Aamir's 'Fanaa' withdrawn from Guj theatre

Jamnagar, June 12: The management of Ambar Cinema Hall today decided to withdraw the screening of Aamir Khan starrer ''Fanaa'' with immediate effect, citing public demand and following the alleged self-immolation attempt by a youth yesterday.

Local MP Vikarmbhai Madam, who owns the cinema, told UNI that he had decided to suspend the screening of film on the advice of film producer Yash Chopra, who reportedly spoke to him after the immolation incident.

''I am not going to bow down to the threat of BJP, but took the decision considering all aspects,'' Mr Madam said.

Despite opposition by some sections of the public as well as from the BJP, Mr Madam decided to screen the controversial film last Tuesday. He claimed there was ''good response'' from the public. BJP Gujarat leadership have been opposing the screening of the film in the state in the wake of Mr Khan's support to Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) leaders.

They had even demanded an apology from Mr Khan whose remarks evoked much protest in other states, including Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Film personalities moved to the Supreme Court to seek protection.

Yesterday, a 20-year-old youth -- Pravin Gopal Joshi -- tried to immolate himself at Ambar cinema hall during a regular show of 'Fanaa' in protest against the filmstar joining the anti-Narmada bandwagon. Joshi, hailing from the port town of Porbandar, about 200 km from here, tried to immolate himself by pouring kerosene on him inside the toilet of Ambar Cinema Hall.

He was admitted to Guru Govind Singh Civil Hospital here with 55 per cent burn injuries and continued to be in a critical condition. Police were investigating the case.

Jamnagar is the only city in Gujarat which had been screening 'Fanaa' at Ambar Cinema Hall. Multiplex as well as cinema hall owners across the state had boycotted the film considering ''public sentiments''.

Even though the Supreme Court had directed the Gujarat government to provide adequate security to the cinema halls screening the movie, no other theatre was willing to take the risk.

UNI