Security and Eager Crowds Greet Bollywood Film

With thousands of police officers providing security, the latest blockbuster from Bollywood’s biggest star opened Friday, despite threats and protests from a radical political party that had vowed to block the film in this capital of India’s movie industry. The Mumbai police arrested at least 50 members of the Shiv Sena political party on charges of rioting and unlawful assembly after they tried to disrupt the screening of the film, “My Name is Khan,” Indian news outlets reported. Some smaller theaters, anxious about possible violence, chose not to screen the film, but the city’s major multiplexes went ahead and were rewarded by packed audiences. People flocked to the film in other cities across India. Both sides claimed victory on Friday. Shiv Sena leaders said their protests forced many theaters to cancel screenings, while the film’s star, Shah Rukh Khan, who is attending an official premiere in Berlin, sent a message to his fans via Twitter saying he was “humbled by this show of love & kindness.” The controversy is rooted in a standoff between Mr. Khan and Shiv Sena’s leader, Bal Thackeray. For years, Mr. Thackeray has intimidated Bollywood with threats to disrupt movie openings. Eager to excite his base of supporters in the Hindu right wing, Mr. Thackeray and his son, Uddhav, pounced on a recent comment by Mr. Khan about Pakistani cricket players. Last month, a controversy erupted after no Pakistani players were selected in the recent draft of the Indian Premier League. Mr. Khan, who owns a team in the league, said some should have been included, a sentiment expressed by others, including India’s home minister.