‘Threats tied to screening of Indian films’: Canada theatre showing Pawan Kalyan’s OG complains about arson attempt, releases footage

Canada’s Film.ca Cinemas claimed there was an arson attempt in an Oakville theatre showing Pawan Kalyan’s OG.

Oakville movie theatre Film.Ca Cinemas put out surveillance footage claiming that there was a cowardly arson attempt on September 25. No one was injured as there were no staff or guests inside the theatre at that time. In a statement, the theatre said such attacks are nothing new when they screen an Indian movie but they are not stopping any shows including Pawan Kalyan’s ‘They Call Him OG’. According to the footage, a grey SUV arrived at around 2 am and left after a short period. The same SUV took more rounds in the parking lot and left. At around 5 am, a white SUV entered. Two individuals were seen trying to ignite incendiary devices. “All shows are running as scheduled, including the Telugu-language film They Call Him OG. This is not the first time we’ve faced vandalism and threats tied to the screening of Indian films. While these repeated acts are troubling, they will never deter us from providing a safe and welcoming place for our community to enjoy cinema together,” the theatre said. “We will not be intimidated by cowardly acts of violence. http://Film.Ca is a place for families, friends, and our community to come together — and that will never change,” CEO Jeff Knoll said. The cinema said they were fully cooperating with Halton Regional Police in their ongoing investigation of the incident. Pawan Kalyan’s OG faced a roadblock in Canada after York Cinemas canceled all shows, citing public safety concerns. “York Cinemas has decided to cancel all forthcoming screenings of ‘They Call Him OG’. The decision is based on potential risks to public safety associated with cultural and political factors related to the film’s distribution in North America. We apologize for any inconvenience to our patrons. Refunds will be provided to all ticket holders. The safety of our guests, staff, and the public is our top priority,” the multiplex chain said in an official statement. They also said they will no longer screen South Asian films distributed by Prathyangira Cinemas.