'MNIK' released in Orissa amidst stray protests

Bhubaneswar, Feb 12 (IANS) Shah Rukh Khan-starrer "My Name is Khan" released all over Orissa Friday amidst stray protests by the Bajrang Dal. A large number of movie buffs were seen queuing for tickets despite the protests.

The Bajrang Dal protested the release of the movie in Berhampur town, where activists tore posters, burnt effigies of Shah Rukh and shouted slogans against him.

The screening of the movie has been stopped in Ashoka and Gautam talkies in Berhampur, 170 km from state capital Bhubaneswar. However, in other movie halls it was being screened with increased security.

The movie was released in 29 halls across the state, including three in Bhubaneswar, with extra policemen present.

One platoon of police has been deployed in each of the three cinema halls that were screening the movie in Bhubaneswar. All moviegoers were being thoroughly searched by the policemen before entry.

Some Bajrang Dal activists were arrested here when they were on their way to a movie hall to protest the screening, police said.

"I am a huge fan of Shah Rukh. I am not scared of the protests as police is there," said Liza Das.

Subhash Chouhan, national co-convenor of the Bajrang Dal, said: "We are protesting against the mindset of Shah Rukh, who is patronising the cause of Pakistani players for the Indian Premier League." Click the Movie button below for more info:
My Name is Khan