The premiere of Amitabh Bachchan's [Images] latest film, The Last Lear [Images] was cancelled after the theatre in which it was to be held was attacked by supporters of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.

The MNS supporters stormed into the PVR theatre, in the Western suburb of Juhu in Mumbai, and tore down the posters of The Last Lear and broke the glass panes.

The move came after Jaya apologised for her irresponsible statement to a newspaper, and Amitabh claimed that he had a sleepless night.

The MNS wants Jaya to apologise publically for insulting the Maharashtrian ethos.

The premiere was to be held on Wednesday night, and in the presence of the cast including Amitabh Bachchan.

The Last Lear also stars Arjun Rampal [Images] and Preity Zinta [Images], and is directed by Rituparno Ghosh. According to Ghosh, the film will still be released on the scheduled date of September 12.

Photograph: Arun Patil