National anthem ruling: Theatres follow SC order

BENGALURU: A day after the Supreme Court ruling, single-screen theatres and multiplexes in Bengaluru have started playing the national anthem before the beginning of the film.
The theatres which are already complying with the order include PVR, Navrang, Cauvery, Santosh and Abhinay. Actor, producer and distributor Rockline Venkatesh said he has instructed the managers of Rockline Cinemas to play the anthem before the screening of every show.
“Everyone must follow the SC direction.Karnataka cinema halls and theatre owners are no exception. I think we have to show respect for the nation and standing up for the anthem should not cause discomfort to citizens. I am in Hyderabad at present but when I reach Bengaluru, I will monitor whether my staff is abiding by the judgment or not,” he said.
Sandalwood distributor Naga Prasad said, “Most theatres have already started playing the national anthem. Indians are a patriotic lot. They stand up because they genuinely respect the anthem and the country.”
Distributors and theatre owners said theatres like Santhosh, Menaka, Bhoomika, Aparna, Abhinay, Shankar Nag, Prasanna, Veeresh, Cauvery and Navrang are following the SC judgment. Others have 10 days to follow suit. There are 40 single-screen theatres and 25 multi-screen theatres in Bengaluru.
K V Chandrasekhar, owner of Veeresh Talkies, said the national anthem is being played in the theatre since 1988. “According to the 1966 rule, the anthem had to be played at the end of the show. But many people would head out after the last scene. That is when a lot of theatres started playing it before the show,” he said.
‘Standing up for some minutes won’t hurt’
“It feels good to stand up for the national anthem. It’s a way of showing patriotism, which is otherwise done only during national festivals. A little patriotism never hurt anyone,” said Veronica, who works with an airline.
Hajira, a student of Mount Carmel College, agreed. “It is a good decision by the Supreme Court. We have to respect our national anthem,” said Hajira. Autorickshaw driver Mohd Imran said: “We can watch advertisements on the big screen so what’s the harm in standing up for a few minutes?”
However, advocate Ameresh Reddy, begged to differ. “Patriotism should be inherent. It can’t be imposed,” he said.
(With inputs by Rakshitha R)