The CCTV footage shows two individuals lighting the petrol bomb and throwing it towards the theatre. Soon they fled from the area.
Published Nov 16, 2024 | 11:30 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 16, 2024 | 11:30 AM
Petrol bomb being hurled at a theatre in Tirunelveli. (Screengrab)
Tensions escalated in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu after two individuals hurled a petrol bomb at the Alangaar Theatre in Melapalayam, where Sivakarthikeyan’s film Amaran was being screened.
The incident occurred in the wee hours of Saturday, 16 November. It was also captured on CCTV and has stirred tensions in the area.
The CCTV footage shows two individuals lighting the petrol bomb and throwing it towards the theatre. Soon they fled from the area.
According to reports, no one has been injured. The news9 report further stated that the investigation is underway, and no arrests have been made so far.
While the film has garnered applause for its making and the actors’ performances, it was also criticised by various organisations for misrepresenting the people of Kashmir.
A petrol bomb incident has stirred tension at Alangaar Theatre in Melapalayam, Tirunelveli, early this morning.
The incident reportedly linked to opposition to actor Sivakarthikeyan’s film #Amaran, was captured on CCTV footage. pic.twitter.com/jN3QoLrBzz
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) November 16, 2024
A week before, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) staged a protest against Sivakarthikeyan starrer in Coimbatore, alleging that the movie portrayed Muslims in a bad light.
According to The Hindu report, nearly 100 SDPI members assembled outside Shanthi theatre in Coimbatore on 8 November and staged a protest demanding a ban on the screening of the movie. SDPI district secretary Mansoor Ali led the protest.
The party’s Tamil Nadu secretary Kaja Hussain alleged that the movie spread hate in the name of patriotism and portrayed Muslims as anti-nationals.
On the other hand, the Tamil Nadu BJP unit called for the film, to be screened in schools and colleges across the state.
Amaran has been a huge box-office success, with the film grossing over ₹150 crore in two weeks. The film also features Sai Pallavi in the lead role.
The film is based on the life of Major Mukund Varadarajan, who was killed in an encounter with militants from Hizbul Mujahideen. He lost his life in April 2014 during a clash with militants in Shopian, Kashmir. He was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.
Directed by Rajkumar Periasamy, Amaran was released on Deepavali, 31 October. It is bankrolled by Raaj Kamal Films International and Sony Pictures International Productions.
(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula, with inputs from Nitika Shivani)
