MNS unhappy with Raj’s character in Marathi film

The Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has expressed unhappiness over the manner in which the party chief and the party have been portrayed in the yet-to-release film Zenda (flag), reports HT Correspondent.

The Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has expressed unhappiness over the manner in which the party chief and the party have been portrayed in the yet-to-release film Zenda (flag).

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The Marathi film has characters resembling MNS president Raj Thackeray, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray and his son Uddhav.

Ameya Khopkar, president of the Maharashtra Navnirman Chitrapat Karmachari Sena, said his leader has been shown in poor light.

“We are unhappy with the manner in which the film has shown our Saheb [Raj Thackeray],” rued Khopkar.

However, he said that Thackeray has dismissed any suggestions to ask for a ban.

“Rajsaheb said that if any Marathi filmmaker is gaining by maligning me and my party, I am happy for him,” said Khopkar.

The various objectionable scenes include the actor portraying the role of Raj Thackeray attending an iftar party wearing a skull cap and spitting betel nut juice, and another scene offering tea to a visitor in the same cup he has just had one without washing it.

The screening for MNS leaders was held at Famous Theatre on Wednesday in order to avoid any controversy.

Apart from Khopkar, others leaders like Shalini Thackeray and Sandeep Deshpande attended the special show.

The story of Maharashtra’s two top political parties — the Shiv Sena and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena — has been captured fine details in the movie, Zenda, that is set to release on Friday.

It has been written and directed by Marathi singer- composer Avadhoot Gupte, who had originally sung the Shiv Sena’s official promotional song.