Indian Cinema

India can leave an impression on a person in many ways; sometimes the impression may be good, sometimes maybe not as much. However, one thing that India does really well, far better in fact than the United States, is movie theaters.

The cinematic experience in India is one fit for a king but made accessible to the masses. Even upon entering the movie theater, one is taken aback by the grandiose foyer surrounded by a variety of delicious eateries for people whose palates may be more discerning than popcorn and soda. Of course, the classic theater snacks are still available and I can verify that popcorn in India is just as good as you will find in the United States. In fact, I find it even tastier with the various seasonings available to add to the popcorn like masala, cumin, and more. Don’t even get me started about the décor – the entire place is covered in marble flooring polished so well that you can see your face in the reflection. A nice chandelier in the entranceway was the perfect cherry on top as well.

Once you get inside of the actual theater, it is another experience entirely. In India, movie tickets are sold with specific seats printed on them, which means that you no don’t have to arrive early and sit through endless previews to ensure that you can save enough seats for your friends. Assigned seating also allows for different seating options to be available, which means you can go for the budget-conscious normal seats or upgrade to comfier seats that rival a La-Z-Boy recliner with the plush cushions, extra leg room and reclining capabilities. Keep in mind that even the upgraded tickets with the nice chairs only cost Rs. 300 which amounts to about $6, much cheaper than any American movie. If you really want to go all out, go for the Gold Class which is still only equivalent to $10. The Gold Class comes with actual La-Z-Boy recliners, your own side table complete with table lamp, a separate movie theater entirely so you can view the movie exclusively with other Gold Class purchasers, and even a waiting service and staff so that you can order food and have it served to you during the movie, no movement necessary. I haven’t yet been to the Gold Class section but I hope that very soon I will be able to experience the full extent of the Indian cinematic experience.

When the movie starts, all is quiet and the conditions seem perfect for a pleasant viewing experience. That is, until the movie star comes on or a good action sequence. Then, the movie theater turns into a sports game with whopping, cheering, and clapping. At first, I was taken aback by the break in unspoken movie theater etiquette so prevalent in the United States which is to be as silent as possible. After a while though, I began to like it. Movies become much more real when you are not only siding with the good guy internally, but also cheering and clapping loudly every time he usurps the bad guy. And when the good guy gets the girl…oh goodness…that’s when the cheering gets insane. Of course, in Indian movies kissing on screen is taboo. To convey the love between characters Bollywood movies have long sequences of intense, passionate hugs between actors which frankly make me a little uncomfortable in their sensuality, especially because there always seems to be a broken hose on the set so the actors are wet and glistening as they are embracing. Maybe the true reason they are hugging each other so tightly is that with their slippery skin they just can’t get a proper handle on each other.

I guess this is the Indian cinema then: grandiose decorations and ambiance, fantastic food, and a great crowd that goes crazy with every plot twist and every kiss...sensual hug. Is it better than the United States? I would have to say yes, definitely yes.