Once Upon... will release on schedule: Luthria

Haji Mastan`s family has sued Milan Luthria`s film `Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai` for portraying the former as a gangster.

Mumbai: Haji Mastan`s family has sued Milan Luthria`s upcoming film Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai for allegedly portraying the former as a gangster but the director says the movie will release on its scheduled date. Luthria denied that the film, which traces the beginning of organised crime in Mumbai in the 1970s was based on alleged former smuggler Mastan or mob boss Dawood Ibrahim. "The matter is in the court but I want to make it clear it that the film is not based on anyone. We had multiple reference points to portray the 70s era correctly but it would be wrong to say that it is based on any person`s life," he told reporters in New Delhi.

The movie, produced by Balaji Telefilms and starring Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut and Prachi Desai in key roles, is releasing on July 30. "Two court cases have been filed by Mastan`s family members. The matter is sub-judice so I would not like to comment on that. But the film is releasing as per schedule. There is no stay," Luthria said, without naming the parties which filed the cases. Mastan`s adopted son Sunder Shaikh had moved a sessions court which directed Balaji Telefilms and Luthria to add a disclaimer to the film stating it bears no resemblance to the former `smuggler`. Mastan`s widow Shahenshah Begum Mirza alias Sona had also objected to the references being made to her husband and threatened to move court. Devgn, who plays gangster Sultan, said, "My character is not completely negative but it is more of an anti-hero. He has many bad qualities but he also talks about good things." PTI