The NDC accused Obama of taking the lead in encouraging theatres to screen "The Interview" on Christmas Day. Sony had initially cancelled its release after major US theatre chains said they would not show it, following threats to movie-goers by hackers.

"Obama always goes reckless in words and deeds like a monkey in a tropical forest," a spokesman for the NDC's policy department said in a statement published by the North's official KCNA news agency.

"If the US persists in American-style arrogant, high-handed and gangster-like arbitrary practices despite (North Korea's) repeated warnings, the US should bear in mind that its failed political affairs will face inescapable deadly blows," the NDC spokesman said.

The movie took in a million dollars in its limited-release opening day, showing in around 300, mostly small independent theatres. It was also released online for rental or purchase, AFP reported.