The Landmark Cinemas near Sportsworld Drive in Kitchener were evacuated Friday afternoon after police say a "noxious substance" was released inside the building.

A number of movies were playing at the time, including Joker, War, Abominable and Downton Abbey.

Police were called to the scene at 1:10 p.m., said Const. André Johnson.

"The affected theatre has been cleared and we are on scene with other emergency services," Johnson said. "The investigation is ongoing, and we encourage anyone with any information to contact police or Crime Stoppers."

Johnson said the theatre where the substance was released was not one screening the Joker film. CBC calls to the cinema were not being answered.

Some theatres have increased security for the release of Joker, which tells the origin story of the Batman villain.