Mumbai multiplexes restart advance booking for My Name Is Khan

Multiplexes today reopened advance booking for Shah Rukh Khan's new film 'My Name Is Khan', a day after suspending it, following Maharashtra Government's assurance to provide adequate security to cinema theaters here.

"Advance booking of 'My Name..' has started again after police intervened in the matter and ensured tight security to all theatres," Minister of State for Home Ramesh Bagwe told reporters here.

Despite the government assurance of providing security to cinema halls screening the movie which releases on February 12, some multiplexes had closed advance bookings yesterday, fearing violent protest from Shiv Sena.

"As per law, compensation for damaging the properties (of theatres) would be sought from Sena, if required," Bagwe said.

Police have arrested over 1,200 Shiv Sainiks, some of them office-bearers, since yesterday after they stepped up protest against the film over the actor's 'Pakistan -players-for IPL-3' remarks last month.

"My Name Is Khan" has been under the Shiv Sena scanner ever since superstar Shah Rukh made comments in favour of the inclusion of Pakistani cricketers in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Shah Rukh is co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders team.

Shiv Sena leaders had unofficially backed down from the protests against the film Saturday, prompting Shah Rukh to tell reporters he was glad the party understood his point of view. But the U-turn came quickly.

According to Sena spokesperson Neelam Gorhe, the party had "a difference of opinion" with Shah Rukh and his new movie and the party activists were spontaneously reacting in this regard.