Chennai, Nov 15 (IANS): The stand-off between the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), led by former Union minister Anbumani Ramadoss, and actor Suriya over the issue of the latter's Tamil film 'Jai Bhim' allegedly insulting the Vanniyar community escalated on Sunday when a group of PMK cadres forced a theatre in Mayiladuthurai district to stop screening a Suriya film.

Sources said that a group of PMK cadres raised slogans outside the Peerless theatre on Park Avenue Road that was screening 'Vel', a Suriya film. The theatre management pulled out the film that was being screened.

The group, led by PMK's Mayiladuthurai district secretary Panneerselvam, also submitted a petition to Mayiladuthurai Superintendent of Police, demanding action against Suriya.

Speaking to reporters, Pannerselvam, who said that the PMK would not allow any Suriya film to be screened in Mayiladuthurai, went on to announce a reward of Rs one lakh to anybody who assaults the actor when he visits the district.

Only days ago, a war of words had erupted between Anbumani Ramadoss, who wrote a letter to Suriya, levelling allegations and demanding answers. Suriya had on Thursday neatly responded in kind, politely but firmly denying allegations and replying to all the questions asked.