A theater in Oakville, Ontario, has halted the showing of Indian movies, such as “Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1” and Pawan Kalyan’s “They Call Him OG,” following two violent episodes associated with its South Asian film lineup.
The first incident occurred on September 25, when two individuals tried to ignite the cinema’s entrance with gasoline cans. Surveillance footage from Film.ca Cinemas revealed the suspects in black hoodies pouring a flammable substance before setting it ablaze. Although the fire caused exterior damage to the building, it was contained before spreading indoors.
A second attack transpired on October 2, as a man shot multiple bullets at the theater’s door before fleeing the scene. Law enforcement verified that both assaults were directed at the cinema and released descriptions of the suspects for public awareness.
In a statement released on X, the theater expressed, “While we have encountered threats before due to our Indian film screenings, these recent incidents, though alarming, will not deter us from offering a secure and hospitable setting for movie enthusiasts.”
CEO of Film.ca Cinemas, Jeff Knoll, conveyed in a video address, “We had an individual attempt to set fire to the theater because of our South Asian movie selections. Ensuring the safety of our community is paramount. We did not cancel any screenings and remain dedicated to our viewers. However, we apologize for any inconvenience caused, as prioritizing safety is our utmost concern.”