Mumbai: There was tight security outside the multiplexes and cinema halls screening Padmaavat on Thursday but the fear of Shri Rajput Karni Sena, seems to have discouraged many from watching the film.
Owners of single-screen theatres said that there was only 15 per cent collection of the movie on opening day in Mumbai and Pune till 5 pm. While the city's multiplexes saw 45 per cent collection till 7 pm. Several multiplex owners said the collections of the movie were lower than expected.
Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India stated that cine-goers are scared of drawing the Karni Sena’s wrath. “Very few viewers turned up today. There is no law and order situation in Mumbai and Pune, yet it has not helped in bringing the audience to the theatres,” said Deepak Kudale, a member of Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India.
Those who watched the movie said that there is no distortion of history or any kind of insult to the community. Harshali Kothari (52), a housewife said, “It’s a family movie. I am a Rajasthani and I did not find anything offensive in the film.”
“There has been good response from the audience who come to multiplexes. We hope the collection will increase in the coming days,” said Ravi Sibbal, manager of PVR Juhu.
