Police assure full security for 'MNIK' release

Mumbai, 9 Feb: Filmmaker Karan Johar was today assured by Mumbai Police Commissioner D Sivanandan that his upcoming film My Name is Khan will have "full protection" ahead of its release on 12 February.

The Shah Rukh Khan starrer faces threat from Shiv Sena after the party took objection to actor's comments supporting the inclusion of Pakistani players in IPL.

"We came here with the exhibitors to get a personal assurance from the police. Everything is on board and we will be releasing the film on 12 February. Advances opened yesterday and continue to open today," the 37-year-old filmmaker told reporters after a meeting with Sivanandan.

Fearing a backlash by Shiv Sena workers, film director Karan Johar, distributors and exhibitors today met Police Commissioner D Sivanandan seeking personal assurance.

"We have an assurance from Sivanandan saheb that we will have full protection at all places and locations. There is no issue and it's all fine."

Adequate security will be provided across various theatres in the city to ensure the peaceful release of Shah Rukh Khan starrer My Name is Khan, the police said today.

"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 are some political parties suggesting that the film be banned or not be released. They told us that they have received some calls (threatening) in this regard," Roy said.

"Security to some people might be provided," he said refusing to divulge the names of those who would be given special protection.

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


(PTI)