Marathi film removed to ‘make way for Saiyaara': MNS leader alleges discrimination, warns of protest
Khopkar alleged discrimination against Marathi cinema in Maharashtra, and particularly Mumbai, and warned that if regional films continued to be sidelined, his protests would escalate.
'I should not have to agitate for my own film,' Khopkar said, addressing a press conference in Mumbai. 'But if multiplexes continue to suppress Marathi cinema, do not be surprised if glass panels are broken,' he added.
The Sanjay Jadhav-directed Marathi film, Yere Yere Paisa 3, which released on July 18, was reportedly removed from several screens to make way for the Hindi film Saiyaara, which hit theatres the same day.
The decision has triggered criticism from the Marathi film fraternity and political leaders. The development has also come at a time when the state has witnessed protests and incidents of violence over the Marathi language.
Khopkar, a long-time advocate of regional representation in cinema halls, alleged a 'deliberate backlash' from multiplex owners. 'This is retaliation. Years ago, we fought for Marathi films to be screened in multiplexes. We succeeded. And now, they are hitting back,' he said.
In a pointed reference to Plaza cinema in Dadar, Khopkar said that all four daily shows were allotted to Saiyaara, leaving no space for the Marathi release. 'Even in the heart of Mumbai, there is no place for Marathi films,' he said.
Support for Khopkar came from across party lines. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said in a post on X, 'To accommodate Saiyaara, Yere Yere Paisa 3 has been sidelined. This has become routine. The fight for Marathi must intensify.'
The cinema wing of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena also staged a protest outside a PVR multiplex in Bandra, demanding that the rule mandating screening space for regional films be enforced.
'The state government must not remain a mute spectator,' Khopkar said. 'We are not going to the government with folded hands. It is the government's duty to ensure fair treatment for Marathi cinema.'
Khopkar also expressed disappointment at the lack of support from within the Marathi film industry. 'I have stood by this industry, even faced legal action for it. But today, no one is speaking up,' he said.
According to film trade sources, Yere Yere Paisa 3 opened to a decent response at the box office, but its shows were reduced in several multiplexes due to scheduling changes and screen availability.
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