Rajinikanth's Jailer 2 screenings halted in Canada over technical issue

Jailer 2 has crossed Rs 540 crore worldwide within a week of release. However, York Cinemas in Canada has halted screenings, citing missing KDMs from the film's North American distributors.

In Short

• York Cinemas says all required financial commitments and payments were fulfilled
• Valid KDMs were not provided pending authorisation from North America distributors
• The exhibitor says repeated efforts to continue screenings proved unsuccessful

Jailer 2, starring Rajinikanth and directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, has stopped screening at York Cinemas in Canada due to a technical issue involving the film's North American distributors. The exhibitor announced the decision on Wednesday, October 21, citing the non-availability of valid Key Delivery Messages (KDMs) required to continue screening the film.

The development comes less than a week after the film's theatrical release on October 15. Jailer 2 has reportedly grossed over Rs 540 crore worldwide within its first week, with the festive period around Navaratri and Dussehra contributing to its box-office performance.

In a statement shared on Instagram, York Cinemas informed patrons that screenings of the film would stop with effect from October 21. “This decision is due to circumstances beyond the control of York Cinemas,” the exhibitor said.

Explaining the reason behind the decision, York Cinemas said it had fulfilled all its financial commitments and payments but had not received the valid KDMs needed to continue screening the film from its North American distributors, Shloka Entertainments and Prathyangira Cinemas, following the required authorisation from production house Sun Pictures.

“Without valid KDMs, we are technically unable to continue screening the film,” the exhibitor said in its statement.

York Cinemas added that it had made efforts to resolve the issue and continue the screenings, but the necessary authorisation had not been received. The exhibitor also apologised to patrons for the inconvenience caused.

As of Wednesday, neither the distributors nor Sun Pictures had issued a response to the development.

According to trade website Sacnilk, Jailer 2 recorded net collections of Rs 289.05 crore and a gross of Rs 338.45 crore in India during its first six days. With an overseas gross of Rs 204 crore, the film's worldwide collection reached Rs 542.45 crore within a week of its release.

The film benefited from the festive period and faced no competition from other Tamil releases during its opening run.

Apart from Rajinikanth, Jailer 2 features Ramya Krishnan, Mirnaa, Rithwik, Yogi Babu, SJ Suryah, Mithun Chakraborty, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Vidya Balan and Namo Narayana. Mohanlal, Shiva Rajkumar, Jackie Shroff, Hrithik Roshan and Vijay Sethupathi appear in cameo roles.

While Jailer 2 has recorded a strong opening-week box-office performance, the halt in screenings at York Cinemas has raised questions about the distribution-related issue in North America. The film's producers and distributors are yet to comment on the matter.

- Ends