Canadian theatre, Film.Ca Cinemas, located in Toronto, has reportedly announced that all screenings of Indian and South Asian films will be halted. This also includes Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 and Pawan Kalyan’s OG, as reported by Mint, quoting CBC.

This comes days after attempted shooting and arson attacks at the theatre’s Oakville, Ontario, location. However, following the arson incident, a second shooting attempt occurred at 2 AM on Thursday (local time). A suspect approached the cinema’s entrance and opened fire using a handgun, multiple times through the doors. While both these events took place overnight when the theatre was closed, several shocking visuals have surfaced on the Internet since then.

‘May be connected to disagreements’

According to CBC, it was noted that the incidents “may be connected to disagreements” within the South Asian film industry. As a result, the decision to halt the screenings was made in the interest of the safety of the staff and patrons. Some distributors of South Indian films in Canada have also alleged that this was a part of the ongoing campaign to prevent popular films from releasing in the Canadian market. It was reportedly seen as an effort to safeguard profits.

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However, reacting to the arson incident, the official statement from the Canadian cinema on September 26 confirmed that Pawan Kalyan’s OG was running as scheduled. The shooting incident, however, triggered the reported action against multiple South Asian films.

Visuals of the incident

The Canadian cinema shared the CCTV clippings of the arson incident from September 26. Investigating the incident, Halton Police Department revealed that they were looking for the two suspects who appeared to be throwing gasoline on the entrance doors.

In the video, two people are seen swiftly pouring two entire cans of gasoline. While recording themselves, they set fire to the entrance doors and fled. Flames and smoke erupting from the entrance can be seen towards the end, as the perpetrators drive off in their car.

However, similar incidents, including drive-by shootings, have been reported at other theatres in the Greater Toronto Area and British Columbia.

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Statement from Film.Ca Cinemas

In a statement, Film.Ca Cinemas CEO Jeff Knoll revealed that they “remain open for business.” Condemning the act, they called it “cowardly”, and revealed that security has been enhanced since then. CBC also quoted him as saying that they will “fully co-operate with and assist law enforcement” to recover information about the perpretrator and conspirator.

“We sincerely regret any inconvenience and disappointment this decision may cause,” Knoll added.