Most of the movie theatres in Bangalore, on Friday, stopped the screening of Hrithik-Barbara starrer 'Kites' in the middle as Kannada film makers entered the theatres expressing opposition against screening of the film in more theatres than decided.

According to Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), the makers of the film (Kites) had decided to release the movie in 21 theatres only, but it was being shown in 45.

The KFCC has framed up some rules for screening of non-Kannada movies in the state in order to safeguard the interests of Kannada film makers, artistes and others working in the film industry.

Very often Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films enjoy greater success in Bangalore where over 60% of the nearly 8 million population doesn't know Kannada.

The KFCC members, headed by its president Basant Kumar Patil and some film personalities went round the city stopping the screening of the film.

At many places, Kites screening was blocked in the middle and moviegoers were given back their ticket money.

The KFCC has threatened not to release Kannada films to theatres which violate its agreement with 'Kites' producers to screen that film only in 21 theatres in Bangalore. (With Inputs from Agencies)