Why Theatres Play National Anthem
Do you know why they play the Indian National Anthem at movie theatres?
This practice supposedly first started in the mid-1960s when Government Officials felt that we needed a boost of patriotism.
Since a lot of people were being introduced to cinemas, this was one of the many venues to instil the country’s pride, along with sports events or school morning assemblies.
While it’s debatable to draw the connection, this did come after the tough Indo-Pak & Indo-China wars, after which we needed a boost in morale.
But since the anthem was played at the end, many people rushed to move out of theatres & the whole thing was just chaotic.
Finally on Republic Day in 2003, Maharashtra’s State Government made it compulsory for both Jana Gana Mana to be played at theatres before the movie begins & for people to stand respectfully as per the Prevention of Insults to the National Honour Act, 1971.
Different versions like AR Rahman’s instrumental take on it got popularity but were eventually taken down because as per some complaints, it contravened the anthem code, which has certain guidelines.
In 2016, Shyam Narayan Chouksey filed a case, resulting in the Supreme Court of India ordering cinemas across the nation to play the anthem & citizens to stand up respectfully.
But in 2018, after many incidents of the crowd becoming violent to those who didn’t stand up for different reasons, some valid such as being disabled, this decision was partially modified, which means that as of today, cinema halls aren’t legally mandated to play it, making it optional, but citizens should still respect it whenever it’s played.
My hot take is that I’m a proud young Indian citizen, I love my country & I understand the need to promote real patriotism. But does it really make sense to play the National Anthem say, before an adult or an action movie?
Can we instead be educated on new schemes or initiatives that are coming up or how we can contribute to our nation practically?
Whatever your take is, that’s the story!