In the backdrop of MNS’ threat to block all films featuring the Bachchans in Maharashtra, the producer of the Amitabh Bachchan starrer The Last Lear Tuesday said it will go ahead with the release as scheduled this week.
Talking to reporters in Mumbai, CEO of Planman Motion Pictures Shubho Shekhar Bhattacharjee said there was panic initially but hoped everything will be in the right place soon.
"Posters of the film were pulled down in some parts of the city. But I don’t think there will be any fallout later this week. Film is a work of art. Why vandalise it," he asked.
Bhattacharjee said a personal problem between two individuals should have been settled at that level itself.
"We are a democracy and only the censor board has the right to stall or clear a film. We have spoken to our legal advisors, state administration and the police. We have been assured of full protection," he said.
Delay in the film’s release is not a viable option for us, Bhattacharjee added.
"We may lose money in Mumbai initially if audiences do not come to the theatres out of fear. But we are prepared to take the risk," he said.
"The Last Lear", made with a budget of Rs 10 crore, is releasing only in 100 theatres across the country.
"We will gauge the audience’s response in the first week and then go for more prints. We are not releasing it with Hindi sub-titles. The spoken English in the film is like how we speak in our daily life. It is not American or British accent which Indians will not understand," Bhattacharjee said.
