Canadian Theatre Halts Screening of Indian Films Like Kantara and OG After Arson and Shooting Attacks

Kantara and OG Screenings Cancelled in Canada After Arson and Shooting at a Theatre. Safety Concerns Force Theatres to Stop Indian Films

A cinema in Oakville, Ontario, has stopped screening Indian films after two violent attacks on its building. The management said the decision came after an arson attempt and shooting attacks on the property.

Film.Ca Cinemas reported that on September 25, two masked men tried to set the theatre’s entrance on fire using gas. The fire damaged the outside doors but did not spread further. No one was inside at the time.

On October 2, a week later, another person came to the same spot around 1:50 am and fired several bullets at the theatre doors. Once again, no one was hurt, but the attacks have left both staff and visitors worried.

Police Investigation Underway

Halton Regional Police are investigating both incidents. They believe the theatre was targeted on purpose. The suspects ran away before officers arrived, and police have turned to tips from the public.

The theatre linked the violence to its screenings of Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1, They Call Him OG, and other South Asian films. In a statement, the cinema said the incidents “may be connected to disagreements” in the South Asian film industry.

Jeff Knoll, CEO of Film.Ca Cinemas, said safety must come first. He called it a hard but necessary choice to cancel all Indian films for now. Knoll explained that the attacks could have caused serious damage and forced the theatre to shut down completely.

The cinema said it regrets the disappointment to fans but cannot take risks with staff and guest safety. Tickets are being refunded for cancelled shows.

Impact on Indian Film Screenings in Canada

The step has affected several films, including Kantara OG, which were drawing interest from the Indian community in Canada. Other theatres in the Greater Toronto Area, such as York Cinemas, have also stopped screening Indian films after the recent attacks.

Some film distributors in Canada believe there may be an organised effort to block South Asian films from local theatres. They say some groups want to control the market by stopping big releases from reaching the audience.

The suspension shows how rising threats are affecting the reach of Indian films abroad. While police continue their probe, the industry worries these incidents could discourage theatres from showing Indian content in the future.