Tollywood superstar Pawan Kalyan’s much-awaited film OG released worldwide today, but its screenings in Canada have already sparked a dispute. The gangster drama, set in Mumbai, is directed by Sujeet and produced by Dhanayya and Kalyan. In Canada, the film is being distributed by Pratyangira Cinemas, but tensions have arisen with the theatre chain Yark Cinemas, which screens Indian films across the country.
Earlier, Yark Cinemas questioned whether Pratyangira would adhere to promised terms, creating initial concerns about the release. While the issue seemed temporarily resolved, tensions resurfaced when Yark alleged that Pratyangira requested detailed sales data for their films. Pratyangira responded with a public statement challenging these claims, turning the matter into a hot topic on social media.
In their statement, Pratyangira Cinemas noted that North American distributors of South Asian films have a history of uncooperative behaviour, which in the past disrupted screenings of films such as Teri, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, and Bheemla Nayak. They highlighted that unethical business practices have caused unrest among audiences and threatened public safety during screenings.
Pratyangira urged Yark Cinemas to provide evidence supporting their claims and emphasised that the company operates with integrity, values, and ethics. They stated they would continue screening OG and future films in Canada with their own team, led by Sumanth Sunkara, ensuring the best experience for audiences. The statement also warned that any attempts to disrupt OG or future releases could result in strict legal action.
The controversy has sparked wide discussion among fans and industry observers, particularly since OG is one of the most anticipated Tollywood releases of the year. While the film itself has drawn attention for its action-packed storyline and Pawan Kalyan’s performance, the ongoing distribution dispute adds further intrigue to its Canadian release.