Row over 'PK' slightly dents its collections

Actor Aamir Khan's recently released film "PK" has seen a string of controversies and this has slightly affected the box office collection of the film in a few pockets and has also got police protection at theaters.

Ashish Saksena, COO at BIG Cinemas, told IANS: " 'PK' has been doing well but from last two to three days there has been a downfall in the collections due to the controversies. But overall it's been doing great and nobody can deny that 'PK' is the biggest film ever."

However, it's also been said that once the censor board has passed the film, nothing can be changed.

Rajesh Thadani from Multimedia Combines said: "Censor Board is the ultimate authority and they have passed the film, so we should respect their decision."

After watching "PK", Hindutva groups Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad were so livid that they went on a rampage in Ahmedabad and Bhopal, smashing theatres screening the film. Also, members of the Bajrang Dal allegedly vandalised theatres in Ahmedabad and demanded a ban on the screening of the Aamir Khan starrer.

In Agra, a "PK" screening was disrupted by protesters who accused Aamir Khan of double standards and allegedly even asked him to move to Pakistan.

The film has also been affected in a few pockets elsewhere in the country.

Rajesh Thadani said: "Yes, the film has been affected in a few pockets like Gujarat, but as we rightly say controversies have added extra publicity to the film. So, it's only going to help the film in coming days."

"PK" has been getting police protection in multiplexes and single screens.

Vishal Anand, COO of Fun Cinemas, said: "The film is doing exceptionally well and these controversies have not affected the film at all. Yes, we have been getting police protection."

Adding to this, Thadani said: "Not just multiplexes, even single screens has been getting police protection."

Despite all the controversy, the film has managed to collect more that Rs.200 crore, which is outstanding.

Kamal Gianchandani, president of PVR Pictures, said: "The business has been usual and there has been no impact on the collections. The film has crossed Rs.200 crore, which is outstanding."

Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, "PK" also features Anushka Sharma among others. The film was released Dec 19.