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MUMBAI : Bollywood's latest offering "My Name is Khan" is doing well in the United States.
The movie, which stars Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, raked in US$2.3 million in its first four days in the US.
Back home in India, however, the movie has sparked outrage because of comments made by the actor.
The extreme right wing party, Shiv Sena, based in Mumbai has taken offence to Shah Rukh Khan's statement on India-Pakistan relations.
Shah Rukh had earlier stated that cricket players of Pakistani origin should be allowed to play in India.
Party workers of Shiv Sena have since torn posters of his movie "My Name is Khan" and are threatening movie theatres against showing the film.
Police have arrested nearly 300 Shiv Sena members so that the movie screening is not disrupted.
"Somewhere one is mixing entertainment, arts and politics in what we say because we are given a public platform to talk. I think there is a bit of agenda and politics in this, which I think is not right but we can't escape it. I think films and film people come on the public platform so often, they will find themselves on the wrong side of politics sometimes," said Shah Rukh.
The movie industry is throwing its support behind the actor.
Many film stars have posted messages online on social networking sites backing Shah Rukh's stand.
They are encouraging fans to watch the movie without fear.
The film's director, Karan Johar has also been given police protection.
"I think this topic has been stretched too far, I think its time to talk about peace, and to talk about harmony. Rather than keep hinting on something, which is not going to get you or me anywhere. So please let's talk about peace and harmony and I hope that it exists. Everything is working out fine," said veteran Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachan.
This is not the first time Indian film stars have had to face the wrath of political parties.
Superstar Aamir Khan's movie "Fanaa" was banned in the state of Gujarat in 2006 when he spoke against government policies.
Actor Hrithik Roshan too irked a community in Rajasthan two years ago as they claimed his movie "Jodha Akbar" had twisted historical facts.
Trade analysts say the controversy is unlikely to affect the movie's box-office performance much as it has reported good advance bookings.
Plain clothes police officers have been deployed at cinema theatres in Mumbai to ensure trouble-free screenings of the film.
- CNA/ha
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