Phathaan’ faces protests in Odisha, Kalinga Sena political outfit urge people to boycott movie

By Swagatika Bhutia

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 26: Shah Rukh Khan starrer latest movie ‘Pathaan’ which has faced boycott calls in many parts of the country, on Wednesday encountered similar fate in Odisha capital Bhubaneswar.

In Bhubaneswar, the members of Kalinga Sena, a fringe political outfit, staged a demonstration in front of some theatres to protest against the movie. The activists urged people not to watch the ‘Pathaan’ movie and even tore the posters of the film at Keshari Hall in the capital city.

“The youth are getting influenced by the vulgarity shown in the film by the actors including Deepika Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan. Everybody across the country is aware of the way obscenity was promoted through ‘Besharam’ rang song’s release,” said Kalinga Sena chief Hemanta Rath.

He urged upon people of all sections to come forward to boycott Pathaan movie for “brazen portrayal of obscenity.”

Despite the raging protests, several fans of King Khan gave thumbs up to the movie.

“I liked and enjoyed the movie. As it is after a gap of several years that a movie of Shah Rukh Khan has hit the theatres, we were eagerly waiting for its release,” said Ramakanta Behera, a student.

Rita Mohapatra, another student, said, “There is absolutely no vulgarity in the movie. There are absolutely no bold scenes in the movie and everybody can watch it with family members.”

Not only Bhubaneswar, many religious organisations also staged demonstrations against the screening of Pathaan in different parts of the country on Wednesday.