KFCC restricts 'Ghajini' screening

Bangalore, Dec 27 (IANS) Taking strong exception to the way Aamir Khan-starrer "Ghajini" was released throughout the state in violation of its guidelines, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has limited the number of theatres where it can be screened.

Mars Suresh, vice president of KFCC, said the issue was discussed in a meeting that lasted till late Friday and the film's distributors were advised to take corrective steps immediately.

"We called the film's distributors to a meeting and advised them that they have not followed the self-regulation code of the film chamber. Since they have breached this code, we wanted them to make amends," Suresh told IANS.

"Accordingly they are withdrawing the film in some of the theatres from the second week. The film was released in a number of theatres in the state, far exceeding the number prescribed by the film chamber," said Suresh.

PVR Cinemas and well-known film distributor Basha are the distributors of the film in the Old Mysore area of Karnataka.

According to the self-regulation code of the chamber, non-Kannada films have to be released in 13 single screen theatres and four multiplexes in Bangalore city. And it can only be released in four other theatres in the Old Mysore distribution area.

"Ghajini" has been released in 40 theatres in the Old Mysore area. The film has also been released in 11 centres in northern Karnataka.

At the Friday meeting, the executive committee of the chamber advised the distributors of "Ghajini" to deposit the first week's share amount accrued from the 19 theatres where the film has been released in excess of the stipulated number of theatres prescribed by the KFCC.

It has also advised the distributors to discontinue the screening of the film in the 19 theatres which have violated KFCC guidelines. It has also decided to give notice to all the exhibitors for screening the film without referring the matter to the KFCC.

The Hyderabad segment distributor has released the film in the districts of Raichur, Gulbarga, Koppal and Bidar, which comprise the Hyderabad Karnataka distribution area.

The release of "Ghajini" in over 60 centres in the state is one of the highest for any non-Kannada film. This has angered Kannada film producers.

Even in centres like Shimoga, Chitradurga, Tumkur where Hindi films are not normally released, Aamir Khan's film has taken a terrific opening thanks to a publicity blitz.

Two Kannada films were released along with "Ghajini" Thursday, but it was the Hindi film which opened with full houses.

"Ghajini" has seen controversy on other fronts as well, when suits were filed in the Bombay and Madras high courts to stop its release. The courts however permitted it to hit the theatres Thursday.

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