Kantara 2, Indian Films Screening Suspended in Canada's Theatre After Arson and Shooting

The screening of Rishab Shetty's Kantara 2 and the Indian movies have been suspended in a cinema hall in Canada's Ontario province over two separate incidents in the last one week.

Film.ca Cinemas, a popular venue in the Greater Toronto Area, was the site of an attempted arson and a separate shooting incident, both occurring in the early hours of the morning. The theatre has since removed Rishab Shetty's Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 and Pawan Kalyan's They Call Him OG from its schedule.

The first incident took place on September 25, when two individuals allegedly attempted to set fire to the theatre's entrance using flammable liquid. Surveillance footage released by the cinema shows a grey SUV arriving around 2 a.m., with one person scouting the premises.

Later, two suspects returned in separate vehicles and were seen pouring liquid from red containers before igniting it.

The fire was contained to the exterior, causing moderate damage. Halton Regional Police described the suspects in detail, noting their clothing and accessories, including hoodies, gloves, and medical masks. Authorities are treating the incident as deliberate and have appealed to the public for information.

A second attack occurred on October 2, when a lone suspect fired multiple rounds at the theatre's entrance around 1:50 a.m. Police described the individual as a dark-skinned male with a heavy build, dressed in black and wearing a face mask. No injuries were reported in either incident.

While investigators have not confirmed a motive, speculation has emerged about possible links to extremist groups. Past threats targeting religious institutions in the area have raised concerns, though no direct connection has been established in this case.

In response to the incidents, Film.ca CEO Jeff Knoll initially affirmed the theatre's commitment to showcasing diverse content, including South Asian films. However, a subsequent statement from the cinema acknowledged that recent events appear to be tied to its programming choices.

"While we remain committed to artistic freedom, the safety of our patrons and staff is paramount," the statement read. "Given the escalation of violence, we are suspending screenings of select South Asian titles as a precautionary measure."

As of Thursday, the theatre's website no longer lists any South Asian films in its upcoming lineup.

Halton police continue to investigate both incidents and have urged anyone with relevant information to contact the District Criminal Investigation Bureau.