**China has pulled the 2D version of Avatar from cinemas amid claims the plot mirrors forced land evictions in the country.**Authorities insist the decision was a commercial one, saying the 3D version made up two-thirds of ticket revenues.
Critics claim the film’s plot parallels the removal of millions of residents to make way for property developers.
The government has also denied reports that a decision was made to reduce competition for home-grown films.
They include a state-backed biopic of philosopher Confucius, starring Chow Yun-fat, which is due out next week.
Highest-grossing film
In Avatar, a ruthless corporation tries to force the native Na’vi from their homes in order to mine their planet’s precious natural resources.
Writing in English-language newspaper China Daily, columnist Huang Hung said the smash-hit film mirrored China’s rules on forced eviction.
“All the forced removal of old neighbourhoods in China makes us the only earthlings today who can really feel the pain of the Na’vi,” she wrote.
In December, a Chinese man was treated in hospital after setting himself on fire in Beijing to protest against the demolition of his home.
The previous month, a woman died after setting herself alight in a similar protest.
Avatar had been showing on 2,500 screens across China. One-third were Imax and 3D screens while the rest were regular 2D screens.
The cinema is still considered a pricey treat in China, with tickets for the 2D version of Avatar costing 30 to 40 yuan (£2.60 to £3.50), with 3D tickets from 60 to 80 yuan (£5.20 to £7).
Just 20 foreign films are allowed into the Chinese market each year.
Avatar is already the highest-grossing film of all time in China, pulling in more than 300m yuan (£27m).