Banned by Exhibitors Association, ADHM gets strong support from Producers’ Guild

Even as the news about Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India (COWAI) banning the exhibition of films with Pakistani artists came through, the Film and Television Producers Guild of India (FTPGI) has expressed support for the release of films with Pakistani artists that have already been completed. 

The statement said, “There are many film producers who have either already shot their films, or are in the process of completing their unfinished films, prior to the escalation of hostilities with our neighbors, including Karan Johar’s soon to be released film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil which has also been certified by the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC). Similarly, there are many other films which are scheduled to be released in months ahead including ‘Dear Zindagi’ and ‘Raees’, which also feature artistes from across the border.”

Mukesh Bhatt, President of FTPGI said, “The Guild in no uncertain terms confirms that the film industry stands in unison with the Government’s recent steps to counter terrorism, and will naturally abide by any decision taken by the central government with regard to government’s future policy on issuance of work visa to foreign artistes. However, we would urge the government at the Centre as well as all the states to appreciate that the film producers who have already shot their films, or are in the process of completing their unfinished films, should not end up paying heavy price for no fault of theirs due to engaging the services of talent from across the border as these artistes were employed through proper legal channels prior to the recent escalation of hostilities.”

He further added, “The Central Government has taken several steps in the past to foster cultural exchanges by inviting industry representatives to participate in the Government’s efforts to improve our relationship with Pakistan.”

Whilst reassuring the commitment of the Guild and Film industry to abide by the decisions of the Government and pledging its absolute support to the sacrosanct national interests, the Guild urges the Central and State Governments to not only ensure smooth release of such films including Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, as well as to guide the industry on the way forward with respect to the mechanism to be adopted in hiring or utilization of talent associated with our neighbours.