NEW DELHI: The Film & Television Producers Guild of India Ltd today expressed “genuine concerns of all those film producers who have invested heavily in films featuring artistes from across the border.”

Even as it expressed unflinching support to the Central Government and its solidarity with the Armed Forces on their supreme sacrifice at URI and courage and valor displayed during the recent counter terrorism operations, it noted there had been some discourse in the media recently with regard to certain threats to disrupt the release of these movies.

The Guild which represents most of the active Hindi film producers there are many film producers who had either already shot their films or were in the process of completing their unfinished films prior to the escalation of hostilities with Pakistan, including Karan Johar’s soon to be released film ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ which has also been certified by the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC).

Similarly, there are many other films which are scheduled to be released in months ahead including ‘Dear Zindagi’ and ‘Raees’ which also feature artistes from across the border.

Guild President Mukesh Bhatt said, “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”.

He further added: “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”.

Whilst reassuring the commitment of the Guild and Film industry to abide by the decisions of the Government and pledging its absolute support to the sacrosanct national interests, the Guild urges the Central and State Governments to not only ensure smooth release of such films including ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’, as well as to guide the industry on the way forward with respect to the mechanism to be adopted in hiring or utilization of talent associated with our neighbours.

Meanwhile, the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India President Nitin Datar has requested all theaters to ban Karan Johar's film which stars Pak actor Fawad Khan, who was also seen in 'Kapoor and Sons' and earlier in 'Khoobsoorat' opposite Sonam Kapoor.