As
it raised a storm of protest, the proposed ‘Kiss of Love’ event in
Bengaluru on November 30 has been denied permission by the police,
saying it would lead to public display of affection and other obscene
act barred under law.
The planned event against moral policing had earned opprobrium from
all political parties in the state who found it unacceptable, besides
raising the hackles of right-wing organisations which have threatened to
counter it.
"We have come to the conclusion that if we permit this particular
programme, it will lead to public display of kissing and such other
obscene act as defined under sec 294 of the IPC," Bengaluru Police
Commissioner M N Reddi said. He said Sec 294 of Indian Penal Code bars
any obscene act in public places, and prevention of any cognisable
offence under the IPC or any other law imposed is the fundamental
responsibility of the state police under the Karnataka Police Act.
"In keeping with the responsibility that rests upon us as per the KP
Act we have decided to deny the applicant the permission to hold any
such programme called Kiss of Love."
Several leaders from the ruling Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party
and other parties were on the same page giving thumbs down to the event,
saying moral policing should be fought in a different way and not
through public display of acts which could be obscene.
Home Minister KJ George had said earlier, ‘obscenity in the name of
protests will not be tolerated’ but protesters were free to hold
demonstrations within the constitutional framework. Karnataka State
Women's Commission Chairperson Manjula Manasa had asked the Home
Department not to permit the ‘uncivilised’ event which was also contrary
to our culture.
"We have examined the application very carefully as there is a
background to this programme called Kiss of Love....;" Reddi said,
adding there was the absence of any clear programme laid out by the
individual who has applied (for permission).
As it raised a storm of protest, the proposed ‘Kiss of Love’ event in
Bengaluru on November 30 has been denied permission by the police,
saying it would lead to public display of affection and other obscene
act barred under law.
The planned event against moral policing had earned opprobrium from
all political parties in the state who found it unacceptable, besides
raising the hackles of right-wing organisations which have threatened to
counter it.
"We have come to the conclusion that if we permit this particular
programme, it will lead to public display of kissing and such other
obscene act as defined under sec 294 of the IPC," Bengaluru Police
Commissioner M N Reddi said. He said Sec 294 of Indian Penal Code bars
any obscene act in public places, and prevention of any cognisable
offence under the IPC or any other law imposed is the fundamental
responsibility of the state police under the Karnataka Police Act.\
"In keeping with the responsibility that rests upon us as per the KP
Act we have decided to deny the applicant the permission to hold any
such programme called Kiss of Love."
Several leaders from the ruling Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party
and other parties were on the same page giving thumbs down to the event,
saying moral policing should be fought in a different way and not
through public display of acts which could be obscene.
Home Minister KJ George had said earlier, ‘obscenity in the name of
protests will not be tolerated’ but protesters were free to hold
demonstrations within the constitutional framework.
Karnataka State Women's Commission Chairperson Manjula Manasa had
asked the Home Department not to permit the ‘uncivilised’ event which
was also contrary to our culture. "We have examined the application very
carefully as there is a background to this programme called Kiss of
Love....;" Reddi said, adding there was the absence of any clear
programme laid out by the individual who has applied (for permission).
After considering the background of similar incidents, the police had
come to the conclusion that the event will lead to ‘public display of
kissing and such other obscene act as defined under Sec 294 of the IPC,’
Reddi told mediapersons.
The first ‘Kiss of Love" event was held in Kochi on November 2 after
an attack on a coffee shop by pro-Hindutva activists in Kozhikode in
October who alleged that it was
harbouring canoodling couples. Similar events had been organised at Kolkata, Hyderabad, Delhi and Mumbai.
Reddi said, “One Ms Rachita Taneja had approached the deputy
commissioner of police (central division) a few days ago and gave an
application requesting that she may be permitted along with her other
friends and followers to hold what is called Kiss of Love programme."
He said she was requested to provide more information about the event
like what would happen in the programme and the number of people who
would gather. Two days later, she had reverted saying she was not sure
of number of people who would gather and also that she does not take any
responsibility for any untoward incident that might happen.
The commissioner also warned those who might attempt to take law into their hands to prevent such events.
Vijay's "Kaththi" has successfully completed its fifth weekend at the
United States box office. The film minted $160 from one screen in its
fifth weekend and its total collections (till 23 November) stand at
$622,114 (₹3.85 crore), according to
The film has emerged as one of the biggest hits in the US. The Vijay
starrer has created history by emerging the highest grossing
non-Rajinikanth and non-Kamal Haasan film in the country. It is
currently placed at the second spot in the list of highest grossing
Tamil films of 2014 at the US box office, while Rajinikanth's
"Kochadaiiyaan" is on top with $635K.
With "Kaththi" being screened in only one screen, it is unlikely for
the film to surpass "Kochadaiiyaan" collections. The film's business is
expected to be closed soon in the US.
In Chennai, "Kaththi" has managed to hang on to some screens even in
its fifth week. Although the film's performance has slowed down, it has
managed to hold on to some screens despite facing competition from other
releases.
"Kaththi" is estimated to have grossed ₹7.72 crore at the end of the
fifth weekend and has emerged as a huge blockbuster, reported
.
The film has grossed more than ₹100 crore at the worldwide box office
and is Vijay's second film to achieve the feat after 2012-blockbuster
flick "Thuppakki."
The action thriller faced protests from some fringe groups prior
to its release. However, the issues were sorted out and the film took
grand openings upon its release. It set new benchmarks such as the
highest day one grosser in Tamil Nadu.
While the film has successfully completed 30-day run at the box
office, it remains to be seen as to whether the Vijay starrer will be
able to complete 50-day run in a few theatres across Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, the makers of "Kaththi" have released a deleted scene from the film much to the delight of the fans.
Directed by AR Murugadoss, "Kaththi" has Vijay in dual roles. Samantha,
Neil Nithin Mukesh and comedian Sathish are also part of the film's
cast. Anirudh has composed the songs, while George C Williams has
handled cinematography.
After wrapping up the first schedule in Corsica, France, the director
has now taken his cast and crew members to the mountains of Shimla.
"The second schedule of Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone-starrer
"Tamasha" has begun in the snow clad mountains of Shimla. The duo will
also head to Delhi to shoot for a 90 days schedule," reported
.
However, there's a strong buzz that only the child artistes playing
the younger versions of the lead pair will be shooting for their bit in
the hills. Reports also state that Kapoor will be in Shimla for 15 days,
whereas Padukone will join him in the Delhi schedule.
"The shooting of the film began in Corsica, France in July 2014.
Ranbir Kapoor plays a free spirited person who wants to spread happiness
and Deepika's character in the film is of an adventurous and fun-loving
girl. There are several sequences which the duo were dabbling in dance
and staging skits for the locals. The troupe is one of the reasons for
the film's title Tamasha," The Times of India quoted a source.
This is Ali's second film with the Kapoor scion after "Rockstar",
but Padukone will be working with the director for the first time ever.
Looking at a December 2015 release, the film's music has been composed
by A R Rahman.
Kapoor, who is simultaneously shooting for "Roy" and "Bombay Velvet",
maintains a healthy and professional relationship with ex-flame
Padukone. The "Happy NewYear" actress will be next seen in Shoojit
Sircar's "Piku", for which she has already shot portions in Kolkata
alongside Amitabh Bachchan, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Bajirao
Mastani".
Sources said the department made one of its highest seizures which also includes jewellery worth Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million).
Mumbai: Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor has revealed the
first look of his forthcoming flick ‘Welcome Back’. Welcome back is
sequel of ‘Welcome’, which was released in 2007. Director Anees Bazmee
is back with another rib-tickling comedy flick.
