Irate Malaysian fans tear up cinemas

Ethnic Indian fans wrecked cinemas in several Malaysian cities after a nationwide premiere of a long-awaited Tamil film was delayed or canceled due to technical glitches, news reports and a theater employee said Saturday.

Screenings of "Sivaji: The Boss," were canceled or delayed by as much as six hours in four Malaysian states Thursday night, angering movie-goers who then rampaged in a rare display of public violence in this normally peaceful country, The Star and the New Straits Times newspapers reported.

They said police were called in to control hundreds of rioting fans, many of whom demanded refunds and compensation for money they spent on fuel and toll charges to come to the cinemas.

The Sri Intan theater in Klang district near Kuala Lumpur was temporarily closed for repairs after a mob damaged the lobby, shattered lighting and sound equipment and set fire to part of the cinema, said a theater receptionist, who was contacted by phone and spoke on condition of anonymity as they weren't authorized to speak to the media.

"Sivaji" has been billed as India's most expensive movie, starring popular southern Indian actor Rajinikanth. The plot revolves around a man who loses money because of corrupt politicians and bureaucrats.

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