A video purportedly showing a Tamil Nadu cinema hall playing a film song instead of the National Anthem while the Indian National Flag appeared on screen has triggered widespread criticism on social media.
The incident reportedly occurred at Ajantha Ellora Cinemas on Coimbatore Road in Karur, where ‘Jailer 2’ was being screened. According to audience members, the national flag appeared on the screen before the film began, but a commercial song was played instead of ‘Jana Gana Mana’.
The unexpected sequence reportedly left several viewers surprised, with some recording the incident on their phones. The footage subsequently circulated online, prompting questions about how the apparent error occurred.
Social media users expressed their displeasure in the comments. One described the incident as an act of cruelty, while another called it an insult to the national flag.
The controversy has centred on allegations that the mix-up showed disrespect towards the National Anthem and the national symbols displayed in the theatre. However, the circumstances behind the incident have not been independently established.
The theatre management had not issued a public statement on the matter at the time of reporting.
Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, ‘Jailer 2’ brings Rajinikanth back together with the filmmaker following their 2023 collaboration, ‘Jailer’. Produced by Sun Pictures, the sequel reportedly arrived in theatres worldwide on October 15.
The film features S.J. Suryah, Vidya Balan, Mithun Chakraborty, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu and Mirnaa Menon in key roles. Anirudh Ravichander has composed the music.