Film & TV Producers Guild Requests Exemption For ADHM & Raees

The Film and TV Producers Guild comes forward in support of ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ and ‘Raees’.

Shah Rukh Khan in a scene from the teaser of Raees. 

The Film and Television Producers Guild Of India has come forward in support of the release of the upcoming films Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Raees, however maintaining that the body stands in solidarity with the Indian government and the nation’s defence forces. The guild has stressed through a press release that the above mentioned films, which have already been shot, should not be held back from release, while future collaborations with Pakistani artistes could be brought to a halt.

The Guild in no uncertain terms confirms that the film industry stands in unison with the Government’s recent steps to counter terrorism and will naturally abide by any decision taken by the central government with regard to government’s future policy on issuance of work visa to foreign artistes; however, we would urge the government at the Centre as well as all the states to appreciate that the film producers who have already shot their films or are in the process of completing their unfinished films should not end up paying heavy price for no fault of theirs due to engaging the services of talent from across the border as these artistes were employed through proper legal channels prior to the recent escalation of hostilities. The Central Government has taken several steps in the past to foster cultural exchanges by inviting industry representatives to participate in the Government’s efforts to improve our relationship with Pakistan. 

Mukesh Bhatt, Filmmker and President of the Film and Television Producers Guild of India

Whilst reassuring the commitment of the guild and the film industry to abide by the decisions of the Government, and pledging its absolute support to the sacrosanct national interests, the association urged central and state governments to not only ensure the smooth release of collaborative projects including Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, as well as to guide the industry on the way forward with respect to having a mechanism in place for hiring talent from neighbouring countries.

The guild spoke up in defence of the mainstream projects involving Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar, after the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India refused to screen the films in single screens across the country.

Also Read: Bad News For ADHM, Raees: Films With Pak Actors Won’t Be Screened