National Anthem before Movie Screening in Cinema Halls? Here is what Common People and Film Stars have to Say!

November 30, 2016: The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered that the National Anthem has to be played in cinema halls across the country before the start of a movie, as it will "instil a sense of committed patriotism and nationalism" in citizens.

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As soon as the news broke out, people started giving out different opinions on the matter. While some dealt it with sarcasm considering it to be an 'imposed' patriotism on them; others have welcomed the change.

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While in conversation with NewsGram, Animikh Chakrabarty, a postgraduate student of Film Studies at the Jadavpur University said, "It is an unnecessary and forced dose of patriotism, suddenly makes us think about fascist countries that play the national anthem and preaches national propaganda through TV and film. A film viewer enters a theater to be committed towards the film, as a viewer, not to be force fed with some other patriotic commitment."

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Soumyadeep Mandal, a Kalyani University student of Mass communication said, "In the field of entertainment, imposing National Anthem doesn't make sense. It will be rather disrespectful."

On the other hand, Rakin, a TV actor who is well-known for his role as "Dev in a Bengali TV serial "Raashi" considers it to be a "good move". He says, "Last year, I visited Bangladesh, and they too follow the same. When I saw them all standing up in honour of their national anthem in the cinema hall, I felt it's really a good practice. In fact, what was playing in my mind was, why don't we have anything like that? I think, it's a great initiative."

According to a HT report, actress Taapsee Pannu considered it to be a great initiative and said ,"I've always loved watching National Anthem play on screen. In Delhi, I never saw it, but since I've been in Mumbai for last few years, I've started missing it when I go back to Delhi. I don't know if it will influence anyone or change the thinking because it's a very subjective thing and everyone views everything in different perspective. But I'm really happy and proud."

Actor Kunal Kohli said, "Standing up for the anthem should be a natural reflex action and no court should be telling anyone to stand and respect the National Anthem."

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Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said to HT, "I think it's a welcome decision. Earlier in the 70s, they used to play but I don't know why they stopped. Today's judgment is a landmark in our history and it's a proud moment for every Indian. Our country is full movie goers and everyone should be proud of this judgment."

– prepared by Pinaz Kazi of NewsGram. Twitter: @PinazKazi