Afternoon news

Mumbai, Jul 24: The city’s theatres and multiplexes have various versions of the national anthem. Here’s why:
 
Regular movie goers would by now have become familiar with the national anthem being played prior to the screening of every film. This trend was initiated with an approval from the government around two years back.

The city has got a creative edge and this creativity comes forth in the national anthem too. These different versions of the same national anthem are a result of different production houses which bring them out.

Says Umesh Bhikchandani, the GM of Inox, “At Inox, in all the screenings, the national anthem and the accompanying visual have been taken from the Indian Infotainment Media Corporation (IIMC), which is a government approved source.” In keeping with the government rule Inox plays the national anthem before every film.

Regal too got its version of the national anthem from the IIMC. “We got the national anthem from the IIMC around two years back and keep playing it before every film screening since it’s a government rule,” informed Parmeshwaran Pilley, Manager, Regal.

“We have got our anthem from the Bharat Bala Productions. It’s this version which is played at all the Fame Adlabs,” said Mukesh Gupta, Vice President, Fame Adlabs Multiplex group.
 
 “While it is not compulsory we are requested by the government to screen the nation anthem before a full length feature film,” informed Gupta.

“We have got our version of the national anthem from the Film’s Division which is a government recognised body,” said Hasmukh, Manager, New Excelsior.

“We got our version of the national anthem in 2004 when the government came out with the rule and have been screening it ever since. Besides, the audience has shown their respect by standing up every time the anthem is played,” said Hasmukh.

On the other hand, Liberty received their version of the national anthem around two years back. “We do not know who has made it, but we got the national anthem when the Rashtrawadi Congress party was distributing it. This was around two years back when the government made the rule to screen the national anthem prior to every movie and the audience stands up every time the anthem is played,” said an attendant at the theatre.