A renowned but differently-abled activist, and son of a military officer was kicked in a theatre in Panaji for not standing up for the National Anthem some time in October. He was quoted saying that he won’t go back to movies as he’s afraid someone will hit him again and worsen his spinal injury.
Naturally, the incident created a huge furor online. Now, the Supreme Court has made it mandatory to play the National Anthem before movie screenings in theatres, and all exits will be shut during that time.
It’s said that theatres should display the national flag on screen when the anthem is played, so the audience is supposed to ‘stand up in respect’ till it gets over. The government also promised to have the system in place in 10 days. Soon after the judgement, people took to various social platforms to express their opinions. Many have questioned the court order, while a few have welcomed it.
Aishwaryaa Dhanush, filmmaker/author
“I guess this was the practice before 1960s, and it’s nice to have it back. It would give a sense of patriotism, especially to kids. Everyone will warm up to it once the rule gets implemented. I think we’re not going to lose anything by standing up for a few minutes in theatres. It’s only a mark of respect.”
K Bhagyaraj, director/ actor/ screenwriter
“Though it’s a welcome action, I am wondering how the theatre staff and public are going to be successful in incorporating this. Say for an evening show, you’re required to be at 4 pm in the theatre, not everyone will come and assemble on time. The moment they enter the cinema hall, it’s going to be pitch dark.
They need to find their seats — which itself is becoming tough these days!”
Arjun, actor/filmmaker
I welcome the court order wholeheartedly, because I don’t think the present generation knows the value of true patriotism. Playing the anthem in theatres will definitely instill a sense of national identity and integrity in us.
Khushbu Sundar, actor/politican
“Just hope the theatres don’t have to put a slide saying ‘Rise for National Anthem’ ... better let us sing our national anthem wid pride! (sic.)”
Shekhar Kapur, director
“Hope Supreme Court orders Indian Parliament to sing our Nation Anthem before each session. Often its drama too is movie like National Anthem. (sic.)”
Balaji Patturaja RJ /actor
Four years ago, I was in a theatre in Mumbai where they had the same rules.
Around 15-20 men were drunk and didn’t know what they were doing. They had no idea why everyone was standing and this created a huge commotion. I don’t understand why patriotism has to be imposed on us. The result can never be ideal if someone is going to force these things. Having said that, do you think this implementation will make a big change? I don’t think so. Though the intention could have been good but there are several difficulties when it comes to the execution. How many of us go to theatres on time? We see people walking around even after the film starts. You can expect others to act with decorum if it’s a school assembly hall or a programme. Is the same possible with cinema halls? No. Moreover, some might be sick or have health issues. How will they stand up when they genuinely can’t?
Fathima Babu, news reader/anchor/actor
I remember they used to play the anthem at the end of the movie in the 60’s and 70’s. It was stopped because nobody waited till it got over. What’s the point of playing it for the people who don’t have respect or patriotism? The audience doesn’t even wait to see the end credits of the film. They leave the theatres immediately as the last scene gets over. Considering that the demographics have become
more civilised, I don’t think there will be much fuss in the implementation of the rule.
Vir Das, actor
“We are gonna play the National Anthem in a cinema before watching the Fifty Shades of Grey sequel. That makes sense. (sic.)”
C V Kumar, producer
“National anthem can be played before start work in banks, state & union Govt offices,cos lic, bhel & long distance trains, buses and more. (sic.)”
Harish Raghavendra, singer/lyricist/actor
Regardless of making the anthem mandatory, people don’t come for shows on time and they will see that as another opportunity to come late. The frequency of audience whose legs get stamped on by latecomers might have reduced if someone exactly crosses them during the anthem playtime...Standing is safer than sitting. It could have been an option instead.