Multiplex theatre owners seems to have gone on the backfoot after so much of pressure mounting on them from all sides. First, it was MNS flexing their arms against their step motherly attititude towards screening of Marathi films. Then the Shiv Sena also entering into the fray by filing a third party petition in court on this issue. But, now the Home Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. R. R. Patil has taken quick steps to sort out this sensitive issue.

The State Government has now decided to make it mandatory for Multiplexes in city to give Marathi films the prime slots. As per the new

guidelines issued, Multiplexes would even lose their licenses, if they give secondary treatment to Marathi Cinema. A meeting was called by the Home Minister with the representatives of Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandal and the Multiplex owners, when several issues were discussed. To address the complex problems, the state government has decided to constitute a committee to sort them out and to come out with recommendations. “However, henceforth, the permission for new multiplexes will be sanctioned only if they reserve a separate screen for Marathi movies,’ assured the Home Minister.