Shah Rukh`s pep talk to exhibitors carried the day for ‘MNIK’

Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan`s pep talk to multiplex owners Thursday night helped them overcome the jitters and release `My Name Is Khan` despite Shiv Sena`s threats to disrupt the screening.Bollywood superstar`s persuasive skills were put to test during the 45-minute telephonic conversation he had with the exhibitors before they finally gave a thumbs up for the opening.

As anxious multiplex owners went into a huddle the night before the release to take a final call, Khan came on line from Berlin, where he was for the movie`s premiere, to address their security concerns. The phone was kept on speaker. "Go ahead with the screening, I will take care of your losses," Khan said reassuringly, according to one of the exhibitors who was present. The superstar also argued with them to trust the government and Chief Minister Ashok Chavan who had promised adequate protection for smooth opening of the movie. "We were not concerned about the losses. Our only concern was the safety and security of audiences and staff," COO of Fun Cinemas Vishal Kapoor told reporters. "Keeping in mind those concerns after our talk with SRK we decided to go for a limited release," he said. Though the film was initially released only in 13 theatres after the morning shows were cancelled, the number swelled up to around 40 by night owing to an overwhelming response from the public. PTI