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BHUBANESWAR: The Supreme Court’s order directing the Centre to frame guidelines for singing National Anthem in theatres and at public places calls for scrutiny of the ‘‘moral policing’’ by the powers that-be. The apex court had earlier ordered theatres to play National Anthem before screening films. In the recent order, the bench has said a person standing up to sing the Anthem is no proof of one’s patriotism. Orissa POSTtalked to a cross section of cinema-goers in the city to elicit their views on what they consider as true patriotism. While some have spurned mandatory display of ‘national and patriotic feelings’ in movie halls, others have suggested proper fora to honour the dignity of Anthem.
Lalit Mundhra, a student and regular cinemagoer, says the issue is “unwarranted”. ‘‘I think the idea in itself is without much sense. Playing national anthem in theatres forces everyone to stand up even if there is no need to display patriotism. Singing the anthem, while simultaneously munching popcorn in the theatre, does not vouch for one’s true patriotism.’’
“A cinema hall, unlike a Republic Day parade, is not a suitable place to invoke national sentiments. We go to theatres for undiluted entertainment and not for a show of our nationality,’’ says Rishabh Singh, a marketing professional. ‘‘Singing the National Anthem is a patriotic gesture that comes from within. If it is mandatory, ensure we all sing it every Sunday at specific public places in the town. The demonetization move, for example, brought every citizen to the ATM kiosks or banks where they stood in queues for hours without remorse and with discipline. That is patriotism… The ‘‘no-smoking ads’’ in theatres have little impact on smokers, although they may not smoke in the auditorium. Similarly, patriotism is a feeling which you cannot arouse by advising people to stand up and show…”
Dilip Hali, a film critic, says many cine-goers wait in long queues before ticket booking counters. “Why not stand for a few more seconds for the anthem? It is not that people are forced to stand after watching the movie. Indian soldiers on security charge, for example, protect the borders day and night, so what greater sacrifice we are doing in the cinema halls compared to their work?”
Ameet Mohanty, a student, says national anthem is sung from school days at the playground and during the R-Day and
I-Day parades. ‘‘Singing the anthem in cinema halls is a kind of compulsion to disregard it since you are reminded of your national duty as soon as you are ready for wholesome entertainment.’’
Sudarshan Chhotoray, a social activist, says as per instructions, the cinema operators have to play it before the commencement of movie but the rules do not ensure whether a spectator is standing while the song is being played. “A person’s action manifests his patriotism. The apex court has rightly realised that it is up to the government to ensure “moral policing” when cinemagoers disregard their national duty. A cinema hall should be place for entertainment and relaxation,’’ he opines. Jalil Khan, another film lover, says standing for the national anthem just for a few minutes is no
big deal for me, because it is not some film song, it is our national anthem. The Supreme Court in its last judgement had said singing the anthem will help instill strong commitment among the people.
A home-maker, Megha Viswakarma says, ‘‘The scenario inside a cinema hall is not conducive for display of patriotism with the national anthem.’’ Nationalism and patriotism can’t be judged from a person’s physical posture …, she adds.
According to Jayshree Pradhan, a marketing professional, one should not be forced to sing the national anthem. A truly patriotic person will never sit when the anthem is being played. It is not meant to display your nationalism or patriotism. Respect is commanded, not demanded
