Cineplex says it won’t play Tamil film Kabali at its theatres due to safety concerns

After repeated requests for comment, Cineplex confirmed to CityNews on Thursday that it won’t be showing the Tamil-language film Kabali at its theatres due to concerns for the “well-being of our guests and employees.”

Spokesperson Sarah Van Lange said a police investigation is ongoing after three separate attacks at Tamil movie showings last April, and until it is complete, Cineplex won’t be showing Kabali and will review all future Tamil-language programming on an “individual film basis.”

Police believe the same suspect is responsible for releasing a substance with a noxious odour inside theatres in Mississauga, Scarborough and Brampton while Tamil movies were playing. No one was injured, but Cineplex immediately pulled the Tamil movie Theri after the attacks.

“Unfortunately, our screenings of Tamil-language programming in the GTA have been repeatedly disrupted by a small number of individuals whose actions have threatened the well-being of our guests and employees,” Van Lange wrote in an email.

“As a result, we have made the difficult decision to not show the film Kabali…”

“We recognize that some of our guests will find this news disappointing and we share that disappointment.”

Kabali is set to be released on July 22 and features Indian superstar Rajinikanth as its main character.

Tamil film critic Sudarsh Krishnan said his community is incredibly frustrated with Cineplex’s actions.

“It’s like racial profiling pretty much, except it’s a theatre doing this,” Krishnan said. “There’s no other alternative, you know, Cineplex has a monopoly over all the movies as a multiplex. It’s like we don’t have any other option.”