In British Columbia, the anticipation of watching a South Indian action epic turned into disappointment for Thomas Shajan, as a series of shootings disrupted his plans. The film, “Malaikottai Vaaliban,” had been eagerly awaited by Shajan, a dedicated fan of South Indian cinema. However, hours before the scheduled screening, Cineplex canceled the show, citing circumstances beyond their control.
The cancellation was soon linked to shootings at theaters in the Greater Toronto Area, where the same film was scheduled to be shown. According to York Regional Police, these incidents were targeted and likely involved the same suspect. For Saleem Padinharkkara, a distributor of South Indian films in Canada, these events weren’t surprising. He alleged an ongoing campaign to prevent popular South Indian movies from being screened in major theater chains like Cineplex.
Padinharkkara claimed that a group of distributors aimed to restrict these films to select independent theaters, which charged higher ticket prices. This, he suggested, was a move to monopolize the market and maximize profits. He likened the situation to a cartel, highlighting threats he received for attempting to distribute rights to South Indian movies to certain theaters.
The cancellations not only disappointed fans but also resulted in significant financial losses for distributors. The Movie Theatre Association of Canada acknowledged the incidents, expressing frustration over criminal activities hindering theaters from showing certain content.
Despite financial losses, Cineplex remains committed to offering international programming, a segment that contributes significantly to its box office revenues. Canadian interest in South Indian cinema has been on the rise, partly due to increased immigration from southern India and the search for diverse content during the pandemic.
Shajan initiated a petition urging government agencies and theater chains to address the issue, emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity and artistic expression. The petition calls for action against the attacks and intimidation tactics targeting theaters showing South Indian movies, highlighting the need for fair competition and freedom of expression in Canada’s entertainment industry.