MNS threatens protests if Hirkani is not screened

Mumbai: A day after voting for the Assembly polls, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has threatened multiplexes with a “MNS-style” agitation if the Marathi film Hirkani is not given screens.

The party has alleged that Hirkani is being denied screens because of its release on the same day as Akshay Kumar’s Housefull 4.

MNS workers will meet multiplex owners Wednesday and put forth their demand.

In a letter written to theatre owners, MNS cine wing said that if screens are not made available they will deal with the situation in “special MNS style”.

"... If you do not understand this language we will make you understand in our special language..." read the letter from MNS cinema wing.

According to the Raj Thackeray-led party, Hirkani is failing to secure screens at multiplexes because Housefull 4, starring Akshay Kumar, Ritesh Kumar, Bobby Deol, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Rana Dagubatti is releasing the same day.

Hirkani is directed by Prasad Oak and the writer-screenplay writer is Chinmay Mandlekar. Actress Sonali Kulkrani is the main protagonist.

The film revolves round a milkmaid named Hirkani during the time of Shivaji Maharaj, who overcame all odds to reach her child after the gates of Raigad fort were closed for the day.

After Shivaj Maharaj came to know about her bravery, he felicitated her by naming the bastion she climbed to reach her child after her.

Earlier in the year, the MNS had opposed the Marathi-dubbed version of the Akshay-starrer Mission Mangal.

The MNS cine wing in a statement had said that the dubbed-version of the film will lead to unfair competition for the regional films.

During the Lok Sabha election this year, the party had also opposed the screening of Vivek Oberoi-starrer PM Narendra Modi, citing violation of the model code of conduct.