Marathi Film Yere Yere Paisa 3 REMOVED From Mumbai Theatres To Accommodate Saiyaara, MNS Leader Warns Of Protest (VIDEO)

In a fresh controversy, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) film wing President Ameya Khopkar accused multiplex owners of sidelining his latest Marathi film Yere Yere Paisa 3 to accommodate big-banner Bollywood release Saiyaara.

Khopkar's statement comes after his film was removed from several theatres just a week after its release on July 18 to make way for Saiyaara, a Hindi film produced by Yash Raj Films.

Expressing his disappointment, he said, "Our film Yere Yere Paisa 3 was screened in Maharashtra on July 18. The audience gave a great response. On that day, a Hindi film named Saiyaara, by Yash Raj Films, was also released."

He alleged that despite a good response, the Marathi film was replaced by Saiyaara in several screens, including Plaza cinema in Dadar where all four shows were reportedly allotted to the Hindi film. "Even in the heart of Mumbai, there is no place for Marathi films," he added.

Khopkar further warned of protesting if the sidelining of Marathi cinema continues. "I am quiet now, I am not protesting now, because I don't want to protest for my films. But in the future, when any other Marathi film faces problems, I will break the glasses of multiplex," he said.

The controversy has triggered support from across political lines. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut posted on X on July 25, "To accommodate Saiyaara, Yere Yere Paisa 3 has been sidelined. This has become routine. The fight for Marathi must intensify."

According to media reports, the cinema wing of Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena also staged a protest outside a PVR multiplex in Bandra, demanding enforcement of the state's rule to ensure screening space for regional films.

Yere Yere Paisa 3 has collected Rs 78 lakh at the box office, whereas Saiyaara, starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, has raked in over Rs 190 crore in India.

It may be mentioned that Yere Yere Paisa 3 is presented by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and written and directed by Sanjay S Jadhav. The film is produced by Sudhir Kolte, Onkar Sushama Mane, Amey Khopkar, Swati Khopkar, Om Prakash Bhatt, Nasir Sharif, Ninad Nandkumar Battin and Giridhar Dhumal.