Cinema is a beautiful lie.
Ideally a family of six, Grand
pa, Grand ma, Mother, Father, daughter, and son. It costs ₹300 a movie
ticket in a multiplex.
₹ 300 x 6 = ₹ 1800/- ($25) not including the travelling and food.
So, for joint families in India it is one event where the family goes to watch movie on the big screen ideally during the festive season.
The goal of the filmmaker in India is to package a product and experience fit for the family.
Grandparents looks for religious teachings and family values.
Parents look for relief from their day to day life problems for few hours.
Children look for their idol - the star, the branding, pointers that will make them cool in next conversation.
It is still true even in the age of subscription-based platforms even if the prices of soft drink and popcorn are sold at high price at the movie theater or the drive-in which is coming back.
There is an aurora of watching a movie on a big screen with loved ones, friends, colleagues in a darkly lit auditorium having a shared experience as the title music rolls with an image on the screen.
Taking you inside the mind of the characters even within you may agree you are watching a beautiful lie crafted for entertainment but as it plays along you start believing and empathising with the narrative presented to you.
