Kaante dodges Shiv Sena thorn, courtesy Big B

The Shiv Sena has sought to distance itself from the call for a boycott of Kaante given by the Jaipur unit of the party. With family friend ...

The Shiv Sena has sought to distance itself from the call for a boycott of Kaante given by the Jaipur unit of the party. With family friend Amitabh Bachchan starring in the film, Sena chief Bal Thackeray has reportedly asked all shakhas not to disrupt the screenings.

According to sources, the party leadership has denied any knowledge of the Jaipur unit’s plan for a stir and have told the cadre not to enforce such ban calls without consulting Thackeray.

Thackeray has also directed son Uddhav, nephew Raj and other leaders not to issue any statement in this regard, said a senior party functionary.

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The Jaipur unit of the Sena has been protesting against the film, alleging that it was funded by the underworld. The film is produced by Sena MP Pritish Nandy’s company and US businessman Raju Patel. Nandy too has issued a strong denial regarding the allegations.

Amitabh Bachchan, a friend of Thackeray, had a prolonged meeting with him recently, regarding the controversy generated and the boycott call, party sources said. It is learnt that during the meeting, Thackeray denied any knowledge of a call by the Jaipur unit. He assured Bachchan that the Sainiks would not disrupt the screenings.

Agency reports quoting police said that the film had a smooth release today in 13 theatres in Jaipur. ‘‘As long as Amitabh is in a film, there is no chance of the Sainiks disrupting the screenings. So, this ban call is a direct violation of Balasaheb’s personal friendship code,’’ said a senior Sena leader.

Kaante, directed by Sanjay Gupta, is a remake of the English film, Reservoir Dogs. The film ran into a series of problems and its Diwali release was stalled.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said the designation gives law enforcement “enhanced powers to combat a group that has instilled fear through violence and intimidation”.

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