I'm a huge movie lover. There's something magical about watching a film on the big screen—the immersive sound, the massive visuals, the shared experience with strangers in a dark room. When I moved to Toronto, one of the first things I wanted to figure out was where to catch the latest releases, especially Tamil cinema.

Here's what I've learned about the movie scene in Toronto—the good, the frustrating, and where to find your cinema tribe.

The Cineplex Situation: Great for Hindi, Not So Much for Tamil

Let's talk about Cineplex—Canada's largest movie theatre chain. They've got beautiful venues across the GTA, comfortable seating, IMAX screens, and VIP experiences. For mainstream Hollywood releases, they're fantastic.

Here's where it gets interesting for South Asian movie fans: Cineplex regularly releases Hindi (Bollywood) films, but Tamil movies are rarely on their radar.

According to CBC News, international films now account for over 11% of Cineplex's box office revenue. The top performers? Hindi-language films like Fighter and Punjabi comedies like Jatt & Juliet 3. Robert Cousins, Cineplex's senior VP of film, says they play films in at least seven languages and want their theatres to "reflect the communities they're in."

But as a Tamil movie fan, I've noticed that reflection doesn't quite extend to Kollywood. You'll find the latest Shah Rukh Khan blockbuster at Cineplex Yonge-Dundas, but for Vijay or Rajinikanth's newest release? You'll need to look elsewhere.

Where to Watch Tamil Movies in Toronto

The good news: Toronto has a thriving Tamil community (one of the largest outside India and Sri Lanka), and there are dedicated theatres that cater specifically to us. Here are your best options:

York Cinemas - Richmond Hill

York Cinemas is the GTA's go-to spot for South Indian films. They regularly screen Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi releases. It's also home to the annual Toronto Tamil Film Festival, which celebrates Tamil cinema every September.

• Location: Richmond Hill
• Best for: New Tamil releases, film festival events
• Vibe: Community-focused, often packed for big releases

Albion Cinemas - Etobicoke

Albion Cinemas is a Toronto institution. This multicultural theatre in Etobicoke has been serving the South Asian community for decades. They show Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Malayalam films, often on opening weekend.

• Location: Etobicoke (Rexdale area)
• Ticket prices: Around $12 for Hindi, $15 for Tamil
• Best for: First-day-first-show experiences

Woodside Square - Scarborough

Scarborough's Woodside Square is one of the most active Tamil movie venues in the GTA. They host community screenings, premieres, and are plugged into the local Tamil cultural scene.

• Location: Scarborough
• Best for: Latest Kollywood hits, community events

Central Parkway Cinemas - Mississauga

If you're in Mississauga or Brampton, Central Parkway Cinemas is your spot. They've upgraded to laser projection and improved audio, making it a solid choice for Tamil and South Indian films.

• Location: Mississauga
• Best for: Mississauga/Brampton residents

Cine Starz Deluxe - Woodbine

Cine Starz is another option for catching South Asian films in the GTA. They show a mix of Tamil, Hindi, and other regional language films.

Why Cineplex Should Consider Tamil Films

I get it—Cineplex is a business, and they play what sells. But here's the thing: Toronto has over 200,000 Tamil speakers. The Tamil film industry produces some of the highest-grossing Indian films. Major Tamil releases regularly break box office records globally.

If Cineplex can fill seats with Hindi films (which they absolutely do), there's no reason Tamil blockbusters wouldn't perform similarly—especially at locations in Scarborough, Markham, and other areas with large Tamil populations.

Until then, I'll keep supporting the independent theatres that actually show what I want to watch.

The Toronto Tamil Film Festival

If you're a Tamil cinema enthusiast, mark your calendar for the Toronto Tamil Film Festival (TTFF). It's one of the most significant Tamil film events outside of India and Sri Lanka, reaching an audience of over 500,000 Canadians of Tamil descent.

The festival showcases independent Tamil films, documentaries, and shorts that you won't find in regular theatres. It's held annually in September at York Cinemas. The next major event is scheduled for September 2026.

Tips for Movie Lovers in Toronto

1. Check Multiple Sources for Showtimes

Don't just check Cineplex. Use CinemaClock or NowRunning to see what's playing across all Toronto theatres, including the independent ones.

2. Book Opening Weekend Early

For big Tamil releases from major stars, opening weekend shows sell out fast. Book your tickets as soon as they're available—these screenings are an experience, with audiences cheering, whistling, and celebrating.

3. Consider IMAX for Hollywood, Local for Kollywood

For Marvel movies or Christopher Nolan films, Cineplex IMAX is worth the premium. But for Tamil cinema, the community theatre experience—with a crowd that actually reacts to the film—is unbeatable.

4. Join the Scene Discount Membership

If you do watch movies at Cineplex regularly, their Scene+ membership is free and earns you points toward free movies. It adds up if you're a frequent moviegoer.

Looking for Movie Company?

Here's the thing about being a movie lover: it's better with company. There's nothing like discussing a film right after the credits roll, debating whether the twist worked, or just sharing the experience with someone who gets it.

If you're a big movie fan in Toronto and looking for someone to catch films with, let's connect! Whether it's the latest Tamil blockbuster at Albion Cinemas or a Hollywood premiere at Yonge-Dundas, I'm always looking for fellow movie enthusiasts.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Seriously—drop me a message. Let's grab some popcorn and watch something great together.

Final Thoughts

Toronto's movie scene has something for everyone, but you need to know where to look. If you're a Tamil cinema fan, skip Cineplex for Kollywood releases and head to the community theatres that actually support our films. For Hollywood blockbusters, Cineplex delivers the premium experience.

And remember: movies are meant to be shared. If you're tired of watching films alone, reach out. The best cinema experiences are the ones where you walk out and immediately start talking about what you just saw.

See you at the movies!