Fanaa row has different scripts in Gujarat, MP

The row over Fanaa provides one more example of how Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat differ in their approach to the Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada river...

The row over Fanaa provides one more example of how Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat differ in their approach to the Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada river, described by both states as their lifeline.

While the movie was not screened in Gujarat, it was smooth sailing for the Aamir Khan-starrer in MP, barring a minor protest in Jabalpur. While the dam always whips up passion in Gujarat, MP provides the perfect contrast.

Even in Jabalpur the protest was symbolic. The movie will be screened from Saturday and the decision to suspend today8217;s shows was taken as a precaution.

While the BJP Yuva Morcha volunteers in Gujarat went as far as threatening to boycott products endorsed by Aamir Khan, their counterparts in MP have no stand on the issue at all. 8216;8216;We have no opinion on the issue, speak to the party8217;s state president,8217;8217; Yuva Morcha chief Dhiraj Pateria said. Washing his hands of the Jabalpur protest. he added: 8216;8216;We were not involved, nor do we have any plans.8217;8217;

The party8217;s stand was no different. BJP spokesman Umashankar Gupta said,8216;8216;I have no comments to make. I will speak to the president to know if the party has taken any stand.8217;8217;

The movie, which was released in at least 10 theatres across MP, did brisk business on the first day. The movie was screened in four theatres in Indore, two each in Bhopal and Gwalior and one each in Ujjain and Ratlam. 8216;8216;The response was very good in Bhopal,8217;8217; said Rajdhani Cine Exhibitors8217; Association president Randhir Singh. 8216;8216;We don8217;t foresee any trouble,8217;8217; he added.

Rajya Sabha MP Sushma Swaraj, who was in Bhopal, said: 8216;8216;The people in Gujarat were feeling hurt by Aamir8217;s stand. If they won8217;t go to watch the movie what can the government do. I spoke to CM Narendra Modi and he said he was ready to provide protection if someone wanted to screen the movie.8217;8217;

8211;milindghatwaiexpressindia.com