A cinema hall here was on Thursday forced to suspend the screening of the Tamil movie Murattu Kalai after some members of a Dalit outfit damaged the screen protesting against ‘offending dialogues’.
The cadre, belonging to the Thamizhaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, which has a presence in pockets of southern districts, alleged that a dialogue delivered by comedian Vivekh in the film took a dig at their leader John Pandian. The film in which well-known director Sundar C plays the lead is a remake of the 1980 blockbuster with the same title starring superstar Rajnikanth. Eight protestors entered the Shanthi Theatre on the State Bank Road near the Coimbatore Railway Station, to watch the evening show after purchasing tickets. However, mid-way through the film they rushed towards the screen and tore it up raising slogans against the Vivek.
In the midst of the commotion, theatre manager Ramasamy and a SI, who was seated among the audience, called the local police station. But the accused did not attempt to flee the spot and stood their ground. Later, all were arrested.
A theatre spokesperson said “We never anticipated such trouble. In fact, Thursday was the last day the film was being screened as from Friday we had planned to screen the new release Sakuni starring Karthi. Changing the screen would cost nearly `1.5 lakh.”