Territorial Dispute: Recent Shootings Suggest Turf War for South Indian Film Screening Rights

Thomas Sajan, a South Indian film fanatic, was heartbroken when the screening of the blockbuster Malayalam-language film Malaikottai Vaaliban was canceled at a theatre in British Columbia due to a spate of shootings in the Greater Toronto Area. Police reported shootings at four theatres in the GTA, with no injuries reported but windows shattered. Saleem Padinharkkara, a distributor of South Indian films in Canada, alleged that there is a campaign to prevent popular South Indian movies from being shown in major Canadian theatre chains like Cineplex. He claimed there is a group of distributors trying to ensure these films are only shown in smaller, independent theatres to control the market and safeguard higher profits by charging higher ticket prices.

Padinharkkara described the situation as being like a cartel, with certain theatres in the GTA benefiting from these attacks, resulting in a big loss for the distributor when screenings are canceled. The Movie Theatre Association of Canada acknowledged various incidents at member theatres due to criminal activity preventing certain content from being played. Cineplex’s chief executive Ellis Jacob mentioned that the company lost money due to the shootings but remains committed to offering international programming, which makes up 10% of its annual box office revenues. Canadian interest in South Indian cinema has been increasing, attributed in part to the pandemic and the growing number of immigrants from southern India.

Padinharkkara noted that in 2010, the rights to distribute a South Indian movie in Canada cost between $10,000 and $20,000, but now those rights can cost up to $200,000. Sajan has started a petition signed by approximately 500 people urging the federal government, RCMP, Cineplex, Landmark Cinemas, and others to take action against the criminal activities targeting South Indian films in Canada. These activities not only undermine cultural diversity but also limit the choices available to Canadian movie lovers. The Movie Theatre Association of Canada has been working closely with local authorities and the federal government to raise awareness and ensure the safety of staff and moviegoers.

The cancellations and threats against theatres daring to show South Indian movies demonstrate a disregard for fair competition and freedom of artistic expression. Sajan believes that these criminal activities are harming not just South Indian cinema but also the representation of cultural diversity in Canada. The increased demand for South Indian cinema in Canada is reflective of the changing demographics in the country, with more immigrants from southern India seeking entertainment from their home region. The efforts to control the distribution and screening of South Indian films are seen as an attempt to manipulate the market for financial gain, leading to higher ticket prices and limited accessibility for audiences.

The incidents of targeted attacks on theatres screening South Indian movies highlight the challenges faced by distributors and theatre owners in Canada. The ongoing campaign to prevent these films from being shown at major theatre chains like Cineplex is a source of concern within the South Indian film community. While efforts are being made by industry associations and government authorities to address the issue and ensure the safety of moviegoers, the impact of these criminal activities on the distribution and exhibition of South Indian cinema in Canada remains a significant issue of contention within the film industry.