Two popular cinema halls situated in the heart of the city- Sathyam Cinemas and Woodlands theatre in Royapettah - were attacked by unidentified persons with petrol bombs on Monday night.

The incident is believed to have taken place following the announcement from the producer that Vijay starrer Kaththi will be released as scheduled to release on Deepavali day.

The film has been facing boycott and protests from Tamil outfits, who claim that the proprieter of film's producer, Lyca Productions, has business links with war crimes accused Sri Lankan President, Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Sources with the Anna Salai police said the attack took place around 11.30 p.m. when regular shows were being screened at the hall. Miscreants reached outside Sathyam Cinemas in Royapettah in two autorickshaws and an SUV and threw stones onto the glass facade damaging it completely.

A few men ran into the compound and attacked the glass with pipes and fled after hurling in three petrol bombs.The front glass of the hall was completely damaged in the attack.

Few minutes later, a similar attack took place at the Woodlands cinema hall complex in Royapettah.No one was injured in both the incidents. Police suspect the hand of some Tamil outfits attempting to stall the release of the Vijay's Kaththi.

City police have arrested five persons in connection with the attacks and are questioning them further. Heavy police security has been posted at these cinema halls following the attack.