Fear of what the media has dubbed "mullah trouble" has marred the running of "Mughal-e-Azam" in Lahore, Pakistan's second largest city, though people strongly backed the move to allow Indian films to be screened in Pakistan.

The first Indian film to be released in over four decades, "Mughal-e-Azam" is being screened at Gulistan Cinema on amid tight security. "It's an Indian film," a policeman said, "and we don't want any trouble, like the mullas attacking."

"Surprisingly, there was a whole bunch of bearded men wearing white shalwar kameez among the audience," said a report in the Daily Times newspaper

The paper spoke to a number of people about the screening of "Mughal-e-Azam" in Pakistan.

"I think it is a fabulous thing! I would much rather watch these Indian films in cinema," said prominent artist Salima Hashmi. "It's about time we let go of the hypocrisy," she said, "since we all enjoy watching Indian films."

She said she remembered when President Pervez Musharraf went to India, he specifically wanted to meet the stars of film "Veer Zara". "We all know who Rani Mukherjee or Shah Rukh Khan is!"

"It's a brilliant idea," said cultural icon Yousaf Salahuddin.

"It will help improve our standards of filmmaking and be an incentive to build more and improved cinemas. I don't think it will affect our Punjabi cinema," he said. "'Mughal-e-Azam' is an immortal love story which can be enjoyed at any age or era."

Rock star Ali Azmat said allowing Indian films in Pakistan would give all producers a wake-up call. "'Mughal-e-Azam' is a love story that represents the shared history of the subcontinent," he said.

However, Munaza Abbas, a beauty salon owner, said she knew the film was being screened but would not watch it because her family did not approve of going to cinemas. In any case, she preferred films with 'mirch masala'," she said.

"It was not given the publicity it should have been," the Gulistan Cinema gatekeeper said. "Most people have no clue it's being played but those who came have left raving about it."

"I would not go to watch it," said Muhammad Naveed, a candy vendor. "I prefer fun, love stories. Its not about money, I would spend 500 if I thought the movie was worth watching."

But Manat, a balloon vendor, said: "It's great that Indian films are being shown in Pakistan," he said. "I love Indian cinema and will definitely watch 'Mughal-e-Azam' on a Sunday, when I'm free."

A family at the cinema hall was delighted at the film's screening.

"It's wonderful that the ban has been lifted for this movie," said a woman. "I hope we can finally enjoy Indian movies in our own cinemas, instead of buying DVDs."

"We wanted to see Madhubala and Dilip Kumar on the big screen. Not a single actress of today can compete with the stunning, classic Madhubala," she added.

The hall fell into silence as soon as the curtain rose and the movie began. The appearance of the enigmatic Madhubala with her gorgeous smile brought loud applause from the audience.

The audience sang along with the popular songs "Pyar kiya to darna kya" and "Mohabat ka asar dekheingay".