MNIK smooth release not political stunt: Chavan

Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan today said that his government's move to ensure smooth release of Shah Rukh Khan's 'MNIK' in the backdrop of Shiv Sena¿s threat to stall it was not a 'political stunt'.

Chavan shared stage with Shah Rukh at the inauguration of FICCI-FRAMES conference here for the first time after last month's controversy over the film's release in Maharashtra.

The government can't react to every development. But, when things go beyond a point and democracy is at stake, the government has to intervene, he said.

When a film which has already obtained a certificate from the Censor Board need not succumb to pressures, he said.

The Chief Minister thanked people of Mumbai and Maharashtra for not allowing a second censor board (Sena's diktat). He assured total support to the film industry in terms of policy and infrastructure in the state.

Chavan also sought co-ordination from FICCI to address the grievances and problems faced by the industry.

Shah Rukh said it was only because of Chavan that his film got distributed and released in Maharashtra.

Yash Chopra, chairman of the FICCI Entertainment committee said the film industry has made plans to celebrate the centenary of Indian cinema in 2013.