The national anthem is the most watched movie in theatres. Shaheen Parkar rates the best and worst of 'em all
THE national anthem has been part and parcel of our movie-going experience for years. Decades ago, the tricolour fluttered and notes of Jana Gana Mana rent the air at the end of the film with several members of the audience making a hasty exit. Taking it as a sign of disrespect, theatre owners stopped playing the anthem.
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However, in 2002, certain sections prevailed upon the Maharashtra government to issue directives to revive the practice. The state then made it mandatory to play it before the start of the film to promote patriotism as people from diverse backgrounds come together to enjoy a film.
In their bid to provide a visually-rich experience, multiplex owners have been coming up with creative videos to go with the national anthem. hitlist takes a look at what’s playing...
The Siachen glacier
5/5
This is a tribute to our soldiers guarding the highest and most treacherous battlefield in the world. It has been shot on location with soldiers and officers posted at the Siachen Glacier at 21,147 ft with unfriendly temperatures of -53 degrees during winter. This was to spread awareness about the Army’s struggle and perseverance. It has been playing for almost three years at PVR and still gives one goosebumps.
Rahman reigns
4/5
AR Rahman’s soulful rendition of Jana Gana Mana played at the then Fame multiplexes almost a decade ago. The anthem featured music luminaries like Lata Mangeshkar, Pandit Jasraj, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, DK Pattamal, Asha Bhosale, Dr Balamuralikrishna, Bhupen Hazarika, Jagjit Singh and Dr S P Bala.
Regional act
4/5
Several Marathi film actors like Sachin and Sonali Kulkarni, dressed in pristine white, came together to sing the national anthem, which was filmed on them. It has been running in Maharashtra since 2007. This was conceived and directed by Pushkar Sudhakar Shrotri.
Small wonders
3/5
Children dressed up as famous freedom fighters coming together to sing the anthem on stage, which was played at PVR, struck a chord right away.
From the heart
3/5
There was a silent national anthem video featuring children with hearing and speech impairment at theatres owned by BIG Cinemas. Another video, played at Fun Republic (Cinepolis now), featured Army folk.
Olympic spirit
2/5
To coincide with the ongoing Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, PVR is showing footage of the Indian contingent in action as the anthem plays in the background. From Sania Mirza to Saina Nehwal and Yogeshwar Dutt, several sportspersons feature in the video. It appears to be hurriedly made and downright tacky with stock shots. There is too much going on in the visuals to match the anthem.
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