In a statement about the Boycott of Bollywood tendencies, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) pleaded with the government for help. Their appeal follows Suniel Shetty's recent meeting with UP CM Yogi Adityanath. He asked for help in quelling anti-Bollywood sentiments. FWICE issued a lengthy statement in which they denounced the current trend. They referred to the trend as "hooliganism."
Seeking protection from the government, FWICE wrote a statement. It read, “The recent trend of “#Boycott Bollywood” has been affecting the producers and lakhs of workers working for the films. The FWICE has noted it. It has raised a major concern for the survival of the common workers, technicians, and artists. These people are earning their daily bread from this industry.”
The statement also mentioned people who have been spreading anti-Bollywood sentiments. It said, “A film is made with passion and dream of success. However, these blooming dreams get shattered by such trends. These are many times influenced by people believing in hatred. And by those who do not support peace, harmony, and unity. People have been barging into the theatres and threatening the public and vacating the theatres. There have been threats to the producers and the lead actor/actresses. They are abused on social media platforms with filthy/vulgar language.”
The statement further read, “We strongly condemn these acts and the boycotting of any film. The films are already certified by the final cell of the Film authorities, the CBFC. Getting a film certified through the CBFC is itself an achievement. The film and the filmmakers are going through the entire process of certification. The protestors of the film should thus follow the right channel. They should report their grievances against the film to the CBFC and other governing authorities. They should desist from coming up with such a destructive trend to boycott the entire industry.”
“FWICE stands strong in support of the producers. They are creating films and generating employment for lakhs of people, and helping them to earn their living and survive with dignity. We urge the government to intervene in the matter and stop this trend of ‘Boycott Bollywood,’” the statement read.
