Click to play videoMumbai: Maharashtra government is going all out to ensure that Shiv Sena cannot disrupt Shah Rukh Khan's film My Name Is Khan in the state.
The state government has cancelled the leave for the entire police force as it aims at securing the release of My Name Is Khan and send out a tough message to the Shiv Sena that it will crack down on the politics of vandalism.
Five companies of the State Reserve Police Force have also been called in and deployed in Mumbai after Shiv Sena activists vandalised publicity material for the film on Tuesday.
Shah Rukh and the Shiv Sena have had a running battle of words after the Thackerays criticised the actor for speaking in favour of Pakistani players in the IPL.
"We have an assurance from Shivanandan that we will have foolproof protection everywhere. There is no issue and the film is releasing," said film director Karan Johar.
"Some theatres have started advance booking and we have assured them protection. In fact we have already started protection at some places where advance booking are going on," said Mumbai Police Joint Commissioner Himanshu Roy.
But the new provocation by Shiv Sena has again turned this into a political fight.
The Maharashtra Congress, riding high after Rahul Gandhi's visit to Mumbai, is looking to go all out against the Shiv Sena.
Sources say the cancellation of leaves of all policemen is the strongest signal of the strategy that no violation of law and order will be tolerated.
The political and police administration of the state has strategised on the security set up, not just in Mumbai, but also in Pune, Nagpur and Nashik - potential trouble spots for the film.
Chief Minister Ashok Chavan will also meet theatre owners and assure them of all possible protection despite Sena mouthpiece Saamna saying that there will be no more disruptions.
"We will see that the film will be released smoothly and that there is no law and order problem. I have asked the police commissioner to ask a meeting of distributors and theater owners, talks to them and see that adequate police security is provided all over the state where ever it is required. Today was the initial meeting and tomorrow I will also meet them," said Chavan
The Shiv Sena, party sources say, is also counter-strategising.
The film opens in Mumbai on later in the week and is already promising to be a real political potboiler - much more than the makers and stars of the film intended.
But the obvious question an average Mumbaikar will be asking - should a film be given more protection than the citizens.
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