pakistani artists in the future.

"Karan Johar will display a slate of tribute for Uri martyrs before Ae Dil Hai Mushkil starts. We have assured the CM that the producers guild and any filmmaker will not work with any Pakistani artist in the future," said Mukesh Bhatt after the meeting.

On the safe release of the film across India, Bhatt said: "We requested him to give us assurance along with the chief minister of the state that law and order will be intact and our movie ADHM which is releasing on October 28 should not face any difficulty.

"They have assured us whatever support we want he will provide to us. He said that he will talk to chief ministers of the states so that the law and order remains in place and violence does not take place near theatres. Full security will be given to all exhibitors. The way we celebrate Diwali, (We want) everyone get entertained and celebrate it with happiness."

He added that Producer's Guild will also donate to the Army Welfare Fund. "We owe this to the Army," he said.

As per latest reports, Indian producers who have worked with Pakistani artists will have to donate a hefty sum to the Army Relief Fund and will be required to sign a contract ensuring they will not work with Pakistani talent.

Earlier, India's Home Minister Rajnath Singh granted ADHM a '100% safe and secure' release in light of the recent MNS protests and attacks. This decision was days after Karan Johar's video stating that he will "not engage with talent from the neighbouring country."

The protests have been a part of a large-scale boycott of Pakistani artists working in India, especially films Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Raees, featuring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, respectively, following the Uri attack last month.